In the final days of Marcus Aurelius' reign, the aging emperor angers his son Commodus by making it known that he wants Maximus, a fearsome and respected Roman general, to be his successor. Power-hungry Commodus kills his father and orders the death of Maximus. But the latter flees, only to discover that his wife and child have been murdered by Commodus. Captured, Maximus is forced into slavery, where he is sold to Proximo, a former gladiator who serves as both mentor and slavemaster. Maximus trains as a gladiator in the arena, where his fame grows. He goes to Rome, intent on avenging the murder of his wife and son by killing the new emperor Commodus. Maximus has learned that the one power stronger than that of the emperor is the will of the people, and he knows he can only attain his revenge by becoming the greatest hero in all the empire.
Also Known As:Gladiators
Production Status:Released
Logline:When a Roman general is betrayed and his family murdered by a corrupt prince, he comes to Rome as a gladiator to seek revenge.
Genres:Action/Adventure and Drama
Running Time:2 hrs. 30 min.
Release Date:May 5, 2000 Nationwide
MPAA Rating:R for intense graphic combat.
Production Co.:Red Wagon Entertainment, Scott Free Productions
Studios:DreamWorks SKG, Universal Pictures
U.S. Box Office:$187,670,866
Filming Locations:Ouarzazate, Morocco Malta Shepperton Studios, England, United Kingdom Farnham, England, United Kingdom Italy
Produced in:United States
Saturday, September 22, 2007
An archetypal message for the ages - Gladiator Reviews
Where other movies struggle to "enlighten" us according to some half truth, Gladiator effortlessly resonates directly to the deepest and best within us by getting the message straight.
This movie gives us the unvarnished truth about life and then challenges us to live by a code the ancients new well: to be true to one's best self, for nothing else will ever be of any lasting consequence. In the final analysis, lasting self-esteem and true inner peace can only come from living up to our highest ideals without flinching or compromising. This entails loss and severe hardship. Maximus is an example of how to struggle with this tough challenge we humans are saddled with.
His arrow-straight nature, uncompromising sense of duty and his ability to endure pain and suffering for the truth make him a worthy role model. A person of true character. Where are such men today? Who and what have our "gods" become?
We should all be so lucky to stand in such a man's presence so we may become dyed in his colors.
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