FIRST TIME WATCHING *Gladiator*

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Movie reaction, Movie Commentary, First time watching, Movie Review, tv reaction
Synopsis: Commodus takes over power and demotes Maximus, one of the preferred generals of his father, Emperor Marcus Aurelius. As a result, Maximus is relegated to fighting till death as a gladiator.

[@TheRedPeril]

The “I shall have my vengeance” speech is fabulous. Some of the best lines in a film, ever!

[@christianbrienesse]

One of the best movies ever and really love not just the “My name is Maximus Decimus Meridius” part but also “who will help me carry him.” Such a great film.

[@eXcommunicate1979]

He was a SOLDIER OF ROME.... honor him.

[@benjaminroe311ify]

​@@eXcommunicate1979 That's my 2nd favorite line in the movie with a lot of awesome lines. My first favorite. "I will see you again... but not yet. Not yet".

[@lbds954]

Oliver Reed was phenomenal in his role as Proximo. When he's reminiscing about his glory days in the arena, he isn't just acting the part... he *becomes* it. So tragic that he died during filming and didn't live to see the acclaim he would receive for the role. I'm still baffled they managed to finish his final scenes with CGI. You can just about see it when he speaks to Maximus in his cell shortly before his character's death, but it was expertly done for a film that came out in 2000. God, I love this film.

[@samuellascari8056]

I didn't know that. Wow

[@not-joshua]

Great explainer

[@dawnburris6412]

I had NO IDEA!! 😮

[@filymerc8738]

he also arm wrestled a bunch a military dudes in a bar and beat them all lol

[@themourningstar338]

@@filymerc8738 That and drinking an insane amount of alcohol at the pub is what made him literally drop dead. Gotta give the guy props though, he was hardcore. What a crazy way to die lol.

[@colonelb]

I saw this in the theatre and it has always been one of my favorites. The acting, the soundtrack, the writing, everything was just top notch. The coliseum was a technological marvel - they had underground pumps that could fill the arena with water so they could hoist in boats and re-enact naval battles INSIDE the stadium. That'd be next-to-impossible to build TODAY, much less almost 2000 years ago. Like most good stories, Gladiator was based partially in truth: Marcus Aurelius did die in his tent on the battlefield of unknown causes, and Commodus really was the arrogant douchebag tyrannical son of Marcus Aurelius who was assassinated (although in real life he was assassinated in the bathtub).

[@zeddgaming1337]

the fact that i was hating the actor phoenix whenever i was watching him in a film cause of that role, just made me after a couple years and i grew up realize how good actor he was, he played that role flawlessly kudos

[@BigGator5]

"Are you not entertained?" Fun Fact: After Maximus shouts that line in the Zucchabar scene, you can see a crew member in jeans and a white t-shirt in the stands on the extreme left. Genuinely Merciful Fact: Joaquin Phoenix ad-libbed his "Am I not merciful?" scream. Connie Nielsen wasn't expecting it, and her frightened reaction was genuine. Home Sweet Home Fact: Maximus' description of his home (specifically, how the kitchen is arranged and smells in the morning and at night) was ad-libbed. It's a description of Russell Crowe's own home in Australia. Heartbreaking Fact: Oliver Reed died three weeks before principal photography ended. Because Proximo was considered a key character, a clause in the movie's insurance contract would have allowed the filmmakers to re-shoot all of Reed's scenes with another actor at the insurer's expense, about $25 million. However, most of the actors and crew were exhausted from the punishing schedule, and Ridley Scott did not want to cut Reed from the movie. The script was rewritten, and a body double and CGI were used to give Reed's character a plausible resolution.

[@antoinetteserrano3082]

This is one of those movies that will stand the test of time. Beautifully executed.

[@minifig_studios]

This movie has my favorite line in any movie ever. “My name is Maximus Decimus Meridius, commander of the armies in the north, general of the Felix legions and loyal to the one true emperor, Marcus Aurelius. Father to a murdered son. Husband to a murdered wife. And I will have my revenge in this love or the next one.

[@paratus04]

Good ear! The reason the music sounds like Pirates of the Caribbean is because Hans Zimmer invited composer Klaus Badlet to come live and work with him around 2000. They worked together on both the scores for Gladiator and Pirates along with a number of other movies.

