GLADIATOR takes place in ancient Rome and is the story of Maximus (Russell Crowe), once a loyal general in emperor Marcus Aurelius's army. When Aurelius decides that Maximus should succeed him as emperor and not his own weakling son Commodus, Commodus seeks revenge.

He has Maximus taken away to be killed but Maximus escapes and ends up a popular gladiator fighting in Rome's colosseum (totally recreated by computer to look just like the real thing!).

As a gladiator, Maximus manages to get his revenge on the evil Commodus and, in the process, helps free his fellow gladiators and help restore Rome to democratic rule.

This movie rocks! Many of the characters are people who really lived and, with the help of modern computer graphics, you get to see what ancient Rome must have really looked like. The character of Maximus is a great hero to root for because, despite the horrible things done to him and his family, he remains loyal to the people of Rome and to the ideals of the old emperor Aurelius who treated him like a son.

WARNING: Because this is the story of gladiators who were forced to fight to the death, it is very violent (although it's filmed in a style where you don't actually see too much of it). For that reason it is rated "R" and parents should see it first and decide if they want their kids to see it. Despite the violence, it's got great lessons in family loyalty, teamwork, morality and justice.

GLADIATOR opens May 5th
This movie is rated "R" (for violence)

Official Website