About Gladiator
The movie 'Gladiator' is a historical drama directed by Ridley Scott, released in the year 2000. The film is set in the Roman Empire during the second century AD, and it features a star-studded cast, including Russell Crowe as Maximus Meridius and Joaquin Phoenix as Emperor Commodus.
The story begins with the death of Emperor Marcus Aurelius, who, before his passing, had chosen Maximus as his successor. However, Marcus' devious son, Commodus, had other plans. Driven by his thirst for power and a deep-seated resentment towards his father, Commodus seizes the throne and orders the execution of Maximus, who is one of the Roman army's most capable and trusted generals. Maximus narrowly escapes death, only to be captured by slave traders who rename him Spaniard and force him to become a gladiator. As a gladiator, Maximus must fight for his survival and battle to the death with other men for the amusement of paying audiences.
Throughout the film, Maximus' desire for justice and revenge drives him to become one of the most formidable gladiators in the empire. Along the way, he forms alliances with other gladiators and earns the respect of the Roman people. Meanwhile, Commodus' tyranny and cruelty continue to escalate, putting the entire empire in peril. The film reaches its climax when Maximus and Commodus finally face off in a dramatic showdown that determines the fate of the Roman Empire. With its epic battles, stunning visuals, and powerful performances, 'Gladiator' is a must-watch for fans of historical dramas and action movies.
Full Cast of Gladiator
Russell Crowe
plays Maximus Meridius
Russell Crowe's portrayal of Maximus Meridius in 'Gladiator' is nothing short of extraordinary. His ability to convey the raw emotions of a man torn from his family and forced into a life of violence is truly captivating. Crowe's physicality and intensity bring a palpable sense of danger and unpredictability to the character, making him a formidable presence on screen. Yet, it's his nuanced performance that truly sets him apart, as he masterfully balances Maximus' warrior spirit with his deep-rooted humanity and vulnerability. Crowe's performance is a testament to his incredible talent and is undoubtedly a significant factor in the film's enduring popularity.
See Russell Crowe's other roles →Joaquin Phoenix
plays Emperor Commodus
Joaquin Phoenix delivers a riveting performance as Emperor Commodus in the epic historical drama 'Gladiator'. His portrayal of the power-hungry and insecure ruler is both chilling and captivating. Phoenix skillfully conveys Commodus's complex emotions, from his jealousy and resentment towards Maximus to his desperate need for validation and love from his father, Emperor Marcus Aurelius. His intense and nuanced performance earned him an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor, solidifying his status as one of the most talented actors of his generation.
See Joaquin Phoenix's other roles →Connie Nielsen
plays Lucilla
Connie Nielsen's portrayal of Lucilla in 'Gladiator' is a captivating blend of strength and vulnerability. As the sister of the tyrannical Emperor Commodus, she is caught in a web of political intrigue and personal turmoil. Nielsen brings a quiet intensity to the role, her eyes conveying a deep-seated fear of her brother's cruelty and a fierce determination to protect her son. Her scenes with Russell Crowe's Maximus are particularly compelling, their shared history and unspoken affection adding a layer of emotional depth to the film. Nielsen's performance is a testament to her acting prowess, making Lucilla a standout character in this epic historical drama.
See Connie Nielsen's other roles →Oliver Reed
plays Proximo
Oliver Reed's portrayal of Proximo in 'Gladiator' is a standout performance, adding depth and complexity to the character of a former gladiator turned trainer. Reed brings a sense of world-weary wisdom and cynicism to Proximo, as well as a surprising tenderness and empathy for his fighters. His gruff demeanor and rough edges are balanced by moments of vulnerability and introspection, making Proximo a compelling and memorable character in the film. Reed's performance is a testament to his talent and skill as an actor, and his untimely death during filming only adds to the poignancy of his portrayal.