[@crownprincesebastianjohano7069]

As you mention, Sebastian, for a time the Emperors chose an adult heir and adopted them. The period between 98 AD through 180 AD was known as the adoptive era Nerva-Antonine Dynasty, or the Adoptive Emperors. During this period in Roman history, since the time of the Emperor Nerva in 98 AD, Roman Emperors adopted men of great ability and leaderships skills as heirs. There was no hereditary succession. Nerva adopted Trajan, who in turn adopted Hadrian as his heir, who in turn adopted Antoninus Pius on the condition that he in turn adopt both Marcus Aurelius and Lucius Veras as his heirs. So this adoptive succession of the best man went on from 98 AD to 180 AD and is considered Rome's greatest era; the golden era of Pax Romana. Whereas Marcus Aurelius is well remembered and esteemed as the epitome of the philosopher king (emperor) and successful general, his greatest error was not adopting a new adult heir (as is implied with Maximus) and allowing his want of a dynasty to end the adoptive system. The real Commodus was also not worthy of the throne and his misrule set the stage for longterm instability in the Empire known as the 3rd Century Crisis and in the more immediate sense ushered a period of civil wars that lasted for over a decade following his own death in 192 AD.

[@giovannib27]

Thanks for the history lesson 🫡

[@emilkarlegrund8800]

3:50 If memory serves me right, I think that's the original Dumbledore (from the first movie).

[@maanuutjj]

You are right!

[@kpcraftster6580]

yes that is Richard Harris

[@ahsokafan8959]

Yes, that was the happy grandpa version of Dumbledore as Marcus Aurelius. Michael Gambon played the grumpy stern Dumbledore after Richard Harris passed away. I preferred Richard Harris’ Dumbledore and he was a very wise, regal Marcus Aurelius.

[@lbds954]

Oh, and if you were wanting more gladiator-themed films or shows... you can do no better than the Spartacus TV series! It's bloody, well-written, action-packed, raunchy, and just absolutely epic. There aren't nearly enough reactions to it nowadays, and it's criminally forgotten for how good of a show it was.

[@nicolbolas8758]

YES only few reactors had balls to do Spartacus

[@acdragonrider]

The original Spartacus, HBO’s Rome and Netflix’s German production Barbarien

[@jasongarcia1886]

There's also a movie called the Eagle it has a small Gladiator scene and tells a good story

[@blackhoneyblossom]

Fun fact: Hans Zimmer wrote the music for this film, when he was asked to write the music for Pirates of the Caribbean he handed it over to one of his employees who basically just sampled The Gladiator soundtrack and made the melody famous :D

[@Sundowner13]

Now, you need to watch 300

[@BigHossChris]

Yes!

[@ws1814]

300 is trash.

[@Sundowner13]

@@ws1814 well now he's seen it and he loved it so...

[@priscillas4722]

One of my favorite movies for sure! The fact that the main characters would go on to play the roles of Wonder Woman’s mom, Superman’s dad and the Joker! 🥰🥰 Definitely recommend 300 and Troy, if you haven’t already seen. 🙂

[@defunctus408]

Troy (2004) with a stacked cast including Brad Pitt, Orlando Bloom, and Sean Bean (find out if Sean's character survives this movie).

[@annemignano]

My dad and I always watched this. My mom told me about it, and when I was old enough to watch it, my dad sat down with a big bowl of popcorn with me. He passed away in high school, so all the earlier movies from the 1990s and in the early 2000s before he passed in 2009, have been the best ones I say to watch for sure

[@jonathanwelchbmnc7615]

He did a good job as a dad in this department of fatherhood. I do the same with my children.

[@annemignano]

@@jonathanwelchbmnc7615 any man can be a good father i say. It what lasts in memories:) He may not have liked the lord of the rings, but he would always watch them with me when I was in the mood :)

[@jonathanwelchbmnc7615]

@@annemignano 😁

[@laurak-e8797]

So happy you reacted to this. This is one of my top 5's. Also, the music sounds like Pirates of the Caribbean 'cos it's the same composer - Hans Zimmer. Many of his themes sound similar - not to say they're not amazing.

[@nickharris5231]

Not to mention this preceded Pirates by 5 years or so.

[@deanna9808]

Klaus Badelt also deserved significant credit here. Zimmer was asked but he was scoring The Last Samauri at the time, so he wrote several broad themes for a demo with Badelt, who then composed the bulk of it. But also, the schedule was so tight that seven other composers also worked on the orchestration.

