Gladiator - Initial Battle Scene

The initial battle scene from Gladiator,which is depicted as Rome's final battle against the Germanic tribes.

[@somanytakennames]

I like the fact that the big boss of the Germanic army wasn't killed in a dramatic, overly choreographed one on one duel with Maximus. He was just unceremoniously overwhelmed by a bunch of regular soldiers and turned into a human pin cushion.

[@derrickkilmer5918]

somanytakennames agreed.

[@darkmagician2521]

It pretty much shows even if one's a leader, you shouldn't fight alone no matter how good you are. That right there is that leader's hubris for having a little too much individual pride.

[@Juliana-ZC]

this movie is very realistic in many ways. I love it.

[@jackj9816]

Alex Gu and maximus didn’t charge in the front row witch was smart he led the flank like a lot of commanders did

[@flankerpraha]

Agreed, that puts much more realism into that scene. Othe movies should make notes.

[@grant1091]

In 2000, the battle scene was shot better and more thought out than in the entire season 8 the Game of Thrones

[@jackhammertwo1]

Well back in 2000 CGI wasnt that developed or common.

[@johnlancaster7100]

@@user-fk9md2il4d Braveheart was early ninties about 8-10 years before the other 2

[@user-fk9md2il4d]

@@johnlancaster7100 Thats why i said the turn of the century man because the previous century was drawing to a close

[@johnlancaster7100]

@@user-fk9md2il4d okay got ya. I agree that gladiator was epic and in my opinion one of the greatest movies ever. Braveheart was damn good as far as movies go, albeit inaccurate as hell. Troy, at least for me was just MEH

[@user-fk9md2il4d]

john lancaster Yh Troy is definately last on that list Gladiator is number 1 for sure

[@filipstelling484]

I had the great honor to meet Charlie Allan (the leader of the german horde) at a medievil fetival in Hamburg Germany. He was performing there with his band Saor Patrol. After the show and a few beers he gave me a hug und got stuck with his mighty beard in my ringmail. I was disguised as a barbarian at that time. We had a good laugh and whenever the scene with him in Gladiator shows up, I tell everybody: "Hey! This guy got stuck with his beard in my ringmail!" 😂

[@tacitus6384]

I love that it was just normal Legionnaires that killed the enemy barbarian general. No epic duel, no ridiculous fight scene, just a normal, valiant man being overwhelmed and falling to well-trained and armored enemies.

[@mr.nibblenips4231]

I wonder if the German Shepherd was granted citizenship of Rome for his bravery?

[@TheBiakko]

Probably even got a seat in the senate

[@aleksandarstavric2226]

you are genius .... doggo will get "status civitatis "

[@apparentlyjeremy]

He justified the doggo status in Rome, since then no dogs were crucified ever again.

[@Boboexplosion]

friends of rome were very welcome in the empire

[@WhoopityDoo]

He was also granted a Nobel Prize in Science for discovering time travel, considering the German Shepherd breed didn't even come around until the 1800s.

[@Siddious09]

Now this is how you do a Cavalry charge, unlike GoT where the cavalry charge into darkness and die for nothing

[@secdeal]

cavalry charge in a forest is almost as stupid

[@Kat-jk7zq]

secdeal the trees look pretty well spread, and it helps conceal the cavalry charge

[@benjaminlundback8394]

@@secdeal you'd make a shit commander

[@motivationallizard6644]

secdeal at least they attacked the flanks and not head on into a army of 100,000 or more that will not stop trying to kill you no matter what feels no pain and will not retreat

[@grandadmiralthrawn9231]

@@secdeal That why using a cavalry charge in a forest would be effective. The tribesmen have the forest at theirs back and they believe that the only threat will come from the front. They wouldn't dream of cavalry coming through the forest behind them.

[@sunnygirlll_2001]

This scene is AMAZING. The music at the end is amazing, when he shouts "Roma Victor", also the emperor gazing him with hopeful eyes at 6:32 but also resigning ones admitting deep inside what he always thought: Maximus is the son he wanted and the one meant to be emperor.

[@dudeguyman96]

I agree. However, I think he says 'Roma Victa', Latin for essentially Rome victorious. I think this is the case due to him saying Roma, the Latin way of saying Rome. I wish the movie incorporated more Latin into certain scenes. Battle commands in the Colosseum fights would have been great.

[@FrostyGerardo-kr7xs]

The emperor sees himself having a quiet reception . His son and daughter are not even noticed. Maximus on the other hand inspires the army the backbone of Rome . He shouts and the whole army is willing to die for Maximus. It becomes clear who is favored by the gods. Sadly his son is not the one.

