I saw it last night, and I'm really happy I did. I was going to see LoTR, but my date didn't want to see it. She and I both really enjoyed this movie.
I don't know if I would go as far as Braveheart, but it is a contender to Gladiator, IMHO. I'm a huge movie guru, and this just didn't pump me up like Braveheart ever could, hence, not as good to me. Then again, I'm a little biased towards Braveheart, and I highly doubt any movie will be better, in my mind at least.
The fighting scenes were exquisit, and just the fact that Tom Cruise can actually do all the shit he did, it flat out jaw dropping. I saw a few interviews with him since the movie, and I am back to really enjoying him as an actor.
Good flick, highly recommended.
Now I just have to see LoTR and I will do a comparison. I've always loved the fantasy types of plots and movies better, but LoTR really has something to live up to now.