Spartacus (1960)

Move over, Russell Crowe. Forget Gladiator. Neither can step into the shoes of Spartacus. Spartacus is the only real over-the-top sword and sandal epic by which all others are compared. The level of acting, the storyline, the thunderous score are all of the highest calibre. Kirk Douglas turns in one of the finest performances of his illustrious career. Who wouldn't especially with a supporting cast consisting of leading men and women who could command a motion picture on their own. This is a MUST rental. A real treat as to how movies were made before computers and CGI.
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I cannot believe this movie doesn't have more reviews on it. Ok here's the deal I'm 24 years old and I saw this movie when I was a teenager. If you liked 300 then you'll enjoy this movie. Though take note it was made in the 60's and it's got a 50's feel (soft lens when the girl gets a close up etc) It's slower than anything made today and the gore is nil but the acting is good and the story is phenomenal.
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Movie starts slow and somewhat laborious. Then the plot takes a twist when slaves rise up and rebel against their captors under the leadership of Spartacus (Kirk Douglas). Spartacus sees himself not as a slave or animal, but man who wants to be respected/treated as a man with intrinsic worth. He himself treats others that way. His bravery, plus integrity and care for others above his own needs inspires others to follow him. From the midpoint of the movie till the end the plot becomes much more complex with a heart-rending, but hopeful ending. Worth seeing from the plight of man's inhumanity to man and men rising against overwhelming odds in the vein of "give me liberty or give me death".
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I rate it 5 stars. This is an excellent piece of work. Sound, Color and content were beautiful. Please consider offering "Ulysses", staring Kirk Douglas and "The Great Houdini", staring Tony Curtis. Both are excellent and will appeal to an audience over 40. Thanks
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Stanley Kubrick was brought on as director thanks to the behest of star Kurt Douglas and it maybe Kubricks only really big regret, aside from Eyes Wide Shut. For years I'd planned on watching this film because I am both a Sword and Sandals fan and a Kubrick fan. I was extremely dissapointed in this film. It was to long (3 hours), it was corney, and the acting (where it shoud have been good) was terrible. Atleast I can say that I've gotten that out of the way. Point in fact., I used to believe that Gladiator was a mediocre film, next to this one its a masterpiece.
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