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The Romans, led by their studly general Maximus, are getting ready for one more battle with the genuinely fearsome Germanic tribes. But the prospect of peace remains present. The deadly battle is won by the Romans with ease while Marcus Aurelius, the emperor, watches on. Marcus Aurelius and Maximus converse after the battle. They are obviously old friends. Later that night, Marcus Aurelius tells Maximus that he wants him to be in charge after he passes away. He is convinced that Commodus, who lately arrived in Germania with his sister Lucilla, should not be in charge. "Not a moral man," he says. Maximus decides to consider his options. Commodus is informed that he won't succeed as emperor in the interim. He smothers his father in a hissing fit of wrath and despair, then lies about it. Maximus only has a vague suspicion that something bad has occurred, but Commodus has him captured and taken to be killed before he can gather his forces and carry out justice. It's unclear why Commodus has him in custody. but it unquestionably has to do with the fact that Commodus is aware that Maximus has suspicions (it's the tried-and-true get rid of your enemies and the evidence tactic). Anyway, Maximus defeats his executioners and immediately flees to Spain (where he lives). However, Commodus comes up with the idea first. Maximus' family had already been slain by Roman Praetorians. Maximus is inconsolable. After burying his family, he collapses. He is picked up by a slave caravan, and when he awakens, he is in the middle of a desert. He is soon revealed to be in Africa, far from the Roman Empire. He is purchased, along with the other slaves, by Proximo, a slave-owner and performer. Maximus declines to engage in combat at his first training session at Proximo's home/camp. We have the idea that he simply intends to wait around until he dies, ending his suffering. When he is forced into the arena, everything changes. He makes the decision to stand his ground and ultimately stands out. Commodus, meantime, returns to Rome and enters as a "conquering hero," according to Senator Gracchus. In his first encounter with the Senate, Commodus makes it quite evident that, despite his pretense of caring about the populace, he is only interested in gaining power. Commodus and the senators are connected by Lucilla, who is aware of what actually transpired with their father. Commodus intends to hold a series of gladiator matches in memory of his late father in order to honor him and provide the populace with the spectacle they yearn for and desire. Commodus is aware that he must take action to cement his power. Maximus triumphs in another significant fight back in Africa. He angrily flings a sword into the audience while yelling, "Are you not entertained?" It is obvious that he is not pleased with how things have turned out. It's amazing. Russell Crowe is indeed frowning the entire time. Proximo reveals to him that he, too, was once a gladiator and that Marcus Aurelius freed him from slavery. He also informs him that they will be competing in Rome. Maximus is good, he knows, but he could be great. He also advises him that winning over the masses is the key to obtaining his release. In ancient Rome, personal branding was also very important. Rome welcomes the caravan of gladiators. A recreation of a Carthaginian battle serves as their first contest. They are supposed to portray the losers, but instead they eliminate the competition. Commodus, who is ecstatic, descends to greet the illustrious Spaniard, who is now known as Maximus. Maximus is shown to be the Spaniard, and the two engage in an odd argument. Maximus vows retaliation as Commodus expresses incredulity. Maximus is already well-liked by the public, and Commodus is unable to murder him since doing so would be political suicide. Later that night, Lucilla pays a visit to Maximus because she sees a glimmer of hope in his survival. He doesn't want to talk to her... he believes she participated in Commodus'plans. She requests a meeting with a senator; he declines. He has no desire to support Rome or her schemes. When we next see him, he is once more engaged in combat in the arena, this time against a well-known gladiator who has come out of retirement and four enraged tigers. Yes. Tigers. Again, Maximus prevails. Russell Crowe's frown has now amassed several billion points at this time. Commodus pays him another visit and makes an effort to enrage him. He celebrates the passing of Maximus' kid and wife, but Maximus rejects the offer. He only states, "Highness, the period for glorifying oneself will soon come to an end." After leaving the arena, Cicero, Maximus' previous aide, runs into him and presents him with a few miniature figurines of his family. Cicero receives a message from Maximus inviting him to come and find him soon (basically telling him to appear at the gladiators' quarters so they can talk more). Commodus is extremely enraged with Maximus and the audience. He is aware that he cannot simply murder Maximus. A rare sea snake that waits in wait even as its adversaries eat it is described to him by his senatorial aide. Commodus will act similarly. In the interim, he orders every senator to be followed since he's a sweaty, paranoid jerkbag. Cicero sees Maximus and informs him that although his unit's members are camped out at Ostia, they are ready to fight for him right away. He is given an assignment by Maximus. Lucilla is stopped by Cicero, who informs her that Maximus will meet with her senator. Maximus is visited by Lucilla and Senator Gracchus. It's really confidential. Maximus suggests a strategy: purchase his freedom so he can leave with his troops and then ride back with an army to kill Commodus and establish republican authority. Initially skeptical, Gracchus eventually accepts the plan. He is aware that there is truly no other course of action, as Commodus currently has "I am evil incarnate" written across his forehead. Maximus is turned down by Proximo. He believes the scheme will fail. Soon later, Gracchus is taken into custody. The plot needs to advance right away, Lucilla tells Maximus when she sees him again because Commodus is beginning to understand what is going on. Before leaving, she gives Maximus a kiss. Her son Lucius , who she is visiting with Maximus, has returned to the palace. When Commodus inquires as to what Lucius is doing, he replies that he is playing a gladiator and acting as Maximus, Rome's protector. Commodus inquires about him after becoming suspicious and calling Maximus the savior. He is aware of the situation. When Lucilla comes back, Commodus informs her that he is aware of a suspicious situation. and basically asks her to tell him what is happening before threatening to kill people who are closest to her. Off camera, she tells him everything. Lucilla, boo. Maximus is visited by Proximo, who releases him from his jail. Probably as a result of Maximus telling him the truth about Marcus Aurelius' murderer, he has altered his mind. The advent of Roman praetorians hinders Maximus' escape, which is helped by his fellow gladiator pals. Whoopsies. They kill Proximo, and Maximus escapes to the outside of the city limits. He notices Cicero riding a horse. He shouts forth Maximus' name before being hanged. Maximus tries to save him right away, but it's too late. Arrows are used to kill Cicero, and Maximus is arrested again. (The fastest getaway ever.) He is visited by Commodus below the Colosseum, who informs him that they will duel in the arena. Commodus stabs him in the back prior to the combat and instructs Quintus to cover the wound. Commodus and Maximus engage in combat, with Maximus killing him in the end. But Maximus eventually passes away from his wounds. He declares Marcus Aurelius' ultimate wish, that Rome once more be a republic, and orders Senator Gracchus' reinstatement before passing away. Rushing over, Lucilla demands that he be recognized as a Roman soldier. He meets his wife and son when he gets to the afterlife. Not the world's happiest conclusion... However, we're ready to wager that for a week or two after watching it, you'll be working out harder.