Ridley Scott transports Hollywood to second-century Rome in this rousing historical epic that proudly harkens back to such films as BEN-HUR & SPARTACUS. Russell Crowe plays Maximus, a Roman general who leads the troops in conquering Germania for the empire. When an aging Marcus Aurelius (Richard Harris) tells Maximus that he'd like him to rule Rome once he's gone, a classic confrontation ensues between the brave & charming soldier--who wants to return home to his wife, son, & farm--and the jealous & conniving Commodus (Joaquin Phoenix), the emperor's only son, who is thirsty for power. Bought as a slave by the profiteering Proximo (Oliver Reed, in his last role), Maximus must kill or be killed in the ring, battling to save not only himself but the future of the very empire that he loves & honors. GLADIATOR is a glorious spectacle filled with heart & soul.