The listing, Gladiator has ended.
A man robbed of his name and his dignity strives to win them back, and g ain the freedom of his people, in this epic historical drama from direc tor Ridley Scott. In the year 180, the death of emperor Marcus Aurelius (Richard Harris) throws the Roman Empire into cha os. Maximus (Russell C rowe) is one of the Roman army's most capable and trusted generals and a key advisor to the emperor. As Marcus ' devious son Commodus (Joaquin P hoenix) ascends to the throne, Maximus is set to be executed. He escapes , but is captured by slave traders. Renamed Spaniard and forced to become a gladiator, Maximus must battle to the death with other men for the amusement of paying audiences. His battle skills serve him well, and he becomes one of the most famous and admired men to fight in the Colosseum .