Ridley Scott is likely one of the most well-known administrators of all time for a number of causes, and Gladiator is definitely considered one of them (hence the impending sequel greater than 20 years after the unique). It follows the epic journey of Maximus Decimus Meridius (Russell Crowe), a Roman common whom Marcus Aurelius (Richard Harris) plans to nominate as the subsequent emperor. Sadly for them, Commodus (Joaquin Phoenix) murders his father and has Maximus’ household killed. The previous common winds up getting bought into slavery as a gladiator and combating his approach by the Roman Coliseum to attempt to get his revenge. These three characters are implausible, and there are different compelling characters that collectively make Gladiator considered one of the most rewatchable Best Picture winners ever.
Some characters are supposed to have a full arc; some are supposed to die prematurely. Some characters are speculated to stay all through many of the movie however solely to drive the plot ahead or function symbols. Whether or not they’re absolutely rounded or peripheral, each member of this colourful forged is integral to representing the huge array of individuals beneath the Roman Empire and serving to the viewers really feel like they’ve gone again in time. One of the best characters in Gladiator serve a couple of function—propelling the narrative onward and making the viewers care about them whereas emphasizing the film’s themes of sophistication, loyalty, betrayal, corruption, love, perseverance, and revenge.
10 Hagen
Performed by Ralf Möller
When Maximus begins his gladiator coaching, we discover that everybody has to combat the very tall and highly effective Hagen (Ralf Möller) to see precisely how a lot talent they’ve with a sword. This man is big, already a welcome presence to see in a gladiator film. When Maximus refuses to combat him, they do not precisely come throughout as associates. But over the course of the movie, Maximus befriends him—encapsulated completely in that scene when Hagen tastes Maximus’ meals for him and pretends to choke. This man’s received a darkish humorousness.
In Maximus’ first gladiator battle, Hagen punches a foe within the intestine together with his naked fingers, picks him up, and sticks him by a spike within the wall. That is a type of moments that makes Gladiator considered one of the most badass sword-and-sandal movies ever made, however Hagen proves himself greater than only a beast on the battlefield and a good friend to Maximus. His loyalty is cemented when he sacrifices himself (together with the opposite gladiators) to assist Maximus go free. Relaxation in peace.
9 Lucius Verus
Performed by Spencer Deal with Clark
What Lucius (Spencer Treat Clark) represents is extra fascinating than his actions themselves, as his mom (Connie Nielsen) and Commodus each love him for various causes and in very alternative ways. To Lucilla, Lucius is her beloved son who must be protected against her brother in any respect prices. Lucius is type, and the viewers sees that she is elevating him properly. In that sense, he may be interpreted as an emblem of innocence and youth.
Then there’s Commodus, who’s visibly envious of his nephew. The person watches Lucius sleep, considering aloud in regards to the love the boy receives from his mom and contrasting that with the dearth of affection he acquired from his personal father. Certainly, daddy points can trickle down into nephew points, which is made even worse when Lucius is discovered enjoying gladiator and pretending to be the Spaniard (whom he unwisely calls “the savior of Rome”). The way in which Commodus longs for this kid’s approval, hates him, and basically threatens him makes Lucius all of the extra helpful as a personality.
8 Juba
Performed by Djimon Hounsou
Juba (Djimon Hounsou) is launched comparatively early on within the movie, proven carrying Maximus throughout the desert. They wind up chained collectively of their first gladiator combat, which is one heck of a bonding expertise. It is fairly essential that he is a robust fighter, and the viewer will get that sense that he is not a violent man outdoors the world. In that sense, his calm acceptance of this enslavement and willingness to do what is critical makes him a pleasant foil for Maximus.
Certainly, Juba does not change a lot as an individual all through the movie; however, he does befriend Maximus and inform him about his circle of relatives, who’re nonetheless alive. The viewer is glad to know on the finish that he’ll have the ability to discover them, however the dialog he has with Maximus earlier about assembly household within the afterlife continues to be shifting. Together with a number of of the best quotes in the film, Juba is a strong facet character.
7 Senator Gracchus
Performed by Derek Jacobi
Crucial factor to learn about Senator Gracchus (Derek Jacobi) is that he believes within the republic. Since Commodus needs to finally dissolve the Senate and get the individuals on his facet by throwing 150 days of video games at them, Gracchus notes that “worry and marvel” are an efficient mixture for a ruler. He understands that Rome is the mob; as long as they get their gladiator fights, Commodus will basically have the ability to achieve their help, no matter what else he does.
This can be a smart previous man, and his strains are sharp. It’s all the time a pleasure to listen to him communicate, due to Derek Jacobi’s efficiency. Gracchus positive factors factors for being sarcastic to Caesar within the Senate’s first assembly with him, and extra nonetheless for his loyalty to Lucilla when she asks for his help. This man represents the politicians who really care in regards to the individuals and are not afraid to face as much as dictatorship.
6 Quintus
Performed by Tomas Arana
Quintus (Tomas Arana) has a formidable arc for somebody with so few strains. He begins the movie on Maximus’ facet, however instantly betrays him as soon as Commodus inherits the throne. It is by no means fairly clear whether or not he believes Maximus when he asserts that the emperor has been murdered, however Quintus appears to know that, as a high-ranking navy officer, he must comply with Caesar’s orders both approach. Even when Maximus asks him to guard his household, Quintus informs him that he will not.
