#81. Spartacus

Year: 1960

Director: Stanley Kubrick

Reflections: Let's start this one off by saying 1960 was a good year for American film. Kubrick's Spartacus took home four Oscars, but easily could have wracked up more in just about any other year. Kirk Douglas, a true man's man, gives an outstanding performance as Spartacus, a headstrong slave who ascends to lead a revolt on the Roman Empire. Quite a different approach to the time from epic "Ben-Hur", Spartacus is an inspiring story about a man's true character in the face of dire odds. Hats off to you, Kubrick. We'll be seeing you again soon.