Gladiator Ending Explained, Plot, Cast, Trailer, and More
by Mathelene
Updated Jul 17, 2023
Gladiator (2000)
Gladiator, released in 2000, is an epic historical drama film directed by Ridley Scott and written by David Franzoni, John Logan, and William Nicholson. Universal Pictures produced the film, while DreamWorks Pictures distributed it in North America, and Universal Pictures handled the international release through United International Pictures.
The star-studded cast includes Russell Crowe, Joaquin Phoenix, Connie Nielsen, Tomas Arana, Ralf Möller, Oliver Reed, Djimon Hounsou, Derek Jacobi, John Shrapnel, Richard Harris, and Tommy Flanagan. The story follows Maximus Decimus Meridius a Roman general betrayed by the ambitious Emperor Commodus who murders Maximus' father, Emperor Marcus Aurelius, to claim the throne. Reduced to slavery, Maximus becomes a gladiator and seeks vengeance for the murders of his family and emperor.
The film's script was inspired by Daniel P. Mannix's book "Those About to Die," and after DreamWorks acquired it, Ridley Scott joined as the director. The filming, which took place from January to May 1999 in Fort Ricasoli, Malta, encountered difficulties due to an unfinished script.
The cast members expressed dissatisfaction with the writing quality, leading to multiple rewrites. Tragically, Oliver Reed passed away from a heart attack before completing his role, and a digital body double was created for his remaining scenes. Despite its production challenges, Gladiator became highly anticipated and went on to gross over $503 million worldwide.
It received critical acclaim for the performances, direction, visuals, screenplay, action sequences, musical score, and production values, though some critics criticized its dark tone. The film won five Academy Awards, including Best Picture and Best Actor for Russell Crowe.
Gladiator's release brought renewed interest in historical epics and the ancient cultures of Greece and Rome. It has been hailed as one of the best films of the 2000s and significantly influenced the sword-and-sandal genre. The movie's themes of revenge, violence, masculinity, and stoicism have been extensively analyzed. In 2021, Ridley Scott announced that a sequel was in development, set to be released in the United States on November 22, 2024.
Gladiator Ending Explained
In the film Gladiator, set in 180 AD, Maximus, a former Roman general who became a gladiator, seeks revenge against Commodus, the current emperor who betrayed him. After rising through the gladiator ranks, Maximus realizes that many former officers are still loyal to him despite working for Commodus. He and Lucilla, his former lover and Commodus' sister, plan to meet with the older staff to strategize.
Ultimately, it is decided that Maximus should escape Rome to gather an army against Commodus. Lucius, Lucilla's son, unwittingly reveals the plan to Commodus. Fearing for her family's safety, Lucilla helps Maximus with the escape. However, Commodus threatens them, leading to an attack on the Gladiator's arena. Maximus's loyal friends sacrifice themselves to aid his escape.
As news of Maximus's story spreads, Commodus attempts to regain the loyalty of the people by challenging Maximus to a duel at the Colosseum. Before the duel begins, Commodus stabs Maximus, but the wounded general manages to disarm him. During the fight, Commodus, accustomed to privilege, demands a sword from a guard, who refuses. In the end, both men perish in the battle. Maximus emerges victorious, seeking justice for his fellow gladiators and advocating for political reforms.
In the final confrontation, Maximus defeats Commodus, bringing an end to the emperor's tyrannical rule and avenging the deaths of his family and emperor Marcus Aurelius. His sacrifice and bravery inspire the people, leaving a lasting legacy as a hero who fought for justice and honor.
Gladiator Plot
In the year 180 AD, Maximus Decimus Meridius, a Hispano-Roman General, leads the Roman army to victory against the Germanic tribes. Emperor Marcus Aurelius reveals his desire for Maximus to succeed him as regent and save Rome from corruption. However, Marcus's son, Commodus, kills his father in secret and declares himself the new emperor.
Maximus refuses to pledge loyalty to Commodus and is betrayed, leading to the death of his family. He is sold into slavery as a gladiator in Zucchabar. Maximus reluctantly fights in gladiatorial games, gaining popularity and forming bonds with fellow gladiators, Hagen and Juba. Proximo, their trainer, advises Maximus to win the crowd's favor to gain his freedom.
