Gladiator (Widescreen Edition)

In the year 180, the death of Emperor Marcus Aurelius (Richard Harris) throws the Roman Empire into chaos. Maximus (Russell Crowe), one of the Roman army's most capable and trusted generals and a key advisor to the emperor, is set to be executed as Marcus' devious son Commodus (Joaquin Phoenix) ascends to the throne. Maximus escapes but is captured by slave traders, renamed Spaniard, and forced to become a gladiator. He must battle to the death with other men for the amusement of paying audiences, but his battle skills serve him well, and he becomes one of the most famous and admired men to fight in the Colosseum.

Determined to avenge himself against the man who took away his freedom and laid waste to his family, Maximus believes that he can use his fame and skill in the ring to avenge the loss of his family and former glory. As the gladiator begins to challenge his rule, Commodus decides to put his own fighting mettle to the test by squaring off with Maximus in a battle to the death.

Gladiator is an epic historical drama directed by Ridley Scott, featuring a man robbed of his name and his dignity who strives to win them back and gain the freedom of his people. The film also features Derek Jacobi, Connie Nielsen, Djimon Hounsou, and Oliver Reed, who died of a heart attack midway through production.

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