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Gladiator
20008155 min
AdventureDramaAction
Released
May 04, 2000
Countries
United Kingdom, United States of America
Productions
Universal PicturesScott Free ProductionsRed Wagon EntertainmentMill FilmDreamWorks Pictures
After the death of Emperor Marcus Aurelius, his devious son takes power and demotes Maximus, one of Rome's most capable generals who Marcus preferred. Eventually, Maximus is forced to become a gladiator and battle to the death against other men for the amusement of paying audiences.
About
Quick guide
A former Roman general turned gladiator seeks justice after a ruthless emperor usurps his life. Ridley Scott delivers an epic about power, betrayal, and the fight for freedom.
Maximus, a respected Roman commander, is betrayed by the emperor he served. He is captured, enslaved, and forced to fight as a gladiator to survive. Amid brutal arena battles, he confronts political intrigue and the quest for honor, all set in the ancient Roman Empire.
What to know
- 155‑minute epic set in 180 AD Rome.
- Focuses on political power, betrayal, and freedom.
- Features large‑scale battle scenes and Roman legion tactics.
- Includes gladiator arena fights for survival and revenge.
- Russell Crowe stars as Maximus, a former general.
- Ridley Scott directs; Hans Zimmer scores.
- Film mixes historical elements with cinematic drama.
Watch if
If you appreciate epic historical dramas with strong action, political intrigue, and a compelling lead performance, Gladiator will resonate. Russell Crowe’s portrayal of a betrayed general in ancient Rome delivers a memorable and emotional journey.
Skip if
If you prefer light‑hearted entertainment or short, straightforward plots, Gladiator’s long runtime, intense violence, and complex political backdrop may feel overwhelming and too heavy for casual viewing.
war themesintense actiondark tonemature themespolitical themessome goresuspenseful
Rise to Power
Maximus leads a Roman legion into battle, earning the trust of Emperor Marcus Aurelius. The emperor favors him as a potential heir, hoping his loyalty will secure Rome’s future. Maximus enjoys a life of honor and the respect of his men before the political storm begins.
Betrayal and Fall
Commodus, the emperor’s son, resents Maximus’s influence and declares himself ruler after Marcus’s death. He orders Maximus’s capture and the execution of his family. Maximus escapes but is sold into slavery, losing everything he once held, and is forced to fight as a gladiator to survive.
The Colosseum
In the arena, Maximus faces brutal opponents while the crowd roars for spectacle. His skill and courage earn him respect among gladiators, and he uses the arena as a stage to confront the emperor who betrayed him. Each battle pushes the stakes higher as Maximus seeks to change history.
Political Intrigue
While Maximus trains, he discovers the emperor’s secret plot to eliminate rivals. He learns that the Senate and loyalists are divided, and that freedom is tied to political power. The film shows how personal ambition collides with public duty in ancient Rome.
Final Confrontation
In the climax, Maximus confronts Commodus in a brutal duel that tests both skill and will. The arena becomes a battlefield for a larger cause, and the outcome will determine Rome’s future. The film closes with a powerful resolution that reflects on honor and sacrifice.
Legacy
The story of Maximus echoes through history as a symbol of resistance against tyranny. The film highlights how individuals can influence the course of empires, and the enduring theme of personal integrity in the face of oppressive power.
Production
Ridley Scott directs with a grand scale, employing 155 minutes of runtime to explore vast battle scenes and intimate moments. The film’s cinematography captures sweeping vistas of the Roman empire, while the score by Hans Zimmer heightens the emotional stakes.
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FAQ
49 Q&A
What is the significance of the Colosseum in the movie?
The Colosseum is where gladiator fights happen. Maximus fights there to get revenge.
What happened to Maximus's family?
Maximus's wife and son were killed by Commodus's men.
What role does Proximo play?
Proximo is a gladiator trainer. He buys Maximus and teaches him to fight.
What historical period does Gladiator take place in?
The movie takes place in ancient Rome around 180 AD.
Did Maximus want to be emperor?
No, Maximus did not want to be emperor. He wanted to go home to his family.
What are the main conflicts in Gladiator?
The main conflicts are Maximus fighting for revenge against Commodus and trying to bring back freedom to Rome.
Who is Maximus Decimus Meridius?
Maximus Decimus Meridius is a brave Roman general. He is betrayed and becomes a gladiator.
Where were the battle scenes filmed?
Some battle scenes were filmed in Morocco and Malta.
How did Commodus treat the Senate?
Commodus treated the Senate badly. He ignored their advice and took away their power.
Does Maximus die at the end of Gladiator?
Yes, Maximus dies at the end of the movie. He is mortally wounded in his final fight with Commodus.
How was the movie Gladiator filmed?
The movie was filmed using many different locations and sets to show ancient Rome.
How did Maximus become a gladiator?
Maximus became a gladiator after he was betrayed and his family was killed. He was sold into slavery and forced to fight.
What is the main theme of Gladiator?
The main themes are revenge, honor, freedom, and the corrupting nature of power.
Who is Commodus in Gladiator?
Commodus is the cruel emperor of Rome. He is the son of Marcus Aurelius and the enemy of Maximus.
What is Lucilla's role in the story?
Lucilla is Commodus's sister and Maximus's former love. She tries to help Maximus and protect her son.
What is the meaning of Gladiator's ending?
The ending shows that even though Maximus dies, he finds peace. He is reunited with his family in the afterlife, and Rome is set to become a republic again.
