Solemplex
To me, this movie is perfection.
BlazeLime
Strong and Moving!
Gutsycurene
Fanciful, disturbing, and wildly original, it announces the arrival of a fresh, bold voice in American cinema.
Voxitype
Good films always raise compelling questions, whether the format is fiction or documentary fact.
mOVIemAN56
Spartacus was the kind of mini-series that I just knew would be good from the start. Spanning a two day special on USA I watched the first part and just couldn't wait for the second half. Spartacus is played by Goran Visnjic from the TV series ER and shows he can be a tough guy too.The film starts with Spartacus being bought by a wealthy Roman to be a gladiator. Spartacus excels quickly and learns to be an excellent fighter but soon sees the horrible life he faces along with the other gladiators. After his friend is killed by Roman guards for refusing to kill him, Spartacus rebels against the cruel family that owns him and quickly crushes them. Now Spartacus is on a quest, along with other gladiator rebels, to overthrow the Roman Empire and abolish the gladiator games. Along the way, Spartacus must deal with insubordination of his soldiers, betrayal, and love. The battles are well done but just don't show the overwhelming victories Spartacus actually achieved in his quest. Goran Visnjic is exceptionally strong as Spartacus and really has some great sword work in battle. This is a superb mini-series with good drama, good action, and fine acting.Spartacus. Starring: Goran Visnjic, Alan Bates, Angus Macfadyen, and Rhona Mitra.4 out of 5 Stars.
ehansen-2
I happened onto this miniseries on the History Channel and became enthralled immediately. I stayed up late into the night to watch it because I could not turn it off. It is very well acted. Goran Visnjic was perfectly cast as Spartacus, the Roman Slave turned Gladiator who leads a slave revolt that shakes the foundation of the Roman empire. His chemistry with Rhona Mitra was palpable. The love affair between the two was expanded in this adaption and really added to the poignancy of the story. The cinematography and the costumes were also good and the fight scenes were very believable. I think that I actually enjoyed this version better that the Kubrick classic.
girlontop
You will not find one Gladiator from the Bronx, like the Tony Curtis character in the Kirk Douglas version, saying "I luv ya Spa-da-gus." Instead this excellently acted version of Spartacus is compelling and realistic. It follows the history of the real Spartacus more closely than the Hollywood version. Goran Visnjic's portrayal of Spartacus is the best. He is so convincing as warrior, leader, and lover. The rest of the cast gives top notch performances as well. The love story is heart warming and tender with great chemistry between the lovers. PLUS, the lead role gladiators all did their own stunts in the gladiatorial arenas and on the battlefields -- loved the "twirling sword" action (like twirling a six gun.) There was a second airing a few days back and I watched it again. I hope they release the DVD soon.
glentom1
If you want to see the real movie, watch the Kirk Douglas movie. What's the purpose of this remake? part 1 is ok, part 2 is terrible. I gave it a 5 out of 10 only because there were some interesting scenes, but this 4 hours of mostly commercials will leave you in wonder as to how they somehow hoodwinked you into watching.Its a good movie to watch while balancing your checkbook, or getting done other projects. The actors seemed to be thinking the whole time "geez, I am in a made for tv mini-series."Rhona Mitra is nice to watch, other than that, don't waste your time.