[@sunnygirlll_2001]

@@FrostyGerardo-kr7xs exactly!!! It's so powerful! It's brilliant!

[@giovannisantostasi9615]

It is Roma Invicta! That means Rome Invicible.

[@laslocurasdecarlomagno4662]

Rome victori .....latinium.

[@adrianoreilly8007]

That single pan shot from 2:55 to 3:05 is one of the greatest in cinematic history.

[@burhanakcil6710]

Sooo underrated. One of the best in cinema history.

[@bitcoinethereum9702]

3:42 LMAO wtf is that deaf and blind guy doing?

[@easportsaxb8057]

Gives me goosebumps every time

[@sTeelforStep]

​@@easportsaxb8057amen

[@Commander35]

@@bitcoinethereum9702he hit that fent cart a little too hard just before the battle.

[@kotk05]

I heard that dog was ranked as Centurion

[@stevastevanovic3324]

kotk05 And then that dog replaced Maximus as General of the Felix Legion!

[@kotk05]

Steva Stevanovic he's a great General but he sniffs butts

[@stevastevanovic3324]

kotk05 He's only comand is "Grrrr" barking.

[@noahsthill3756]

Steva Stevanovic that is where you are wrong he has sophisticated borders depending on all of his tail movements his ears etc.

[@noahsthill3756]

Orders*

[@ashleighwoytuik667]

"What we do in life, echoes in eternity." My favourite line from any movie.

[@c.note3133]

ashleigh woytuik i made it a tat 😬😬

[@jackj9816]

I love the one from rise son of Rome “ a brave man dies once a coward a thousand times over”

[@SyG21]

Words to live by

[@donovanb9020]

Lol Pineapple Express ruined an otherwise fantastic quote. All I see is Red, Dale and Saul fighting 😂

[@Maesterful]

@@drunkastronaut6927 Wanker!

[@Zirboman]

I know it's probably silly...but being from Rome...every time I watch this scene...it makes me proud and gives me goosebumps.

[@salvat3735]

I'm from Valencia in Spain, or Valentia how the Romans would have said. I am genetically 79% Iberian, and I find the pre-roman iberian culture and history interesting, but at the same time I am proud that we were part of the Empire. Everything in the past contributes to our identity today.

[@brunogiuntoli3382]

@@salvat3735 ‘The Spaniard’

[@markdavis7397]

SPQR

[@BlaneNostalgia]

@@brunogiuntoli3382 Spaniard! Spaniard! Spaniard!

[@ruhri0411]

@zirboman Actually, the Romans lost the decisive battle against the Germanic tribes in the Teutoburg Forest (the Varus Battle). They therefore retreated behind the Limes and made no further attempts to subjugate Germania Magna.

[@TheProject-xo6pk]

I think why Maximus is such a great character is his virtues and principles as a man. He fights not because he desires to, but because it is his duty to the empire, Rome and the Emperor himself. And he honours his duty but also because he respects his men that he desires to protect them and make sure as many of them return home as he can. And speaking of home, Maximus's true motivation in battle is his wife, son and home. When an axe flies towards him, he feels the slight fear he may never see his family again and fights back with everything he has. He is a loyal General and skilled tactician but at the root of it all, he is a man with a family and a desire stronger than anything to see them again.

[@antoniobusnengo4603]

Óooló

[@worker-wf2em]

Lol his virtues and principles as a man. What bullshit. He’s a (fictitious) general leading an army invading the lands of people who never wanted Roman occupation, slaughtering men who were actually fighting for their wives and children and the land they owned. People have made a habit of glorifying ‘virtuous’ men who were nothing more than violent, land stealing murderers who wrote themselves as heroes of history.

[@alexanderthegreat1356]

4:52 “THE ENEMY GENERAL IS SLAIN AND NOW HIS MEN FEAR US, IT IS TIME TO PRESS THE ATTACK”

[@BudgetGainsByJJ]

Megas Alexandros!!

[@invisible916]

RTW!!! hahaha

[@terrencedouglas375]

Hahaha was just thinking how I wanna play some total war

[@sushanalone]

In another timeline: 'The Enemy general has been killed by our Brave Warriors, Attack, Attack!'

[@laptv2144]

Bruh I almost just based a point in my college essay on this comment before I realized he didn’t actually say that. Damn it would really help if he had

[@filippodassori5962]

First matches between Italy and Germany before the invenction of football

[@XAVI68S]

well Maximo was spaniard but yes, Roma as italian institution.

[@r.c.1881]

The mood hasn't changed much actually

[@jackhammertwo1]

@sebbspato2 True, but for plot reasons Maximus was refered as spaniard in the movie since he was born in what is today´s Spain altough i must agree that the proper term should have been Iberian.

