GLADIATORGLADIATOR BY BY Andrew Stretton GLADIATORGLADIATOR GLADIATOR GLADIATOR

THE COMPETITOR THE COMPETITOR THE COMPETITOR Braveheart vs Gladiator BOX OFFICE

Gladiator was certainly one of Russell Crowe’s enormous hits of all time and when released in November 2000 under its first title Gladiator (present title Gladiator 2000) hit major sales, Oscars and reviews. Crowe plays the part of Maximus Decimus Meridius the Roman General who was betrayed by Prince Commodus (Joaquin Phoenix) the son of Marcus Aurelius (Richard Harris) the Emperor of Rome and who has just defeated the Germania tribes after a twelve year battle. The time has now come that Marcus’ powers be handed to the one of his choice, but it would not be his own son, it would be Maximus, the son he never had. Commodus betrays Maximus after his mistake of believing he would be the next Emperor and kills his father to gain his powers before Maximus was due to be handed them. Now Commodus is in power and will have Maximus killed at dawn and his wife and child hung. This is a story of power, politics and vengeance. It is the movie Gladiator. I will also be displaying some of my favourites from Russell Crowe’s collection and also some by the notable Director of Gladiator Ridley Scott who is known for films such as an earlier Alien (1979) and a later American Gangster (2007) to name but a couple. IntroductionIntroduction

This was the case. Maximus returns home after escaping death at dawn only to find the death of his wife and child who Commodus had hung. Maximus’ life then becomes a blur when he discovers this and when awakening finds he had been captured by thieves and sold to Proximo (Oliver Reed) a trader and former gladiator who later becomes Maximus’ mentor. “The Gladiator Who Defied An Empire”

When Maximus comes back to reality, a slave, he is given the name Spainiard and he goes through the motions of not wanting to fight anymore as Proximo has plans for others and himself to entertain as gladiators. Proximo puts those against each other in a fight test and Maximus does not fight back. Another slave Juba (Djimon Hounsou) wonders why and says to Maximus, “Why do you not fight Spainiard?” “We all have to fight some time.” Maximus says nothing back. Maximus does start to fight again and after killing again in his second battle throws his sword toward the main spectators of an arena within a small town shouting, “I do not entertain, I do not entertain!” This was the moment when Maximus becomes the fighter he once was again. Maximus does start to fight again and after killing again in his second battle throws his sword toward the main spectators of an arena within a small town shouting, “I do not entertain, I do not entertain!” This was the moment when Maximus becomes the fighter he once was again. “What We Do In Life” “ E c h o e s I n E t e r n i t y ”

Proximo gets the opportunity to have his gladiators perform at the great Colosseum where he once performed and won the crowd. The battle was a victory handled by Maximus and Commodus wants to meet this outstanding gladiator and it was then when Commodus right and his sister and his sister Princess Lucilla (Connie Nielsen) now discover that Maximus is still alive. still alive. Maximus removes his helmet and lets Commodus know his future intentions, i.e. his revenge against him. “Win The Crowd”

As from this time on Commodus sets out to kill Maximus even bringing back the undefeated champion Tigris (Mike Hedle) which is a spectacular fight scene where both are neck and neck until finally Maximus has him on the floor ready to be killed. Maximus looks at the crowd and they want a death as they always do. He then looks at Commodus and he gives the thumb down kill indication, but Maximus throws his weapon to the ground letting Tigris live. MAXIMUS MAXIMUS “He Is Defying You Isn’t He”

This is another act of defiance and Commodus feels it fully. His hate would grow even more until he has no others left to fight Maximus which would leave himself a cheating challenge. The final fight would be with Commodus as he puts the challenge to Maximus: Maximus says, “You would fight me?” Grinning after he says it. Commodus says back, “And why not, I’m not afraid of you.” Maximus then says back, “I think you’ve been afraid all your life.” Commodus visits Maximus in the lock- up and announces his challenge with him as a gladiator in the arena. “A Slave That Became More Powerful Than The Emperor”

Commodus wraps his arms around Maximus and says tearfully, “My brother,” piercing him in the back with a small stabbing weapon that has poison on it. This was now the moment where Maximus would get his vengeance and meet his loved ones in the after life. “ C o m m o d u s I s N o t A M o r a l M a n ” “The Words Of A Dying Man”

Before Maximus and Commodus meet in the arena Commodus shows an example of his power and has some associated with Maximus killed. Proximo falls to his death as several guards sword him. Hagen (Ralf Moeller) falls to his death after a brave battle with many guards. "Death Smiles At Us All”

The poison is now taking affect on Maximus as both are hoisted up to the arena. Maximus’ and Commodus’ battle is about to commence and even though Maximus is very drowsy he still gives a fine battle. “Father To A Murdered Son”

The final kill comes when Commodus falls prey to the knife he presented and dies slowly falling to the floor. The crowd go quiet as Maximus sways around and then falls to the floor as a dying man. “Husband To A Murdered Wife” MAXIMUS MAXIMUS

“And I Will Have My Vengeance” Lucilla runs to him showing her emotions for the man she once loved and honoured. His eyes close as he dies and goes to his loved ones in the after life. Lucilla’s last words to everyone were, “Honour him, he was a soldier.” Maximus was honoured as the great Soldier and General.

“We Shall Meet In The After Life” Maximus’ wife and child and how he sees them in his dying visions in the after life. THE END