Well, I've been arguing this one with joseba this morning and figured it'd be an interesting topic for a poll. I out up only three main BP nominees there (neglecting Chocolat and Erin Brockovich) because most votes would concentrate on them anyway.

In my opinion Gladiator was by far and away the better film and won its Oscar deservingly. I know some think that it "stole" the Oscar from Traffic/CTHD, but for my part I am glad those overrated films didn't get the rewards. CTHD is nice to look at, but story-wise I consider it completely hollow. Traffic is a good idea, but the execution is bland and ineffective.

Which do you pick?

Gladiator, easily.

Gladiator, though all three choices were great.

Looking at how similar films have failed, you gain even more respect for Gladiator.

Gladiator.

Crouching Tiger Such an amazing movie. Though Gladiator is amazing as well. I have yet to watch Traffic.

Traffic, although I also loved Gladiator and liked Crouching Tiger.

My favorite movie nominated that year was Erin Brockovich.

The best movie that came out that year (that also wasn't nominated) was Almost Famous.

I still can't believe Chocolat got a nomination over Almost Famous, what an injustice.

Crouching Tiger.

Although IMO none of those 3 are bad films.

It's the Tiger, my immortal beloved.

Traffic, definitely. I haven't seen Gladiator, but I doubt it very seriously if I'd like it more.

Chocolat was probably one of the worst received films to ever make it into the top 5. Never seen it and don't care to, but on paper, Almost Famous would have both seemed like a stronger pick. Lasse Hallström apparently got some The Cider House Rules and What's Eating Gilbert Grape love.

Chocolat is a rather pleasant movie. It's not really bad it's just not really worthy of BP.

Traffic...but I also love Crouching Tiger. I enjoyed Gladiator much more than I thought I would but to me it just isn't BP material. Same with Erin Brockovich. Never saw Chocolat. This was a pretty good set of nominees though, all things considered.

Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon is much, much better than Gladiator.

Though I have not seen Traffic.

Traffic is highly overrated, yes Bencio Del Toro was awesome and that story was good, but the MIcheal Douglas storyline is cliched crap. Gladiator succeeds because Crowe is just so damn good and Joquain Phoenixis a good neough acotr that you forgot he basically says nothing but I am vexed for the whole film. I liked Crouching Tiger, but towards the end, like tree fighting it to be a bit much.

Almost Famous should have won BP that year damnit.

Crouching Tiger, just barely over Gladiator.

Although Ridley Scott deserved the directing Oscar over Ang Lee convincingly.

Neither Traffic or its direction should've even been nominated.

It can't be definite if you havent seen all three.

It can't be definite if you havent seen all three.

Exactly. Gladiator rules over the other two.

I should have prefaced my choice by saying I really enjoyed Traffic and its sprawling narrative. And CTCH is still the best wuxia film ever.

Mav, please watch Gladiator. It's on TNT roughly every day, though you need to see the theatrical version. It's Ben Hur on Crack.

There is no great wuxia, though

I didn't see it originally because of my Russell Crowe boycott, but I was broke of that, so I'll check it out. Luckily you weren't in the chatroom when I spilled the beans on a terrible secret about a movie that I've only seen 20 minutes of, even though I've owned it since it came out on VHS. It's my greatest shame as a movie fan, and I'm surprised I admitted it.

What...movie?!

ET: The Extra-Terrestrial?

No, he has seen that one, didn't really like it though (neither do I).

Saving Private Ryan.