Gladiator
After the death of Emperor Marcus Aurelius, his devious son takes power and demotes Maximus, one of Rome's most capable generals who Marcus preferred. Eventually, Maximus is forced to become a gladiator and battle to the death against other men for the amusement of paying audiences.
Critics Sentiment
Maximus removes helmet and declares vengeance against Commodus
Maximus is captured by slave traders and sold to Proximo
The film surges from its lowest point during Maximus's enslavement to its peak when he dramatically reveals his identity to Commodus in the Colosseum.
Gladiator maintains consistently high audience sentiment throughout, with spectacular action sequences and powerhouse performances from Crowe and Phoenix driving exceptional scores. The film peaks during the iconic identity revelation scene and sustains that excellence through to its emotionally transcendent ending. Even the film's quieter political intrigue moments score well above average, reflecting the overall masterpiece status reviewers consistently assign to this epic.
Full cast
Showing 20 of 44
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
Tiger
Omid Djalili
Slave Trader
Nicholas McGaughey
Praetorian Officer
Chris Kell
Scribe
Tony Curran
Assassin #1
Mark Lewis
Assassin #2
Crew
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