

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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