Gladiator

Year

2000

Genres

Action, Drama

Director

Ridley Scott

Cast

Russell Crowe, Joaquin Phoenix, Richard Harris, Djimon Hounsou, Connie Nielsen, Derek Jacobi, Oliver Reed, Ralph Moeller, Tomas Arana, Spencer Treat Clark

Plot

The dying Roman emperor Marcus Aurelius plans to name his loyal and trusted General Maximus as his successor in order to restore the power of the Roman Senate. However, Marcus' twisted son Commodus learns of this plan, and after killing Marcus, attempts to execute Maximus. Although Maximus escapes execution, his family is slaughtered, and he is sold into slavery to become a gladiator. His bravery soon wins over the masses and he eventually reveals his true identity to Commodus. Can Maximus use his newfound popularity to avenge his family's and Marcus Aurelius' death, or will Commodus manage to keep his tenuous hold on his role as Emperor?