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 #42 | Won 5 Oscars. Another 54 wins & 106 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.

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Plot Keywords:

roman empire | slavery | combat | battlefield | mother son relationship | 

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Taglines:

A Hero Will Rise.

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Genres:

Action | Adventure | Drama

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Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated R for intense, graphic combat

Did You Know?

Trivia

The main four cast members have appeared as mentors/motivations to the current DC superheroes. Russell Crowe played Superman's father Jor El. Connie Nielsen played Wonder Woman's mother Queen Hippolyta. Djimon Hounsou played Shazam the wizard. Joaquin Phoenix played Joker, a dark motivation for Batman. Djimon Hounsou also played King Ricou in Aquaman.

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Goofs

After Commodus kills Marcus Aurelius, Commodus tells Lucilla that Marcus Aurelius died in his sleep, and that "the surgeons say he felt no pain". The term 'surgeon' was not invented until circa 1300; more than 1200 years after the date of this film's setting (AD 180).

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Quotes

Marcus Aurelius: [to his daughter Lucilla] If only you had been born a man, what a Caesar you would have made.

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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.

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Alternate Versions

A 171-minute extended version incorporating formerly deleted scenes has been created specifically for DVD release.

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Connections

Referenced in Getaway: Greek Islands: Part 2 (2010)

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Soundtracks

Now We Are Free
(uncredited)
Written by Lisa Gerrard and Hans Zimmer

User Reviews

As a matter of fact, Maximus, I AM entertained.

Gladiator is the best bread and circus. A moving and very entertaining action epic with Russel Crowe and Joaquin Phoenix at the top of their game.

I absolutely love Joaquin Phoenix in this movie. He's the kind of villain you love to hate. So pathetic and childish. So ruthless and creepy. Just right amount of cartoonish. I wanted to punch him in the face.

It can be corny and it drags a bit during the escape plan part of the plot, but it has enough emotion and brutal violence to keep the audience entertained, and that's what a good gladiator match should be.

Details

Official Sites:

Official Facebook

Country:

USA UK Malta Morocco

Language:

English

Release Date:

5 May 2000 (USA)

Also Known As:

The Gladiators

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:

$465,364,545

Company Credits

Production Co:

Dreamworks Pictures, 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