[@lordmortarius538]

Seb, maggots were used in those times to _clean_ wounds, because they only eat the dead flesh. You don't see maggots in live bodies normally because flies don't lay eggs on you :P

[@dubbleplusgood]

If you're into reacting to TV shows, I haven't found too many reactors doing Spartacus yet. Great show from a bit over 10 years ago on Starz. Plus it has an incredible prequel as good as its main series. The recommended order to watch it is at it was released (list below). Be warned, it doesn't hold back on the gore and explicit scenes but if you can hack it, it's a helluva ride. Great writing, quotes, action, characters, sets, drama - everything. I will admit the 1st couple episodes are a bit dicey but from #3 on it gets epic. - Spartacus: S01 - Blood & Sand | (13 eps) - Spartacus: Prequel - Gods of the Arena | (6 eps) - Spartacus: S02 - Vengeance | (10 eps) fyi, a different actor plays the lead who died IRL after S1 - Spartacus: S03 - War of the Damned | (10 eps) I really hope you'll consider checking it out.

[@silver-etoile6587]

agree! The first few eps of season one are fumbling to find their footing a bit but it gets so good after that, and there are great character arcs and growth as it goes on with a pretty tight plot along the way. The actor change takes some getting used to but it was unfortunately necessary. I wish more people would react to it.

[@brycebrucymink1054]

You need to watch the Count of Monte Cristo. The actor that plays Cesar is in that movie along Henry Cavill. Really good revenge plot in it.

[@mr.stryker7769]

The soundtrack sounds like pirates of the Caribbean because pirates was actually based off of this soundtrack. The composer Hans Zimmer didn’t have enough time to finish Pirates so he got his student Klaus Badelt to finish it with Gladiator as baseline

[@MrMerkzz]

This is in my top 3 for movies, absolutely unbelievable.

[@MauiRs]

one of my favourite films of all time :D honestly love you r reactions. Always put a massive smile on my face. Thankyou for everything you do

[@kathleenclark815]

Yes that is the original Dumbledore. Richard Harris

[@MarkArandjus]

In the extended cut, there's a scene where Commodus executes two soldiers because they didn't tell him about Maximus' escape, much to Quintus' disapproval, that's why he turns on him at the end.

[@floppsymoppsy5969]

If you like this you would probably love The Count of Monte Cristo. Richard Harris plays a great character

[@sirjohnmara]

Everything is TOP TIER. First movie I checked out who made the music: Hans Zimmer and Lisa Gerrard.

[@slchance8839]

"I will see you again. But not yet." Even the first time you see it, you know he's going to say "But not yet"....and it still knocks me off my feet when i hear it.

[@sharonjoan1970]

Joaquin Pheonix as Commodus in Gladiator and Doug Hutchison as Percy in The Green Mile are the 2 most hated despicable villianess characters ever...

[@shainewhite2781]

Winner of 5 Oscars including Best Picture.

[@ReklawLah]

The maggots were actually applied to clean the wound and eat any rotten flesh.

[@boffgirl]

I was 8 when this came out and my dad was like "oh you got to watch this." 8 year old girl seeing heads chopped off etc. But i loved it and absolutely loved listening to the soundtrack

[@evill01]

Maggots are actually used to disinfect wounds

[@connorjones7241]

This used to be my favorite movie. While I still think it's an amazing movie, it doesn't have the rewatch value for me after seeing it so many times. Story is very good; acting is great; the cinematography is slightly dated - gives Ben-Hur vibes.

[@getshwifty3101]

I haven't seen anyone comment it, and maybe you looked it up afterwards. But yes, the Emperor IS played by the OG Dumbledore.

[@Scottred77]

"I'd much rather live in 2022 with Calpol and Plasters" 😂😂 Best thing I've heard all day, well said Seb 😂😂

[@hesentdex]

Such a classic, this movie was so good.

[@seanwallace89]

It's my fav movie. Maximus epitomizes the man I have always admired most.

[@user-qh2us7ky1p]

Spartacus (1960) 👍 Ben-Hur (1959) 👍 El Cid (1961) 👍 Helen of Troy (2003)👍 Joan of Arc (1999)👍 Taras Bulba (2009)👍 Ogniem i mieczem (2001)👍

[@nicolbolas8758]

spartacus tv show

[@B_B-420]

"Again, is it a multiple people one? Hordes of them fighting, not 1on1 yet." There were actually a variety of different events during games at the Colosseum. The Romans loved "historical reenactments" most of all. Like the Battle of Carthage in the film. Maximus was just supposed to die with all the other gladiators, because they were playing the part of the "barbarian horde" that lost the Battle of Carthage. The Romans would even go so far as to flood the entire floor of the Colosseum sometimes and have massive naval battles.

[@MikeWood]

I saw this when it first came out. Even now, many years later, "He was a soldier of Rome: Honour him" gets to me. 300 is really good, but Gladiator is on another level.

[@Daniel_hAmIlToNMuSIcAl]

3:46 you are right Seb, it is the og Dumbledore, Richard Harris.