Nevertheless, what actually makes Quintus compelling is how he switches sides but once more within the closing duel between the emperor and the previous common. When Commodus is and not using a weapon and Maximus is staring into house, at loss of life’s door, Commodus pleads for a sword from the encircling troopers. But Quintus orders them to “sheath your swords,” permitting Maximus to get his revenge. It’s so satisfying to observe, completely finishing a redemption arc that provides one other layer to the story.
5 Antonius Proximo
Performed by Oliver Reed
First, Proximo (Oliver Reed) is humorous. One of many first instances we see him is when he complains to a service provider about being bought ineffective giraffes that will not mate. It is clear that this man has no endurance for getting screwed over, and bargaining over slaves and animals all these years has considerably hardened him. Curiously, the previous man will finally inform Maximus that he was as soon as a gladiator himself and was freed by Marcus Aurelius.
As a gladiator coach and Maximus’ proprietor all through many of the movie, Proximo proves helpful to the previous common beneath his command. As nice a warrior as Maximus is, Proximo lets him know that killing all people in sight is not sufficient; it is advisable to win the group as properly. His character deepens the extra we get to know him, and his willingness to sacrifice himself for Maximus exhibits that he’s extra noble than the viewers first thought.
4 Marcus Aurelius
Performed by Richard Harris
Marcus Aurelius (a exceptional Richard Harris) does not final very lengthy, however he’s round for lengthy sufficient for the viewers to each perceive why he was so revered by Maximus and why he’s additionally as complicated as anyone else. Whether or not he’s chatting with his daughter or his son, we very a lot get the sense that this smart previous man is wiser than he was. He clearly failed as a father, one thing he admits to each his kids (with completely different ranges of affection).
Maybe most compelling is Aurelius’s relationship with Maximus, whom he loves as a son. The scene wherein he tells Maximus that he would be the subsequent Caesar is fantastically acted, as is the half when Aurelius tells Commodus the identical factor and winds up getting strangled. If Richard Harris hadn’t been plausible as a well-regarded previous man with a number of regrets, the opposite main characters’ motivations would have fallen flat. Fortunately, he places in an exquisite supporting efficiency in considered one of the best Ridley Scott films with formidable acting.
3 Lucilla
Performed by Connie Nielsen
Lucilla (Connie Nielsen) is Marcus Aurelius’ daughter, and the 2 of them have an appealingly sophisticated relationship. She additionally has historical past with Maximus, who remembers her as somebody who’s tough to belief. Now that they are older, although, they’ll at the very least bond over the truth that they every have a son who’s almost eight years previous. Moments like when she tells Maximus he was by no means good at mendacity add depth and specificity to her character, in addition to an intriguing backstory.
Connie Nielsen additionally does glorious work in exhibiting Lucilla’s political savvy, because the viewers has to imagine that individuals like Senator Gracchus and her father take into account her spectacular. Then there’s her motherly instincts, and the way in which she has to take care of her brother. There are lots of sides to Lucilla, a personality who is aware of she has to comply with Commodus on the floor and nonetheless tries to begin a coup towards him. Her complexity and emotional vary resonate with the viewers, who roots for her happiness.
2 Maximus
Performed by Russell Crowe
Russell Crowe gained an Academy Award for his flip as Maximus, and it is not arduous to see why. The viewers respects him from the beginning, as the final instructions our consideration. He’s a person regarded amongst his troopers and held in extraordinarily excessive esteem by the emperor of Rome. When he refuses to take Marcus Aurelius’ place, the viewers simply pertains to his easy want to return to his household and stay a easy life. When his household is killed quickly after, we would like vengeance nearly as a lot as Maximus himself.
Crowe performs Maximus as a person of comparatively few phrases. He’s calm, however one can see in his eyes a gradual and fierce dedication to get again at Commodus for killing three individuals he cared so deeply for. Alongside together with his humorousness, his evolving relationship with Lucilla, the friendships he makes throughout his enslavement, and his thrilling prowess in fight, Crowe places in a perfect heroic performance for a personality who retains us enthralled your entire time.
1 Commodus
Performed by Joaquin Phoenix
Some films can solely be nearly as good as their antagonists, and Gladiator passes that take a look at with flying colours. Joaquin Phoenix was rightfully nominated for his terrifying efficiency as Marcus Aurelius’ son, Commodus, and it would not have been shocking if he had gained. Although Phoenix has super vary, he’s largely recognized for taking part in psychologically troubled and intense characters—and this movie is likely one of the major explanation why.
There’s lots happening in these eyes, and it is all troubling. The lust for his sister, the determined want for acceptance (and ensuing bitterness) from his father, the insecurity, the jealousy in the direction of Maximus, the love and envy of his nephew, the ambition to rule with absolute energy—all of them come by Phoenix’s nuanced and disturbing interpretation of this character. A person who exudes tragedy each time he speaks, Commodus is well considered one of the greatest Ridley Scott villains and arguably probably the most fascinating character in Gladiator.
