Russell Crowe: Roman royale

Gladiator

In the final days of Marcus Aurelius? reign, the king arouses his son Commodus? anger by making Maximus his successor. Power-hungry Commodus kills his father and orders the death of Maximus. The general goes from slave to gladiator, losing everything that he held precious, and returns to Rome for revenge.

Catch it on: Star Movies on Saturday at 9 pm

Why bother: Director Ridley Scott?s sword-and-scandal epic was widely appreciated and was nominated for the Academy Awards in various categories. Russell Crowe won the Best Actor for his powerful portrayal of the tragic hero.

Tom Hanks: Crusoe cruise

Cast Away

Chuck Noland, a Federal Express engineer lands up on an isolated island in a plane crash. Despite being stripped off all the comforts of daily life, the smart and resourceful engineer learns to meet the basic needs ? food, water and shelter. But gradually he realises that there is more to life then mere physical survival.

Catch it on: AXN on Saturday at 8 pm

Why bother: Directed by Robert Zemeckis, the movie starred Oscar winner Tom Hanks (Forrest Gump and Philadelphia) who also won a nomination for this film.