Gladiator (2000)

A former Roman General sets out to exact vengeance against the corrupt emperor who murdered his family and sent him into slavery.

Director:

Ridley Scott

Writers:

David Franzoni (story), David Franzoni (screenplay)

Stars:

Russell Crowe, Joaquin Phoenix, Connie Nielsen

Top Rated Movies #41 | Won 5 Oscars. Another 54 wins & 104 nominations.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
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
David Hemmings	...	Cassius
Tommy Flanagan	...	Cicero
Sven-Ole Thorsen	...	Tigris

Storyline

Maximus is a powerful Roman general, loved by the people and the aging Emperor, Marcus Aurelius. Before his death, the Emperor chooses Maximus to be his heir over his own son, Commodus, and a power struggle leaves Maximus and his family condemned to death. The powerful general is unable to save his family, and his loss of will allows him to get captured and put into the Gladiator games until he dies. The only desire that fuels him now is the chance to rise to the top so that he will be able to look into the eyes of the man who will feel his revenge.

---

Plot Keywords:

gladiator | roman empire | slavery | combat | battlefield | 

---

Taglines:

What We Do In Life Echoes In Eternity.

---

Genres:

Action | Adventure | Drama

---

Certificate:

18

Did You Know?

Trivia

The opening battle scene was filmed in Bourne Woods, Surrey, England. The Royal Forestry Commission had originally slated the area for deforestation, so Ridley Scott eagerly offered them his facilities to burn the woods to the ground. The Commission happily accepted.

---

Goofs

When Maximus is on his horse, he shouts "Roma Victor!" He should have shouted "Roma Victrix."

---

Quotes

Maximus: [to Proximo] He killed the man who set you free.

---

Crazy Credits

Both the Dreamworks & Universal logos are altered to appear gold in color so they match the opening theme of Maximus walking through a wheatfield.

---

Alternate Versions

The first printing of the bonus disc from the 'Signature Selection' DVD release contains a documentary about the links between sport and violence which includes a picture from the Hillsborough football disaster. After complaints from a support group for relatives of the victims the picture was removed from subsequent pressings.

---

Connections

Referenced in Jeopardy!: Episode #33.81 (2017)

---

Soundtracks

Etruria
Written by Walter Maioli and Nathalie Van Ravenstein (as Natalia Van Ravenstein)
Performed by Synaulia
Courtesy of Amiata Media, S.R.L.

User Reviews

Great

Gladiator is a historical epic from director Ridley Scott. After being betrayed by the new Caesar, Roman general Maximus is sold into slavery as a gladiator where he rises to fame as a people's champion and finds an opportunity to exact his revenge. Russell Crowe, Joaquin Phoenix, and Connie Nielsen lead the cast and deliver strong performances. Additionally, the gladiator fights are especially dynamic and exciting, featuring several different styles of combat. The costumes and sets are also remarkably well-done, and create a vivid depiction of ancient Rome. And, Hans Zimmer's score does an excellent job at capturing the tone of the film. Thrilling and action-packed, Gladiator delivers a compelling tale. "Are you not entertained?!"

Details

Official Sites:

Official Facebook

Country:

USA UK Malta Morocco

Language:

English

Release Date:

5 May 2000 (USA)

Also Known As:

Gladiateur

Filming Locations:

Morocco

Box Office

Budget:

$103,000,000 (estimated)

Opening Weekend USA:

$34,819,017, 7 May 2000

Gross USA:

$187,705,427

Cumulative Worldwide Gross:

$460,583,960

Company Credits

Production Co:

DreamWorks, Universal Pictures, Scott Free Productions

Technical Specs

Runtime:

155 min 171 min (Extended Edition)

Sound Mix:

SDDS DTS (Digital DTS Sound) Dolby Digital Dolby Atmos DTS (DTS: X)

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

2.39 : 1