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 & 105 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:

gladiator | roman empire | slavery | combat | battlefield | 

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Taglines:

What We Do In Life Echoes In Eternity.

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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

David Franzoni was given a three-picture deal with DreamWorks, as writer and co-producer, on the strength of his work on Steven Spielberg's Amistad (1997). One of his initial pitches was for this movie.

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Goofs

The tiger gets stabbed with no bleeding.

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Quotes

Proximo: Congratulations, you have very persuasive friends.
Lucilla: My brother's had Gracchus arrested. We daren't wait any longer. We must leave tonight. Proximo will be here t midnight and take you to the gate. Your servant, Cicero will be waiting there with horses.
[Maximus nods]
Maximus: You have done all this?
Lucilla: Yes.
Maximus: [sighs] You risk too much.
Lucilla: I have much to pay for.
[Maximus shakes his head]
Maximus: You have nothing to pay for. You love your son, you are strong for him.
Lucilla: I am tired of being strong.(sighs) My brother hates all the ...
[...]

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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

German TV version was edited for violence to be broadcast at primetime (which is required by law for films with a "Not under 16" or higher rating).

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Connections

Referenced in Nostalgia Critic: Double Team (2011)

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Soundtracks

Pavor
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:

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:

$465,363,912

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