10 Finest ‘Gladiator’ Characters, Ranked
Ridley Scott is among the most well-known administrators of all time for a number of causes, and Gladiator is actually one in all 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 basic whom Marcus Aurelius (Richard Harris) plans to nominate as the following emperor. Sadly for them, Commodus (Joaquin Phoenix) murders his father and has Maximus’ household killed. The previous basic winds up getting offered into slavery as a gladiator and combating his method by way of the Roman Coliseum to attempt to get his revenge. These three characters are unbelievable, and there are different compelling characters that collectively make Gladiator one in all 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 dwell all through a lot of the movie however solely to drive the plot ahead or function symbols. Whether or not they’re totally rounded or peripheral, each member of this colourful solid 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. The most effective 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 struggle 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 struggle him, they do not precisely come throughout as buddies. 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 bought a darkish humorousness.
In Maximus’ first gladiator battle, Hagen punches a foe within the intestine along with his naked arms, picks him up, and sticks him by way of a spike within the wall. That is a type of moments that makes Gladiator one in all the most badass sword-and-sandal movies ever made, however Hagen proves himself greater than only a beast on the battlefield and a buddy 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 form, and the viewers sees that she is elevating him nicely. In that sense, he might be interpreted as a logo of innocence and youth.
Then there’s Commodus, who’s visibly envious of his nephew. The person watches Lucius sleep, pondering aloud concerning the love the boy receives from his mom and contrasting that with the dearth of affection he obtained from his personal father. Certainly, daddy points can trickle down into nephew points, which is made even worse when Lucius is discovered taking part in 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 struggle, which is one heck of a bonding expertise. It is fairly vital that he is a robust fighter, and the viewer will get that sense that he is not a violent man exterior 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 would 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 be capable of discover them, however the dialog he has with Maximus earlier about assembly household within the afterlife continues to be transferring. Together with a couple of of the best quotes in the film, Juba is a stable aspect character.
7 Senator Gracchus
Performed by Derek Jacobi
Crucial factor to find out about Senator Gracchus (Derek Jacobi) is that he believes within the republic. Since Commodus needs to ultimately dissolve the Senate and get the folks on his aspect 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 be capable of acquire their help, no matter what else he does.
It is a clever outdated man, and his strains are sharp. It’s at all times a pleasure to listen to him converse, 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 truly care concerning the folks 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’ aspect, 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 grasp that, as a high-ranking army officer, he must observe Caesar’s orders both method. Even when Maximus asks him to guard his household, Quintus informs him that he will not.
Nonetheless, what actually makes Quintus compelling is how he switches sides but once more within the last duel between the emperor and the previous basic. When Commodus is with no weapon and Maximus is staring into house, at dying’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 offered ineffective giraffes that will not mate. It is clear that this man has no persistence for getting screwed over, and bargaining over slaves and animals all these years has considerably hardened him. Apparently, the outdated man will ultimately 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 a lot of the movie, Proximo proves helpful to the previous basic beneath his command. As nice a warrior as Maximus is, Proximo lets him know that killing everyone in sight is not sufficient; you should win the gang as nicely. 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 outstanding Richard Harris) would 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 advanced as anyone else. Whether or not he’s talking to his daughter or his son, we very a lot get the sense that this clever outdated man is wiser than he was. He clearly failed as a father, one thing he admits to each his kids (with totally different ranges of affection).
Maybe most compelling is Aurelius’s relationship with Maximus, whom he loves as a son. The scene during which he tells Maximus that he would be the subsequent Caesar is superbly 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 outdated man with plenty of regrets, the opposite main characters’ motivations would have fallen flat. Fortunately, he places in an exquisite supporting efficiency in one in all 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 difficult 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 will at the least bond over the truth that they every have a son who’s practically eight years outdated. 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 wonderful work in exhibiting Lucilla’s political savvy, because the viewers has to imagine that individuals like Senator Gracchus and her father think about her spectacular. Then there’s her motherly instincts, and the best way she has to take care of her brother. There are various sides to Lucilla, a personality who is aware of she has to observe Commodus on the floor and nonetheless tries to begin a coup in opposition to him. Her complexity and emotional vary resonate with the viewers, who roots for her happiness.
2 Maximus
Performed by Russell Crowe
Russell Crowe received an Academy Award for his flip as Maximus, and it isn’t laborious 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 dwell a easy life. When his household is killed quickly after, we wish 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 gentle and fierce dedication to get again at Commodus for killing three folks he cared so deeply for. Alongside along 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 pretty much as good as their antagonists, and Gladiator passes that check 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 received. Although Phoenix has large vary, he’s largely recognized for enjoying psychologically troubled and intense characters—and this movie is among the major the explanation why.
There’s so much occurring 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 way of Phoenix’s nuanced and disturbing interpretation of this character. A person who exudes tragedy each time he speaks, Commodus is well one in all the greatest Ridley Scott villains and arguably probably the most fascinating character in Gladiator.
