Gladiator
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Gladiator is a 2000 epic film directed by Ridley Scott, starring Russell Crowe, Joaquin Phoenix, Connie Nielsen. It drew a wide audience and shaped its genre.
Plot
In 180 AD, the Roman general Maximus Decimus Meridius intends to return home after he leads the Roman army to victory against Germanic tribes near Vindobona. 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 restore the Roman Republic. Angered by this decision when Marcus Aurelius tells the news to him, Commodus secretly assassinates his father by smothering him personally on the spot. Commodus proclaims himself the new emperor and requests loyalty from Maximus, who refuses. Maximus is arrested by Praetorian Guards led by Quintus, who tells Maximus that he and his family will die.
Production
Written by David Franzoni and William Nicholson, the film was produced by Universal Pictures. Hans Zimmer composed the score. John Mathieson handled the cinematography. The film runs 155 minutes. The crew and editing refined every shot.
Reception
On a budget of $103,000,000, Gladiator grossed $465,516,248 worldwide at the box office. A critic consensus praised its screenplay and score.
Legacy
Gladiator is part of the Gladiator Collection franchise; its influence and legacy endure in later cinema.
See also
References
- "The 100 Greatest Films of All Time". topfilms100. Retrieved 30 June 2026.
- Ebert, Roger. The Great Movies. Broadway Books.
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