During a 150-day celebration of Marcus Aurelius's death, Maximus participates in the Colosseum games in disguise. When he reveals his identity and seeks revenge against Commodus, the crowd spares him and his fellow gladiators' lives. Maximus's skills in the arena earn him victories, leading to a showdown with the undefeated Tigris of Gaul, which Maximus wins.
Maximus learns that his former legions are still loyal and plans to escape Rome with the help of Lucilla, Commodus's sister, and Senator Gracchus. However, Commodus discovers the plot and threatens Lucilla and her son. In the ensuing chaos, Maximus's friends sacrifice themselves to aid his escape.
To regain public support, Commodus challenges Maximus to a deadly duel in the Colosseum. Before the match, Commodus injures Maximus, but the valiant general still manages to defeat him. With Commodus dead, Maximus requests political reforms and freedom for his gladiator allies before passing away.
In his final moments, Maximus envisions reuniting with his family in the afterlife. His allies honor him, carrying his body out of the arena. Juba visits the Colosseum later to pay his respects by burying figurines of Maximus's wife and son at the spot where he died.
Gladiator Release date
Released on May 5, 2000, Gladiator had a successful box office run. During its opening weekend, the film earned $34.8 million, becoming the top-grossing film of that weekend. It maintained its position in the top spot for two consecutive weekends and continued to perform well for ten weeks in the top ten.
Overall, Gladiator grossed $187.7 million in the United States and Canada, finishing as the fourth highest-grossing film of 2000. Internationally, it earned over $272.9 million, bringing its worldwide total to over $460.6 million against a budget of $103 million. Despite a 2.5% decrease in overall attendance for the year, the increased ticket prices contributed to 2000 setting a new record of $7.7 billion at the domestic box office.
Gladiator's strong word of mouth and critical acclaim contributed to its success and helped improve DreamWorks' fortunes.
Gladiator Cast
Cast
Character
Russell Crowe
Maximus Decimus Meridius
Joaquin Phoenix
Commodus
Connie Nielsen
Lucilla
Oliver Reed
Antonius Proximo
Derek Jacobi
Senator Gracchus
Djimon Hounsou
Juba
Richard Harris
Marcus Aurelius
Ralf Möller
Hagen
Tommy Flanagan
Cicero
David Schofield
Senator Falco
John Shrapnel
Senator Gaius
Tomas Arana
Quintus
Spencer Treat Clark
Lucius Verus
David Hemmings
Cassius
Sven-Ole Thorsen
Tigris of Gaul
Omid Djalili
Slave Trader
Giannina Facio
Maximus's Wife
Giorgio Cantarini
Maximus's Son
John Quinn
Valerius
Gladiator Where to watch
As of now, Gladiator is available for streaming on Amazon Prime Video, allowing subscribers to watch the film as part of their subscription package. Additionally, for those who do not have an Amazon Prime membership, the movie can be purchased for download on platforms such as Apple TV, Google Play Movies, and YouTube. If renting the film is preferred, it is also available for rental on Amazon Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, and YouTube, giving viewers the option to enjoy the movie for a limited time.
Gladiator can be accessed through various streaming and digital platforms, making it convenient for audiences to watch the epic historical drama film starring Russell Crowe. Amazon Prime Video offers it for streaming to their subscribers, and for non-subscribers, the movie can be purchased for download on Apple TV, Google Play Movies, and YouTube. Alternatively, viewers can choose to rent Gladiator from Amazon Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, or YouTube for a temporary viewing experience.
Gladiator Trailer
Gladiator Ending Explained - FAQs
Gladiator was released on May 5, 2000.
Gladiator follows the story of Maximus Decimus Meridius, a Roman general who becomes a gladiator after being betrayed and losing his family. Seeking revenge against Commodus, the new emperor and his father's killer, Maximus rises through the ranks of the arena, vowing to restore Rome to a republic.
Gladiator was directed by Ridley Scott.
While the film includes historical elements and characters, Gladiator is a work of fiction and not a true story.
Russell Crowe portrays the character of Maximus Decimus Meridius.