"GLADIATOR" AND "CROUCHING TIGER,
             The two films I am going to review are Gladiator and Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon. Both of these films were heavily favored Oscar candidates this year. Not only were they candidates they were the years blockbusters and juggernaut award winners. Together they combined for 9 awards. Both of these films were critically acclaimed, highly anticipated films. Also both films went back in time to borrow from past movie genres. These are two excellent films, personally I feel Gladiator is the better movie and deserved the best picture award.
             Gladiator is directed by Ridley Scott (Blade Runner, Thelma & Louise. Gladiator revisits the epic sword and sandal genre last seen in the late 50's, and early 60's in William Wyler's Ben Hur (with Charlton Heston) and in Stanley Kubrick's Spartacus (with Kirk Douglas). Scott's Gladiator successfully explores the savagery of the Roman gladiator games and the ageless and universal appeal for violence by film viewers. Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon, directed by Ang Lee (Eat Drink Man Woman, Sense and Sensibility) tells a story about love and honor, power and betrayal, as experienced by its set of mythical characters. Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon expands the genre of the martial arts film, which was poular in the 70's and 80's and it is effective by applying modern special effects to its carefully choreographed action scenes.
             Having proven his valiant commitment to Rome, the great General Maximus (Russell Crowe) earns the respect of his army and of the Emperor Marcus Aurelius (Richard Harris). Weakened by a lifetime of war, yet aware and proud of the brave and noble nature of his General, the dying Caesar decides to appoint Maximus as his successor and spurns his ambitious yet deceptively immoral son Commodus (Joaquin Phoenix). Before the true successor is officially announced, however, Commodus silences his father's wishes, coerc...