In 180 AD Rome, Emperor Marcus Aurelius (Richard Harris) witnesses Maximus (Russell Crowe), one of his trusted generals, defeat the Germanic barbarians in a…
In 180 AD Rome, Emperor Marcus Aurelius (Richard Harris) witnesses Maximus (Russell Crowe), one of his trusted generals, defeat the Germanic barbarians in a bloody battle. Marcus privately names Maximus his successor despite disapproval by Commodus (Joaquin Phoenix), who feels Maximus is too old and outdated for Roman governance. Before Marcus could inform the Senate his selection, Commodus chokes him out before arresting Maximus on traitorous charges; during which Proximo (Oliver Reed) trains him together with Juba from African origin for Rome’s famed Coliseum where they will fight their opponents to amuse audiences.
The Coliseum was the grandest amphitheater of its day, capable of holding fifty thousand spectators. Constructed by Vespasian and inaugurated by Titus; expanded during Domitian; its signature feature was its Harena pit filled with sand that served as a deadly trap for animals and gladiators fighting to the death before Iugula sitting in an appointed box to adjudicate these combats; eventually when someone died the crowd often sent signals with thumbs up or down in accordance with their individual preference if any deceased returned alive or not if dead man came back alive, or vice versa!
Maximus and his new allies quickly gain popularity with the crowd upon entering the arena, as he dazzles them with his military prowess and cool under fire. But as games progress it becomes clear that Maximus’ depraved son has come for him.
After Juba and Hagen (Ralf Moller), two Germanic warriors who had served Maximus, are murdered by Roman praetorians, Maximus flees into exile; but Commodus quickly recaptures him and arranges for him to be stabbed and murdered within the arena itself.
Gladiator features a rich cast in togas and tunic, but offers much more than a straightforward bloodsport storyline. Instead, its plot revolves around behind-the-scenes palace intrigue as its characters compete for power and influence in Rome. Connie Nielsen makes an unforgettable impression as Lucilla, Commodus’s sister and Maximus’ ex-lover. Derek Jacobi channels I Claudius-like classiness as Senator Gracchus, while Oliver Reed adds some bittersweet, poignant color as an aged gladiator trainer who dreams of past glory. Gladiator stands as the film’s true hero, with Crowe’s charismatic performance perfectly embodying a movie hero. Gladiator serves as an incredible testament to cinema’s power to transport audiences back in time through epic scale and dramatic impact; its timeless message serves as a reminder that great stories endure.