Gladiator (2000)

Director:

Ridley Scott

Writers (WGA):

David Franzoni (story)
David Franzoni (screenplay) ...

Release Date:

5 May 2000 (USA)

Genre:

Action | Adventure | Drama | War

Tagline:

On my command - unleash hell

Plot:

When a Roman general is betrayed and his family murdered by a corrupt prince, he comes to Rome as a gladiator to seek revenge.

Plot Keywords:

Death | Crucifixion | Historical | Rape | Altered Version Of Studio Logo

Awards:

Won 5 Oscars. Another 45 wins & 79 nominations

US TV Schedule:

Tue. Sept. 2	10:00 PM	HBO
Thur. Sept. 11	4:25 AM	HBO

Cast

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

Also Known As:

The Gladiators (USA) (working title)

MPAA:

Rated R for intense, graphic combat.

Runtime:

155 min | 171 min (extended version)

Country:

UK | USA

Language:

English

Color:

Color (Technicolor)

Aspect Ratio:

2.35 : 1

Sound Mix:

DTS-ES | Dolby Digital EX | SDDS

Certification:

Canada:14 (Nova Scotia) (re-rating on appeal) | Canada:14A (Alberta) | Taiwan:R-12 | Canada:PA (Manitoba) | Malaysia:U (cut version) | Brazil:14 | Canada:18 (Nova Scotia) (original rating) | Netherlands:12 (TV rating) | Canada:13+ (Quebec) | USA:R (certificate #37084) | Malaysia:18SG | Canada:AA (Ontario) | Iceland:16 | Canada:18A (British Columbia) | Argentina:13 | Australia:M | Chile:14 | Denmark:15 | Finland:K-16 | France:U | Germany:16 (bw) | Hong Kong:IIB | Israel:PG | Netherlands:16 | New Zealand:M | Norway:15 | Peru:14 | Portugal:M/12 | Singapore:PG | South Korea:15 | Spain:13 | Sweden:15 | Switzerland:14 (canton of Geneva) | Switzerland:14 (canton of Vaud) | UK:15 | Philippines:PG-13

Filming Locations:

Ait Benhaddou, Ouarzazate, Morocco

Company:

DreamWorks SKG

Trivia:

Maximus' tattoo "SPQR" stands for "Senatus Populusque Romanus," which translates to "the Roman people and senate." This was one of the main slogans of Rome throughout its history (as well as today, e.g. manhole covers etc.).

Goofs:

Factual errors: Generally speaking, Roman generals did not ride with the cavalry let alone involve themselves in physical combat. The number of men shown on the battle field in Germania appeared to be the size of cohort ( 1/10th of a Legion ) which would have been commanded by several Centurions, and Optios. A Legion, in turn was commanded by a Legatus, and more than one Legion, making an Army was commanded by a general. Generals also had their own Praetorian guard which seemed conspicuously absent in the case of Maximus.

Quotes:

Maximus: They fought for you and for Rome.

Movie Connections:

Referenced in "The Sopranos: Employee of the Month (#3.4)" (2001)

Soundtrack:

Pavor

Breathtaking!

Once again, Director Ridley Scott proves to be as professional as one can be. The recreation of ancient Rome is splendid, with all its magnificent buildings and atmosphere and he is able to show with all brightness the greatness of the Roman Empire, with its political problems and military discipline, and love and treason, of hate and jealousy, that still have a place in our world today. But the story has a glow of its own, to which all the beautiful scenery (believe me, it's awesome!!!) and great cinematography are just balancing factors. The plot is a rich one, that is as dynamic as it is present. He once again, after Blade Runner, 1492, and others helps us visit the depths of the human soul, which remains the same over all our historical and social experience. Even the fights, are displayed in such a way that all the blood is quite discrete, but still, making us feel like screaming and jumping out of our seats. I would also like to point out the performances of the cast, that is surprisingly good. We have some actors and actresses, who are not Hollywood icons, but are are greatly able to move the audience among screams and tears. All in all, we have guys like Russel Crowe, who are coming out to be part of a new and extremely promising harvest of people who are making each time more fans around the world. Well, you should see for yourself!