Gladiatoris one of the best epics of all time.
Of course, the words on the page can’t deliver themselves.
They all cheer, going on to win the battle.
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It’s hard for the audience not to feel stirred by the general’s speech.
No doubt his leadership skills will pay off then as well.
Then he pauses and says, “Enough of politics.
Let us pretend that you are a loving daughter and I am a good father.”
Then the scene ends, and we’re left with the impression that this is a strained father-daughter relationship.
Yet there is still much more warmth between them than between Marcus Aurelius and his son.
They both seem to be on the same page.
Instead of continuing to talk business, Ceasar suggests they venture to enjoy the evening instead.
Overall,it’s a telling line in a brief scene that’s great for character development.
He’ll bring them death, and they will love him for it."
He’ll bring them death, and they will love him for it."
Senator Gracchus is an eloquent speaker who gets his points across quickly and convincingly.
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12"He killed the man who set you free."
Maximus istelling Oliver Reed’s Proximothat he wants to kill the current emperor of Rome.
Proximo asks why he would even want that, since that man makes him rich.
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11"Live!
It’s such an intense scene, and this rallying cry beautifully emphasizes the power of the people.
10"You will meet them again, but not yet."
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On the way, he seems to hallucinate the words that he will see his family again.
This line is also a funny way of Juba telling Maximus not to die just yet.
After all, he and the other gladiators need Maximus to survive their next battles.
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It’s a fitting goodbye to a friend who helped him escape the arena.
9"Am I not merciful?"
Lucilla, visibly terrified, doesn’t answer.
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When Commodus tries to kiss her, she turns her face away.
Phoenix’s performance in particular makes this one ofRidley Scott’s best movies with the great acting.
8"He sleeps so well because he is loved."
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Lucilla doesn’t even respond directly to this statement, telling him it’s late.
What could she say, after all, to assuage him of his strained relationship with his father?
7"You have a great name.
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He must kill your name before he kills you."
Maximus was skeptical of eating his food, so the German gladiator tried it for him first.
After pretending to get poisoned, he starts laughing.
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Soon they’re all laughing together.
Then Juba explains, “You have a great name.
He must kill your name before he kills you.”
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Part of the reason why this quote works so well is because it’s true.
They would know Commodus was behind the murder, and it would make Maximus a martyr.
This quote captures that idea succinctly and compellingly.
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6"I knew a man once who said, ‘Death smiles at us all.
All a man can do is smile back.'"
In one of the final scenes, Maximus is chained up as Commodus prepares him for a climactic duel.
Commodus brings up the notion of Maximus being someone who knows no fear.
All a man can do is smile back.
‘“The stoicism of this quote sums up Maximus’ demeanor.
The emperor soon learns that Maximus is quoting Marcus Aurelius, which makes the line even more meaningful.
Wise words like these and their wonderful execution help makeGladiatorone ofthe most rewatchable Best Picture Oscar winnersof all time.