See Oliver Reed's other roles →Richard Harris
plays Marcus Aurelius
Richard Harris delivered a compelling performance as Marcus Aurelius in the epic historical drama, Gladiator. His portrayal of the wise and benevolent Roman Emperor was both commanding and nuanced, capturing the character's inner turmoil and his desire to restore the Roman Republic. Harris's performance was a standout in the film, and his scenes with Russell Crowe's Maximus added depth and complexity to their characters' relationship. Overall, Harris's performance as Marcus Aurelius was a highlight of Gladiator and a testament to his talent as an actor.
See Richard Harris's other roles →Derek Jacobi
plays Gracchus
Derek Jacobi's performance as Senator Gracchus in the movie 'Gladiator' is a standout. He brings a sense of gravitas and intelligence to the role, making Gracchus a formidable opponent to Joaquin Phoenix's Commodus. Jacobi's delivery of his lines is precise and powerful, making every word count. His portrayal of Gracchus as a man of principle and integrity, who is willing to stand up against the tyranny of Commodus, is both inspiring and tragic. Jacobi's performance is a highlight of the movie and adds depth to the political intrigue that drives the plot.
See Derek Jacobi's other roles →Djimon Hounsou
plays Juba
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See Djimon Hounsou's other roles →David Schofield
plays Falco
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plays Gaius
Tomas Arana
plays Quintus
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plays Lucius
David Hemmings
plays Cassius
Tommy Flanagan
plays Cicero
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plays Tigris
Omid Djalili
plays Slave Trader
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plays Praetorian Officer
Tony Curran
plays Assassin #1
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plays Assassin #2
John Quinn
plays Valerius
Alun Raglan
plays Praetorian Guard #1
David Bailie
plays Engineer
Chick Allan
plays German Leader
David J. Nicholls
plays Giant Man
Al Hunter Ashton
plays Rome Trainer #1
Billy Dowd
plays Narrator
Ray Calleja
plays Lucius' Attendant
Giannina Facio
plays Maximus' Wife
Giorgio Cantarini
plays Maximus' Son
Malcolm Ellul
plays Centurion (uncredited)
Ray Mangion
plays Centurion (uncredited)
Allan Corduner
plays Trainer 1 (extended edition)
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plays Trainer 2 (extended edition)
João Costa Menezes
plays Roman Soldier (uncredited)
Said Amel
plays Proximo's Man (extended edition)
Mike Mitchell
plays Fighter (uncredited)
Adam Levy
plays Officer 1 (extended edition)
Antone Pagán
plays Fighter (uncredited)
Gilly Gilchrist
plays Officer 2 (extended edition)
Norman Campbell Rees
plays Sedan Chair Carrier (uncredited)
Neil Roche
plays Roman Soldier (uncredited)
Paul Bateman
plays Germanic Swordsman (uncredited)
Nick Beardshaw
plays Roman Dignitary (uncredited)
Paul Sacks
plays Catapult Commander Shouts "Loose" (uncredited)
Corey Booth
plays Yeroc Thoob (uncredited)
Steve Saunders
plays German Barbarian (uncredited)
Michael Dickins
plays Germanic Soldier (uncredited)
Brian Smyj
plays Coliseum Gladiator (uncredited)
Richard Stride
plays Swordsman (uncredited)
Simon Faulkner
plays Roman Soldier (uncredited)
Tony Tomlinson
plays Man (uncredited)
James Fiddy
plays Roman Soldier (uncredited)
Paul Woodadge
plays Germanian Barbarian (uncredited)
Michael Yale
plays Rome Citizen (uncredited)
Peter Francis-Wemyss
plays Barbarian Chieftain (uncredited)
Ruth Frendo
plays Roman Girl with Maximus (uncredited)
Cara Higgins
plays Vestal Virgin (uncredited)
Earl Hundt
plays Rome Citizen (uncredited)
Mehdi Kashani
plays Roman Soldier (uncredited)
Tom Kay
plays Roman Soldier (uncredited)
Phil Lowes
plays Rider (uncredited)
Nic Main
plays Roman Soldier (uncredited)
Antonio Meitin
plays Battlefield Medic (uncredited)
Arnold Montey
plays Roman Soldier (uncredited)
Christopher Say
plays Roman Soldier (uncredited)
Crew of Gladiator
Discover the
backstage crew of Gladiator →