In the film Gladiator, Marcus Aurelius (Richard Harris) who plays the emperor of Rome, is dying on the Germanian frontier of the Empire. Upon his death, he whishes to announce his loyal general, Maximus Decimus Meridius (Russell Crowe) as emperor of Rome, in order to restore Rome to the republic it once was. However, Maximus wants no part of power, and prefers to return to his farm where his wife and son await him. Meanwhile, Commodus (Joaquin Phoenix), the power-hungry heir to the throne, despises Maximus for winning the affection of his father that he himself never enjoyed. Therefore, Commodus desperately kills his father in secret and claims the throne for himself; while ordering that Maximus and his family in Spain be slain.

Commodus’s evil plot, Maximus escapes from his would-be assassins, and rides to his family's rescue. Too late, he collapses from his exhaustion and his wounds, and is captured by slavers. Maximus is then sold to gladiator-turned-impresario Proximo and forced to fight as a gladiator. However, unaware of Maximus’ return, Commodus calls for gladiatorial games to

honor his father's memory. Maximus then returns to Rome as a gladiator with the vile intentions of seeking revenge.

In conclusion, Gladiator was an outstanding film, which included love, hatred, action and drama. I believe that Scott did an excellent job with the film, aside from the minor flaws. Personally, I did not find the British accent distracting and/or the validity of Phoenix’s character. All of the characters did an excellent job and if Crowe had been any less perfect, the move wouldn’t have been as successful. I would argue that Gladiator is an exciting film to watch.

ruthless, and driven by incestuous yearnings, he seems at first suitably vicious and immoral. Joaquin Phoenix does de

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