Maximus vs. Commodus _ [Gladiator] |
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Gladiator _ 2000
About film In 180 AD, Hispano-Roman General Maximus Decimus Meridius intends to return home after he leads the Roman army to victory against the Germanic tribes near Vindobona on the Limes Germanicus. Emperor Marcus Aurelius tells Maximus that his own son, Commodus, is unfit to rule and that he wishes Maximus to succeed him, as regent, to help save Rome from corruption and restore the republic. Upon hearing this, Commodus murders his father. Commodus proclaims himself the new emperor, asking Maximus for his loyalty, but the latter refuses. Maximus is arrested by the Praetorian Guard and is told that he and his family will die. He kills his captors and rides for his home near Trujillo, where he finds his wife and son crucified. Maximus buries them, then collapses from his injuries. Slavers find him, and take him to the city of Zucchabar in the Roman province of Mauretania Caesariensis, where he is sold to gladiator trainer Proximo. Maximus reluctantly fights in local tournaments, his combat skills helping him win matches and gain popularity. He befriends two other gladiators: Hagen, a German; and Juba, a Numidian. Proximo reveals to Maximus that he was once a gladiator who was freed by Marcus Aurelius, and advises him to "win the crowd" to win his freedom. Cast Russell Crowe - Maximus Decimus Meridius Joaquin Phoenix - Commodus Connie Nielsen - Lucilla Oliver Reed - Antonius Proximo Derek Jacobi - Senator Gracchus Djimon Hounsou - Juba Richard Harris - Marcus Aurelius Ralf Möller - Hagen Tommy Flanagan - Cicero David Schofield - Senator Falco John Shrapnel - Senator Gaius Spencer Treat Clark - Lucius Verus David Hemmings - Cassius Omid Djalili - a slave trader Giannina Facio - Maximus's wife |