Why did Commodus kill his father?
Commodus killed his father, Emperor Marcus Aurelius, because Marcus Aurelius wanted to name Maximus as his successor instead of Commodus.
What is the story of Juba in Gladiator?
Juba is a Numidian warrior and a friend of Maximus. They become gladiator brothers. At the end, Juba promises to bury Maximus in his homeland.
Is the movie Gladiator historically accurate?
The movie Gladiator is not completely historically accurate. It takes inspiration from Roman history but changes many events and characters for the story.
Did Marcus Aurelius want Maximus to be emperor?
Yes, Marcus Aurelius wanted Maximus to take over as emperor after him. He did not want his own son, Commodus, to rule.
What happened to Lucilla after the movie?
The movie doesn't show what happens to Lucilla after Maximus's death. Historically, she was exiled and later died.
How did Maximus get revenge on Commodus?
Maximus got revenge by fighting Commodus in the arena. He killed Commodus, but was also mortally wounded himself.
Are any characters in Gladiator real people?
Some characters, like Emperor Marcus Aurelius and his son Commodus, are based on real people from Roman history.
Was Maximus a real person?
Maximus Decimus Meridius is not a real historical person. He is a fictional character created for the movie.
Who trained Maximus as a gladiator?
Proximo trained Maximus as a gladiator. He was a former gladiator himself.
What is the significance of Maximus's armor?
Maximus's armor shows he is a great Roman general and a strong warrior. It represents his past glory and his fight for what is right.
Who composed the music for Gladiator?
Hans Zimmer and Lisa Gerrard created the music for Gladiator.
What are the differences between the movie and history?
The movie Gladiator is not historically accurate. Many characters and events are changed or made up for the story. For example, Commodus did not kill his father Marcus Aurelius, and Maximus was a fictional character.
What is the significance of the wheat fields in Gladiator?
The wheat fields represent Maximus's home and his longing to return to his family and peaceful life.
What challenges did Russell Crowe face while filming?
Russell Crowe had to train hard and learn to fight for the movie. He also dealt with injuries and difficult shooting conditions.
Did Commodus truly fight in the arena?
In the movie, Commodus fights in the arena, but in real history, he was an emperor who did not typically fight as a gladiator.
What was the budget for Gladiator?
The movie Gladiator had a budget of about $103 million.
Did gladiators really fight to the death often?
Gladiators did not always fight to the death. They were valuable and trained, so fights were often stopped before someone died.
Who were the main actors in Gladiator?
The main actors in Gladiator were Russell Crowe as Maximus and Joaquin Phoenix as Commodus. Connie Nielsen played Lucilla.
How did the Roman Empire function in the movie?
The movie shows the Roman Empire with an emperor, senators, and legions of soldiers. It focuses on the political struggles and the power of the emperor.
How did Marcus Aurelius die?
In the movie Gladiator, Marcus Aurelius is killed by his son Commodus. Historically, Marcus Aurelius died of illness.
How did Commodus plan to control Rome?
Commodus planned to control Rome by taking power as emperor, eliminating rivals, and using the games to win popular support.
Did Ridley Scott consult historians for Gladiator?
Ridley Scott and the filmmakers did consult with historians, but they also took creative freedom to make the story more dramatic.
What are the themes of revenge and honor in Gladiator?
Revenge for his family's death and the honor of Rome are major themes. Maximus fights to avenge his family and restore the Republic.
What is the fate of the gladiators after Maximus's death?
After Maximus's death, Lucilla and the senators plan to restore the Republic, and the gladiators are freed.
How was the Colosseum replica built for the film?
A large part of the Colosseum was built with practical sets, and other parts were added using computer-generated imagery.
What is the message of Gladiator?
The message of Gladiator is about courage, fighting for freedom, and the struggle between tyranny and justice. It shows that one person can make a difference.
What is the relationship between Maximus and Lucilla?
Maximus and Lucilla were friends and had a past romantic connection when they were younger. They share a deep respect and loyalty.
Who is Lucius Verus in Gladiator?
Lucius Verus is the young son of Lucilla and the nephew of Commodus. He is the heir to the throne in the movie.
How did Maximus escape slavery?
Maximus was captured and sold into slavery after his family was killed. He became a gladiator, and his fighting skills led him back to Rome.
What other films were inspired by Gladiator?
Gladiator inspired other historical epics and films about ancient Rome, encouraging a new wave of such movies.
What are the main plot points of Gladiator?
The main plot points are Maximus being betrayed by Commodus, his family's murder, his survival as a slave and gladiator, his return to Rome to fight, and his quest for revenge and justice.
What does 'Are you not entertained?' mean?
The line 'Are you not entertained?' is spoken by Maximus to mock the crowd and Commodus. It shows his contempt for the games and the corruption of Rome.
Did Oliver Reed finish filming Gladiator?
Oliver Reed, who played Proximo, sadly passed away during filming. The movie was finished by using a body double and altering some scenes.
Actors
Russell Crowe
Maximus
Joaquin Phoenix
Commodus
Connie Nielsen
Lucilla
Oliver Reed
Proximo
Richard Harris
Marcus Aurelius
Derek Jacobi
Gracchus
Djimon Hounsou
Juba
David Schofield
Falco
John Shrapnel
Gaius
Tomas Arana
Quintus
Ralf Moeller
Hagen
Spencer Treat Clark
Lucius