The Robe (1953)

The first feature film released in the CinemaScope format, The Robe is a biblical epic with suitably lavish sets and a story that, for the most part, feels like it deserves the extra expense. Besides a few blundering emotional scenes, that are as much a failing of the script as they are of Richard Burton's delivery, it's a compelling story of a Roman Tribune who's sent to Jerusalem as a punishment at a time that just happens to coincide with the arrival of a certain carpenter from Galilee. Accompanying the Tribune is a slave, a Greek man named Demetrius (Victor Mature), a person of principles and honour.
Initially concerned with themes of rivalry and a brazen dislike of Imperial rule, it develops into something more personal, triggered by a momentous event.
The closing scene is pretty terrible, but by then its proved itself worthy.

4 binding measures out of 5

Spartacus (1960)

A slave trained by Roman oppressors to fight to the death as a gladiator in their barbaric games takes his fate into his own hands. Spartacus, the slave in question, applies what he learned in the arena to a cause greater than himself. His words and deeds give voice to the feeling in all slaves' hearts.
It certainly deserves its many accolades, but I have reservations when it comes to scoring. Being wholly subjective, many of the relationships point toward something greater than they themselves deliver upon. It's almost as if the message overpowers some of the emotions, whereas in a perfect world they would've been equals. If the film didn't repeatedly push my thoughts in that direction, then I'd no doubt be awed by it completely, but something ingrained in either it or me keeps me from giving it the full 5 stars.

4 stand up guys out of 5