Gladiator is the story of the great general, Maximus, whom Emperor Marcus Aurelius wants to trust with the Roman Empire after his death. However, the Emperor's son, Commodus, discovers his father's plans, murders his father, and orders Maximus' death. Little does he know that Maximus escapes and returns home only to find that his family has been murdered. After being picked up by a traveling merchant, Maximus begins his new life as a gladiator.

In the beginning, Maximus was a very half-hearted warrior. He did not care if he lived or died. However, he soon discovered that it was possible to win freedom and fight before the Emperor, now Commodus, by performing well. Maximus chooses to beat all others until finally he and Commodus fight at the Coliseum in Rome. Maximus triumphs over Commodus but neither leaves the sand alive.

Director Ridley Scott really became an important contributor...