Ridley Scott’s epic 2000 historical drama, Gladiator is set in AD 180 and tells the story of Hispano-Roman General Maximus Decimus Meridius. Emperor Marcus Aurelius tells Maximus that his own son, Commodus, is unfit to rule, and that he wishes Maximus to succeed him. Commodus, murders his father, seizes the throne and attempts kills Maximus’ family. Reduced to slavery, Maximus rises through the gladiatorial ranks to avenge his family and the emperor. Gladiator stars Russell Crowe, Connie Nielsen, Joaquin Phoenix, Richard Harris and Oliver Reed. Championed by Mark Priest. Continue reading “FILM TALK Episode #7: Gladiator (2000) Russell Crowe, Joaquin Phoenix, Oliver Reed, Richard Harris, directed by Ridley Scott”