The Gladiator tells the story of a Roman general who comes to Rome as a gladiator to revenge for his family.
Gladiator is a historical epic masterpiece of Ridley Scott that received much praise and honors because of its scope, creative and intense battle scenes and convincing performances of the lead cast.
Year Released: 2000
Summary:
Maximus Meridias (Russel Crowe), a Roman general that has been named as the keeper of Rome and its empire by Emperor Marcus Aurelius thus, giving him the privilege to be his successor. However, the emperor was killed by his power-hungry jealous son Commodus and later orders the death of Maximus. Fortunately, Maximus managed to escape but was captured by slave traders and was sent to North Africa. He ends up being a slave and was forced to be a gladiator. With the twist of fate happened to Maximus, he remained strong and hopeful that he might someday fulfill the wish of the late emperor. As a victorious gladiator, he was sent back to Rome to participate in the Gladiatorial Games (a battle to death of the most famous gladiators) in which he had plans of taking revenge and gain his freedom against the man who took away his family and the good things he once have.
Cast:
Russell Crowe
Joaquin Phoenix
Connie Nielsen
Oliver Reed
Richard Harris
Derek Jacobi
Djimon Hounsou
Director:
Ridley Scott
Reviews & Ratings:
"Ridley Scott and an excellent cast successfully convey the intensity of Roman gladitorial combat as well as the political intrigue brewing beneath."
~ Rottentomatoes on Gladiator
8.5/10 - Ratings from IMDB
7.1/10 (76%) Tomatometer - Ratings from Rotten Tomatoes
Movie Trivia:
- Gladiator is Russell Crowe's favorite film, and Maximus is his favorite character portrayal.
- The film is dedicated to Oliver Reed who suffered a fatal heart attack during principal photography.
- Mel Gibson was offered the lead role, but turned it down because at 43 he felt he was too old to play Maximus.
- Antonio Banderas was also considered for the role of Maximus.