AT THE HEIGHT OF ITS POWER, THE
ROMAN EMPIRE WAS VAST, STRETCHING FROM THE DESERTS OF AFRICA TO THE BORDERS
OF NORTHERN ENGLAND.
OVER ONE QUARTER OF THE WORLD'S
POPULATION LIVED AND DIED UNDER THE RULE OF THE CAESARS.
Year 180 A.D.
Russell Crowe plays Maximus,
a Roman general who leads the troops in conquering Germania for the empire.
When an aging Marcus Aurelius (Richard Harris) tells Maximus that he'd
like him to rule Rome once he's gone, a classic confrontation ensues between
the brave and charming soldier--who wants to return home to his wife, son,
and farm--and the jealous and conniving Commodus (Joaquin Phoenix), the
emperor's only son, who is thirsty for power. Bought as a slave by the
profiteering Proximo (Oliver Reed, in his last role), Maximus must kill
or be killed in the ring, battling to save not only himself but the future
of the very empire that he loves and honors.
* * * * * * * *
CASSIUS [the orator,
high in the stands, announces the battle]: On this day we reach
back to hallowed antiquity to bring you a recreation of a second Fall of
Mighty Carthage. On the barren straits of Zama, there stood the invincible
armies of the Barbarian Hannibal. Ferocious mercenaries and warriors from
all brute nations bent on merciless destruction conquest. Your Emperor
is pleased to give you THE BARBARIAN HORDE!
[On the arena floor, Maximus talks
to the Gladiators, instructing them.]
MAXIMUS: Anyone here been in the
army?
FELLOW-FIGHTER #1: Yes
FELLOW-FIGHTER #2: I served with
you in Vindobona.
MAXIMUS: You can help me. Whatever
comes out of these gates, we've got a better chance of survival if we work
together. Do you understand? If
we stay together, we survive.
* * * * * * * *
[In the Emperor's box.] COMMODUS:
My history's a little hazy Cassius, but shouldn't the Barbarians lose the
battle of Carthage??!!
* * * * * * * *
| MAXIMUS: My name is Maximus Decimus Meridius. Commander
of the armies of the North, general of the Felix Legions, loyal servant
to the true emperor Marcus Aurelius, father to a murdered son, husband
to a murdered wife, and I will have my vengeance in this life or the next.
http://www.spielberg-dreamworks.com/gladiator/storyline/Story_Line.htm |
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