Hark back to the times of old Rome, when life was an adventure (at least as far as Hollywood would have you believe), and the Empire was everywhere. What more could you ask to make a good movie with?

General Maximus, best general of the Roman empire, destined for a place at the head of the Empire is suddenly betrayed, framed, and barely mnisses out on his own death. His entire life is ripped away from him and he is left with nothing but banishment, slavery, and time in the arena.

What follows is a mix of bloody combat, court intrigue, and politics. It is a struggle against Fate in a movie that leaves nothing unsaid. It will leave your face tear-stained at the nobility that can be found in true heros.

A warning for the parents, though. This film is rated R and deservedly so. Bloody combat and decapitations are not shied away from. Beyond that though, this is an excellent film with a magnificient sound track. See it.