Gladiator
In the year 180, the death of Emperor Marcus Aurelius throws the Roman Empire into chaos. Maximus is one of the Roman army's most capable and trusted generals, as well as a key advisor to the emperor. As Marcus' devious son Commodus ascends to the throne, Maximus is sentenced to execution. He escapes but is captured by slave traders. Renamed "Spaniard" and forced to become a gladiator, Maximus must battle to the death against other men for the amusement of paying audiences.
- genus: Action, Drama, Adventure
- Studio: Universal Pictures, Scott Free Productions, Red Wagon Entertainment, Mill Film, DreamWorks Pictures
- keyword: epic, gladiator, rome, italy, arena, senate, roman empire, parent child relationship, emperor, slavery, ancient rome, revenge, battlefield, slave auction, historical fiction, ancient world, combat, chariot, philosopher, barbarian horde, 2nd century, successor, complex, commodus, maximus, excited
- cast: Russell Crowe, Joaquin Phoenix, Connie Nielsen, Oliver Reed, Richard Harris, Derek Jacobi