[@filippodassori5962]

@@JC-xi9kr Dear J.C., thanks to have answer to my comment! Seems you are very susceptible and nervous, specially considering that my comment about football was for fun. Maybe it was obvious just for smart people, but with you we have an exception! Don't worry, I love talking of history and this is a great opportunity for you to learn something :) Rome was, first of all, a city in Latium, in central Italy. It was founded in 753 b.C. (it's one of the oldest cities in Europe) and it became an empire "only" in 27 b.C.. This means that, for many centuries, Rome was first a city and then a Republic. In that period, the Italic Peninsula was a "melting pot" of many different populations, such as "Veneti" and "Liguri" in the north (ancient populations that gave birth to autonomous civilisations) Greeks in the south, Etruscans in the centre (I'm sure you know the greatness of Etruscans :) ) and many other Italic populations in the centre and in the south, including the Romans. So, first of all, history should teach you that Italic peninsula was one of the richest "meeting point" of civilisations of all human history and not, as you said, "an insignificant country" :) You're also wrong when you said that "Rome was not an ethnic people": surely it was, they had a precise consideration of themselves as a specific population of Italic Peninsula that, after, began to expand :) More than this, let me tell you that Romans had a precise idea of all the lands "at this side of the Alps" and history should teach you this. All the lands of Italic Peninsula were the first lands that composed the first Roman Republic: before the massive expansion all over Europe, Rome became the first power between Italic populations who became, year by year, the heart of Roman civilisation. In fact, Romans called Italic Peninsula (all the lands between the Alps and the bottom of the "Boot") "Italia" and they defined it as "Domina Provinciarum" ("Queen of provinces"), "Rectrix Mundi" ("World's Ruler"), "Omnium Terrarum Parens" ("Mother of all lands"). They considered the Italic Peninsula as the homeland of their civilisation. In fact, with "Lex Plautia Papiria" (89 b.C.) and "Lex Roscia" (49 b.C.) the Roman citizenship was extended by right to all inhabitants of the Peninsula. First Roman legions was totally composed by Italic soldiers and even the Pretorian guard was, in the first centuries of its existence, composed rigorously of Italics. So third error for you, since Italy was not "incidentally situated" in Roman world but, on the contrary, it occupied a prestigious and foundamental place in the formation of Roman's identity :) About this topic, I suggest you to read "Geography" of Strabone, it may help you in understanding what "Italia" meant for Romans :) I read it in ancient Greek (because I studied it for many years, with Latin of course) and I translated it, but, if you didn't study ancient Greek, I'm sure you can find copies in your mother language :) When Rome moved to other European lands, they had a precise idea of differences between "lands at this side of the Alps" and "lands at the other side of the Alps", and this is not my opinion: this is History. Of course, since Rome built an Empire, many other people began to live under Roman civilisation, contributing to enrich the Empire itself. This was the key of Rome's power but, until the end of Western Empire in 476 a.D., "Italia" had a role of prestige and prominence, which differentiated it from every region of the Empire. As I told you, you can read Strabone but also Cassio Dione, Caesar and Velleio Patercolo (just to name a few) if you want to find something about this topic :) I suggest you to read them in Latin and to translate, as I did, but if you don't know Latin don't worry, you can find copies in you mother language :) After falling of Roman Empire (476 a.D. for its Western Part) and during Middle Ages, Barbaric tribes arrived also in Italy and during the centuries lot of other populations contributed to create a "melting pot" in Europe and in Italy (and this is the greatness of European civilisation, that we are all brothers). Do you want to know something interesting? Even after the falling of the Empire, Germanic tribes in Italy maintained administrative power in the hands of Italic officials, because they had administered they own Peninsula for over a thousand years. Of course Europe is a "melting pot" of many different populations, but history should teach you (and I explained to you, also giving you historical references) that the ties between Rome and Italy were so strong that the Romans themselves granted to all Italics to consider themselves as "Romans", and this happened lot of years before the extension of citizenship to the rest of other territories. This means that Italy has the oldest ties with ancient Rome. This is testified, for example, by the fact that Italy is the country with the largest number of Roman ruins. Every modern State all over the world is composed by a large number of different ethnicities, that's for sure. And every State in Europe has collected the Roman legacy, this is clear to everyone who studied. But it should be also clear that the strongest, oldest and deepest heritage of Roman civilisation is in Italy. It's not different, for example, from the fact that England was the homeland of Britons. It was invaded by the Romans, by the Germanic tribes, by the Vikings...and it became a "melting pot". But it does not deprive England of its deeper Celtic origins. Lastly, I also would like to tell you that my "misplaced sense of justified pride" - as you said - is due to the fact that Italy has 55 UNESCO sites (first country in the world with China), that in Italy we have an environmental condition such unique that we have - from Northern Italy to Southern Italy - the largest variety of food products in the world, that we have 7000 species of eatable vegetables (first country in the world), that we have 58000 different animal species (first country in the world), that we have 1200 local vineyards (first country in the world; the second place is occupied by France with 222), that we have 533 olive species (first country in the world; the second country is Spain, with 70), 140 wheat crops varieties (first country in the world; U.S.A. at the second place with 6). We are the country with the biggest biodiversity in the world. We're historically the cruel of Western civilisation (with Greece). We have had poets like Dante and genius like Leonardo. We've had the Renaissance. We've had artists like Michelangelo, Raffaello, Botticelli, Donatello, Canova, Bernini, Verdi, Rossini, Vivaldi, Puccini, Monteverdi, Boccherini and thousands, thousands more. We've had great scholars like Galilei, like Fermi, like Marconi and thousands more, through the ages. Even the Alphabetic characters that you are using was invented in my Peninsula. Still think my pride is misplaced? And you, where are you from? :) Bye P.s.: everyone should be proud of his/her homeland, everyone should be proud and aware of his/her origins, without svalutate the others' one. But this requires a high level of education and I'm afraid you lack it.

