Action/Adventure. 2 hrs. 45 min. 
Rated R for intense graphic combat.

Starring: 
Russell Crowe , Joaquin Phoenix , Oliver Reed , Spencer Treat Clark , Ralf Moeller.

Synopsis:
In the final days of Marcus Aurelius' reign, the aging emperor arouses his son Commodus' anger when he makes known his wish that Maximus be his successor. Power-hungry Commodus kills his father and orders the death of Maximus. But the latter flees and hides his identity by becoming slave and a gladiator. Eventually, Maximus journeys back to Rome to confront his archrival.