[@K-FLO-]

This was the first rated R movie my parents let me see with them at the theater. I was 12. Good memory, great movie.

[@SVENmachine]

I loved this movie when it came out. I still watch it from time to time as I age, and always notice different things about it.

[@TurtlesC4nFly]

No matter how often I watch this movie, I always cry at the end, it's a masterpiece!

[@michaelcloer82]

I love these reactions!!!

[@nateeller2748]

You are right! This film is different than modern-day movies, it's actually good!

[@1dudecrush]

God damn, that has got to be one of the most gratifying revenge stories ever shown on screen

[@memelord7567]

I remember watching this movie when I was like 6 with my mom, I genuinely don't remember it being that brutal

[@mattieporter1458]

Gladiator is a great movie 🎥👌👍👏

[@EskimoPablo907]

Before diving into this I'd like to thank you for sharing it with us. I have never seen this film so this is my chance. Thank you, Earkle.

[@fabulouswondermama]

The actress who plays Lucilla is Connie Nielsen she is Wonder Woman's Mother in the movies

[@nitrospeed1319]

What a great movie. Keeping up with the historical theme, you should watch Troy next!

[@kirapiazzi]

omg yes please, i love that movie so much!

[@omanipadmeum7319]

Almost everyone thinks that the thumbs up means that the defeated gladiator gets to live on. However, it is the absolute opposite. With the raised thumb, which was passed by the throat as if cutting someone's throat demanded "DEATH". The clenched fist, with the thumb laid on, was the sign for "GRACE". The final decision, however, lay with the Emperor, who mostly agreed with the opinion of the audience.

[@kpmac1]

I have 4 favorite movies and this is one of them. Fantastic film. I still think Phoenix was robbed for not winning an Oscar for his performance.

[@zacpasley5741]

Wonder Woman's mother was Roman and not an Amazon;)

[@paulieluppino1856]

22:06 .....And this is how the like button came to exist.....

[@Capt_Hangry]

You should react to more movies that are 15+ years old -The Commitments (1991) -The Rock (1996) -The Great Escape (1963) -Demolition Man (1993) -The Blues Brothers (1980) -Young Frankenstein (1974) -The Mummy (1999)

[@venusmonje9827]

Spartacus is also an amazing gladiator series, I think any gladiator movie or show is great tbh

[@zammich3649]

This movie is REALLY good. It has a bunch of historical inaccuracies, but it's so internally good despite those that it doesn't even matter.

[@kuma3728]

BAE WAKE UP NEW SEBSCREEN JUST DROPPED

[@marianchicago4002]

You are right, the actor that plays Cesar is the original Dumbledore, and this is Hans Zimmer, he did the Pirates of the Caribbean too. I know Keira Knightly kept it a secret she was in the pirates movie, because she was embarrassed about it and thought it was gonna be a huge dud at the box office, I believe other actors in the movie didn't brag about it either. It's speculated Hans Zimmer reused some of the Gladiator soundtrack because he was "mailing it in for a paycheck", didn't expect many people to watch it. The actor that played Proximo actually died before they finished shooting the scene they had planned for him, so his death scene is actually CGI I believe.

[@LordVolkov]

In the realm of Ridley Scott historical epics, I much prefer Kingdom of Heaven's director's cut (or the Roadshow edition) over Gladiator. Both are told excellently, but I much prefer a story of bravery and duty over revenge.

[@acdragonrider]

Both are really good but I agree. I love kingdom of Heaven the most

[@paulieluppino1856]

29:17 .....Chibs!!....NOOOOOOOOO!!!! .... (well, that's a downer....)

[@kayt4606]

I love how you said, "this sounds like Pirates of the Caribbean music"; both soundtracks were written by the same composer 😂

[@jamesalexander5623]

This film is based on Roman History. Most of the characters were historical fugures. It's plot is also simillar to the Epic 60's Film "the Fall of the Roman Empire" ( No CGI and a Cast of 10's of Thousands and Massive Real Sets! ).

[@115redhair]

Gladiator is easily on my top 5 of all time...

[@MRSNIPER1730]

Correct that was the og dumbledore actor

[@ethangrubb2857]

I'd also recommend watching Troy if you already haven't already.

[@slchance8839]

it took me 2 decades to realize one of the themes of this movie: Maximus's philosophy vs Proximo's philosophy: Maximus: "What we do, echoes in eternity." vs Proximo: "We mortals are but shadows and dust." Maximus believed in the nobility of man even though he's never seen it (never been to Rome ) Meanwhile, Proximo believed in the nothingness of man (aka nihlism) and as such, he worshiped the great nothingness that is applause. He believed you are only free after death ...your own or other men. In the end, Proximo had the biggest arc ("Proximo, are you in danger of becoming a good man?") as it would hard for a man who's lived as harsh a life as proximo to see the other side after so many decades of living in a sh1thole.