[@martingomez5942]

marconi marconi..................you mean nikola tesla's wanna be....copy cat.......fraud.........yeah well i will not be so proud about that idiot, i just wanted to point THIS one out only, and yes obviously a kinda hate this asshole. just a personal thing.......

[@kevinkilduff2064]

One of the greatest battle scenes from one of the most iconic movies in history. A rue masterpiece of storytelling, action, character development, music and, of course, acting! Well deserving of a number of Oscars.

[@attilaamihan6196]

Starlord Vs. Starkiller Attila The Hun

[@tavellclinton9256]

04:24 Stuntman is visible.

[@lq4275]

It's good cinema but it failed to show Roman legion tactics. Roman legionnaires were much more agressive in their tactics. But then again, seeing how bad Napoleon was you shouldn't expect too much historical accuracy.

[@timwade4397]

@@lq4275 I do like the film the only disappointment is the use of the Zulu war chants from "Zulu" being used at the start

[@ActionfigureGeek]

Just that it depicts the history twisted. The germanic tribes won and kicked the flippin romans out!

[@lvbdevinelove2329]

The score from 2:41 is unbelievably eerie and powerful. The music in this movie is just amazing.

[@sunnygirlll_2001]

Frrrr! And the one at 6:32 is SO POWERFUL! I had chills

[@deskmat9874]

Mars is such an iconic piece of music, and of course Mars is the God of War!

[@shireboundscribbles]

Was good in Pirates of the Caribbean too....

[@wileysil3313]

inspired (stolen) from: kzbin.info/www/bejne/gmHFlIV5eMxjZ6ssi=hXIq_DLHBRAQqrnU&t=81

[@bryanbarnes3933]

Over 20 years later and this battle scene still looks really well done.

[@fiddleandfart]

It is! It is no less so for being now twenty years old (hard to believe!) A great film!

[@bluesoul7163]

Better than today cgis shit to be honest

[@bryanbarnes3933]

@@bluesoul7163 yeah I agree with that.

[@joestarships]

​@@bluesoul7163 there's quite a bit of CGI used in the movie Gladiator.

[@321AlterSchwede]

Its impressive made, but has nothing to do with ancient warfare. Germanic warriors did rarely attack fortified roman position mounted with catapults to get slaughtered. In the given situation the germanic warriors would have just retreatet, to force the romans to leave thier walls and catapult positions like Arminius or Kniva did in Teutoburg forest battle or the battle of Abrittus. Germanic warfare was about speed and guerilla tactics, its madness to attack roman soldiers who are heavier armoured in a fortified position.

[@Ziggis1000]

Who came here to watch a proper battle after the disappointing Battle of Winterfell?

[@naggatv6440]

me...

[@aztecaddress6356]

This wasn't a proper battle as it immediately devolved into one on one combats BUT tactics and disposition of forces were PROPERLY used.

[@entitledjew7905]

@@aztecaddress6356 stfu beta male. Go back to your Starbucks late you don't know sht about tactics you fake poser. MAGA 2020

[@ogibogi1028]

@@danielcarelli5704 We may start all with the simple fact that romans dont have cavalry and archers in the legion.And this guys with bows and horses are not auxiliaries (support troops) by the look of them :)

[@aztecaddress6356]

@Pommy Pie Absolutely mate.....I grew up watching this masterpiece long before GOT was a thing.

