Alia-801's Gladiator Page

Well, I waited avidly for this movie to come out, and then I couldn't stop going to the cinema to see it. I had pix of it all over my flat, and I've read the book multiple times. It probably is all very sad, but then I have that kind of obsessive personality when it comes to movies or plays I like (as you may have guessed if you've read the pages on Rocky Horror and Joseph!).

I know there are people out there who can't stand this film, and that's fine. To me, though, it's one of the most powerful stories I've seen. It's not failed to make me cry yet!

Here's my little tribute to it anyways...

The Story

Maximus is the General of the Roman armies, and a confidant of the Emperor, Marcus Aurelius. The Emperor is dying and he names Maximus as his successor rather than his immoral son, Commodus. Commodus is somewhat upset, as he has always wanted to be Caesar after his father. When Marcus dies, killed by Commodus before he can officially name Maximus, Commodus orders the execution of Maximus and his family, in order to take his place on the throne. Maximus escapes, but after racing home he finds that his wife and son didn't. He is captured soon after by slave traders and after a long and torturous journey, he is sold to Proximo, owner of a gladiator school.

Meanwhile, Commodus makes a triumphant entry into Rome and arranges 150 days of gladiatorial fights in the Collusseum in honour of his father. Gladiators from all over the empire are sent to fight, with Proximo's gladiators no exception.Maximus is soon in the arena with the rest. Since his fall into slavery, Maximus is known only by his nickname, 'Spaniard', so no-one knows who he really is. After his fight, which he wins in stunning fashion, the Emperor wants to meet this great fighter and goes to the arena to speak with him. Maximus picks up a broken arrow, intending to kill Commodus, but Lucius (the son of Lucilla, Commodus' sister) gets in the way. Maximus is forced to reveal his face to the Emperor, who is shocked to discover that his mortal enemy is still alive. He moves to have Maximus and the other remaining gladiators killed by his bodyguard, but the people of Rome have adopted Maximus as their champion, and make it clear that they want him to live. Commodus is forced to concede to their will.

Meanwhile, the Senate is not happy with the way Commodus is handling things - the games are costing Rome a fortune, and Commodus wants to try to disband the Senate and sieze their power for himself. Lucilla (who knew and loved Maximus many years previously) tries, unsuccessfully, to get Maximus to help her and the Senate get rid of Commodus, since Maximus has the loyalty of the army and could therefore take the city, if he could be freed. Maximus is too distraught and broken by the deaths of his family to care for anything more than avenging them by killing Commodus.

Commodus, meanwhile, plans a way to get rid of Maximus. He has him fight Tigris of Gaul, the only undefeated champion in Roman history. But this isn't just a simple fight - there's a sting, or should I say tiger in the tail. Tigris is aided by 4 large Bengal tigers, controlled by handlers who keep them away from him, but let them attack Maximus. Maximus' greater skill finally wins the day, and then he further angers Commodus by refusing to kill his opponent.

Talking to him in the arena after the fight (to give the appearance of an emperor who is interested in the 'people's champion') Commodus taunts Maximus about the deaths of his wife and son. Finally Maximus sees what is happening. He can't let Commodus ruin Rome further and he decides to help Lucilla.

His ex-servant Cicero is in the crowd and talks to him, and Maximus asks him to help get a message to Lucilla that he will meet her, and a Senator who also opposes Commodus. The plan is laid to buy his freedom and break him out of Rome so he can rejoin his army and take control of the city again. Unfortunately Commodus has spies everywhere, including in the Senate, and he discovers the plan, finally forcing Lucilla to reveal all by holding her son's life to ransom. Maximus escapes from the gladiator school, but is quickly recaptured.

In order to show the people that he is still in charge, Commodus challenged Maximus to a battle in the arena. But, knowing he would stand little chance in a fair fight (though he is fit and strong, Commodus knows that Maximus has beaten bigger and more experienced gladiators before), Commodus fixes the fight by stabbing Maximus, then concealing the wound with his armour.

Finally, the fight to the death ensues. Maximus triumphs, though not without injury and great pain, and hands control of Rome back to the Senate, as Marcus Aurelius asked him to. He also secures the freedom of his fellow slaves, and has ensured that Lucius is safe. Then finally, his work done, he returns to his home and his family. In Elysium.

Last updated 20 Mar 2005 Page designed by: alia-801
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