[@collyTan0613]

300 is epic!!

[@jasongarcia1886]

If you want to see more Gladiator stuff then you should check out the Spartacus series and the movie The Eagle

[@thomasmartyn65]

Hey Seb, hey everyone, hope you’re all doing well! 😊

[@Hakkar6993]

7:53 Holy shit I knew his face was familiar lmao

[@rodrigofoli]

Hans zimmer as always a genius

[@ConstantineJoseph]

Actually Maximus did not die. If you look carefully as Connie Nielsen uses her hands to cover his eye, his eyelids blinked. Which means that Maximus wanted to go into hiding, retiring from public life by pretending to die

[@BigCMiner]

Seb notices Van Gogh from dr who but not the master 13:50

[@maanuutjj]

It sounds like pirates music because it is the same composer; the legend Hans Zimmer 👌🏼

[@TakNaMarginesie]

18:40 I'd like that in this one they don't used "Ave Ceasar! Morituri te salutant!" but kept rule that Latin is English.

[@rahulshome2758]

Gladiator was the second highest grossing film worldwide in the year 2000. In May 2000 the film was a monster box office success. To this day one of the best films ever made and 23 years later still holds up great. The visual effects and cinematography are great. The performances are memorable. ❤

[@thephenome1462]

Well, if you want more gladiator action, the series Spartacus is probably the next best thing. Epic fight scenes, great story, and some great acting work along the way. Can't recommend it enough.

[@Sharperog]

@SebScreen, you defiantly need to watch, "Never Back Down", 2007

[@kilianalexander2736]

I think this might be the first movie I ever saw Djimon Hounsou in. Either this or Beauty Shop lmao

[@fredEM120]

If you know anything about roman emperors you would know that one of the most dangerous thing is acclamation. If youre loved enough you can be declared emperor by the troops and directly challenge the ruling emperor

[@willcool713]

The industrial quality control of uniforms, gear, and weapons was probably intimidating as hell in those times, not to mention the organized tactics, formations, and long-term strategies. The Romans must've been terrifying, inhuman seeming.

[@ursula3753]

Since everybody (including me) is in Avatar (the way of the water) fever I thought I could recommend the first movie to you. So If you haven‘t watched Avatar u should totally check it out it‘s amazing💙

[@TheOctaviusLee]

Respect, a fellow Stoic that follows the teachings of Marcus Aurelius, I'll sub to that.

[@jessicahedman3048]

Colosseum was a great amphitheater of its era!

[@grking01]

Pompeii is a gladiator movie starring Kit Harington (John Snow from GoT)

[@impek667]

22:07 this expression by Joaquin Phoenix never ceases to amaze me

[@shevonneworley9631]

One of my all time favorite movies. So epic and well done by every one. All the actors did a marvelous job in this movie.

[@opheliaretardanta8348]

Loved this film ever since my dad showed me this movie I appreciate it so much and was what inspired him to visit the actual colosseum in Rome this summer with me ❤

[@benjaminroe311ify]

This one probably is my favorite of all time yes.

[@craigchalloner153]

Took me years to realise Brakkus is the voice of In the Night Garden.

[@nikoszaxaris2895]

2:10 it sounds like pirates of the caribean cause it is. the pirates theme is actually a reused sample from this movie

[@Arjay404]

The reason they kill the family is so that there is nobody left to try to avenge their loved one.

[@user-kc7vw5co9u]

parts of the score are very similar to PotC, because Klaus Badelt (Composer of PotC1) was given very little time to compose the pirates score, he couldn't make it, so he got help from a number of other composers, one of which was Hans Zimmer who composed Gladiator, and Zimmer composed the main themes for the first pirates film, while Badelt with the others composed the rest, after that Zimmer went on to compose the scores for the 2nd, 3rd and 4th Pirates film. after this elaborate explanation, it sounds similar but it is different though, but a composer can off course reuse his own material just like James Horner did and Thomas Newman does

[@pyrettablaze86]

A favorite of mine for 2+ decades now. Thanks Seb 🥰

[@RayHardman7567]

If you want gladiators, watch Spartacus. Dare say first season is the best, but the battle in the finale was amazing. Only bad thing about it, I don't think KZbin would allow it.

[@orla2274]

If you didn't know purple also needed urine to be made and the makers of the dye actually had to taste the mixture to make sure everything was in check. Also when dyed,the clothes retain that piss smell so purple and the people wearing it stunk