Stanley Kubrick’s swords-and-sandals epic is thrilling on the big screen.
USA 1960
Dir Stanley Kubrick
With Kirk Douglas, Laurence Olivier, Jean Simmons
197min
Digital
Certificate PG
Originally an Anthony Mann project, this account of the slaves’ revolt in ancient Rome centres on a characteristically robust, muscular but persuasively intelligent performance from Douglas as their leader. Paying meticulous attention to historical detail and eliciting fine performances from a superior cast, Kubrick focuses on the revealing shifts of power and influence within the different strata of Roman society.