Just so much epic aura about Maximus and what a movie

So I write this 25y after having first watched the movie and then again on my brand new PS2 DVD which I still have after having obtained the DVD for Gladiator later that year!

Just everything about the movie was so epic and Russel's aura is just so incredible.
While everyone loves the scenes with all the quotes and I do too, I just feel his presence in many scenes where he does not even talk is just so epic. His epic swagger and aura and demeanor just screams "I want to follow you and you are my leader. Command me my order". Russell just exudes that authority by his mere presence. You feel it in his other movies too and most notably in the other excellent movie which should've won him another Oscar viz. Master And Commander: The Far Side Of The World.

Scenes like -
1. In the beginning where he is just walking before the German battle among his troops and his soldiers stand up and go "General...General...General..." He truly is a man of the people and just commands respect.

2. When he is walking back after his first reveal and all the gladiators in the tunnel go "Maximus..Maximus...Maximus"

3. When he is about to go to his first battle in the provinces before the "Are you not entertained" scene and his fellow gladiators all give him way as he walks determinedly toward the arena as they go "Spaniard....spaniard...spaniard...."

4. The way Proximo starts to dote over him as he is twirling his sword before the facing of the retired Gaul gladiator as Proximo goes "we are but shadows and dust Maximus...shadows and dust..."

5. When he is just walking back after being merciful on the Gaul and whole arena is chanting his name "Maximus...Maximus....Maximus"

No one could have pulled off this without command presence. Some people just naturally have that aura about them. Russell does. He has the swagger and bravado and gravitas in his voice and just that feel about him. You immediately are drawn to it and feel his authority. I have seen some people in my daily life too like that. Very rare gems.

Overall, what a fantastic movie that will be fantastic for a long long time. A truly deserving well earned Oscar indeed. Top 5 all time movie and acting for me.