What you need to know about ‘Gladiator’ before seeing ‘Gladiator II’
“Gladiator” was released back in 2000. “Gladiator II” finally hit theaters on Nov. 22, 2024. So it has been 24 years since director Ridley Scott‘s vision of ancient Rome was last on the big screen. Here’s what you need to remember about the first film before you head out to see the second.
How do I watch “Gladiator” right now?
You can watch the film for free if you subscribe to Paramount+ or Fubo. You can also rent the film online for $3.99 on Apple TV, Amazon, Fandango at Home, Microsoft, or Spectrum. It’s available to purchase digitally for $7.99 on Apple TV, Amazon, Fandango at Home, and Microsoft.
What happened in “Gladiator”? (SPOILERS)
The 2000 historical epic told the story of Maximus Decimus Meridius (Russell Crowe), who in the year 180 A.D. leads the Roman army and is named by Emperor Marcus Aurelius (Richard Harris) to be his successor. But before the emperor can make his wishes known to others, he is murdered by his son Commodus (Joaquin Phoenix), who names himself emperor and orders the death of Maximus and his family. Maximus survives, but his wife and son do not.
An injured Maximus is found by slave traders, who sell him into gladiatorial combat. His skills as a warrior help him succeed, and he wins the favor of the crowd, who demand that he be allowed to live after he reveals his true identity to Commodus after a match. Maximus is aided by Commodus’ sister Lucilla (Connie Neilsen), who is Maximus’ former lover and the mother of Lucius, who might be Maximus’ child. With her help, he tries to escape captivity to join his army, who remain loyal to him, but he is captured in his attempt.
Commodus challenges Maximus to a match, but stabs him first to gain the upper hand. Nevertheless, Maximus has enough strength to overpower and kill Commodus, though Maximus’ wound proves fatal. He demands that power be returned to the senate and that his fellow gladiators be freed before he dies and reunites with his wife and son in the afterlife.
How was “Gladiator” received?
The film is rated 80% fresh on Rotten Tomatoes based on 260 reviews. It earned $34.8 million in its opening weekend on its way to a $187.7 million domestic gross. Worldwide the film earned $465.5 million against a $100 million budget.
“Gladiator” then had a triumphant awards run, winning Best Picture from the Golden Globes, the Critics Choice Awards, the BAFTA Awards, and ultimately the Oscars. It claimed five Oscars total out of 12 nominations, also including Best Actor for Crowe, Best Costume Design, Best Sound, and Best Visual Effects. Ridley Scott was nominated for Best Director, but lost to Steven Soderbergh (“Traffic”).