[@SmokeyBCN]

Coming for my daily dose of Roman Empire

[@robertrafford6068]

A Masterpiece of battle scenes. Just stunning.

[@adamndirtyape]

What I like about this is that even though we know Maximus is a great individual fighter, in the battle he both saves other soldiers from a killing blow and gets saved himself by one. Later on in the movie when he's in the Colosseum he tells the other gladiators they will have a better chance of surviving if they stick together. It really hits home that he knows no person stands alone and needs allies to win. He's a hero, but not the one-man army Hollywood usually loves.

[@TheSocratesofAthens]

After all, the Roman army's strength lay in its discipline and cohesion. Without such things, the Romans could not have left the influence that we thus inherited.

[@chelsblue7370]

@President Eden it was a major reason but not the only reason. The Romans were good administrators AND assimilators. They let the conquered peoples take their time to appreciate the benefits of Roman rule. The grandchildren were already good subjects of the Republic. This is in stark contrast with the Hellenic empires in Antiquity (Seleucids, Ptolemaids, and Pontus), which were not sufficiently good at integrating the locals and drawing them to their cause, hence, they all crumbled in the end

[@dirkbruere]

Soldiers almost always beat warriors

[@TheSocratesofAthens]

@@chelsblue7370 That's true. Many later empires used Rome as a model for integrating those newly conquered.

[@FredrikSkievan]

@@dirkbruere Teutoburg forest

[@1996jacksparrow]

Hanz Zimmer is just an incredible composer.

[@christianjulio3537]

Yeah his music strengthen this scene, so epic!

[@jeffreykalb8810]

So-so. Blatant rip of of Holst's "Mars" in some places.

[@jackjuliuslovell5464]

no he is not

[@panther15zodiacgods47]

Why do you try to diminish their sacrifice? You mean that warriors are not allowed to enjoy a glorious death? You think warriors should be depressed and full of rage only?

[@entitledjew7905]

Stfu gays

[@ravilangabriel6689]

"For you are in elysium, and you're already dead,' another Stoic reminder! I love that they had all this stoicism vibe in the main character.

[@Rockstarfrom1989]

ROMA VICTOR!!! This movie is one of the greatest movies ever. A genius historic spectaculair story that has no limits

[@ActionfigureGeek]

This movie is utter nonsense.

[@Fez8745]

One thing i liked about this scene is that the 'leader' didn't have a 1 on 1 with someone to the death, he got swarmed and stabbed by multiple people. A lot more realistic than, 1 on 1 with everyone standing around watching :P

[@IronRooRoo]

Still not realistic, the battle immediately descends into utter chaos where fighters are pairing off. The Roman legions would be in formation using their shields as a literal wall that the enemy could not get past.

[@rivolinho]

Yes. I think if this was film was made in 2016, Maximus would just have to have a 1v1 with the big German guy who throws the severed head. Oh no wait, he would also have to be a superhero too.

[@rivolinho]

+IronRooRoo True that. Everything from the armor, to the weaponry to the tactics is so nicely done in this battle its a pity they didn't stay more historically accurate with the formations. It would have great to see units fighting behind a shield wall, testudo maybe.

[@alexanderchenf1]

No, the typical formation was not used in the latter stage of Marcus's war in Germania. He revised the formation into more fractional maneuverable ones to suit the German forests. The traditional block formation was a proven defeat in the earlier stage of the war

[@yogsothoth7594]

I don't think much of this is realistic, you don't use fire arrows and siege engines in a pitch battle and the soldiers did the whole duelling thing that movies always do.

[@kewltony]

Just noticed some of the barbarians have old roman shields.

[@jackj9816]

And that’s accurate

[@rollothewalker5535]

@@jackj9816 Yup. But horned helmets are not. Neither is most of this battle, really.

[@jackj9816]

RolloTheWalker better then most haha

[@dacstudios1168]

RolloTheWalker atleast the fact that this battle took place anyway is accurate

[@uri_9158.]

Well, this battle is kinda accurate kinda not. First, they use Calvary and shit correctly. Not a dramatic 1v1 between Maximus and the Germanic General but instead killed by ordinary legionaries. Used fire, especially in a forest. And other stuff

[@philippeschockweiler2553]

02:15 I remember in cinema the wide angle shot with all the ignited arrows, illuminating the sky, was absolutely mesmerising, on the huge screen, the shot gave goosebumps, amazing sound editing, you had the impression you were there in the shot in the middle of this battle. Even if you listen to youtube to the sound with decent headphones, you can distinguish the many sound layers during the battle. what a scene, crafted to perfection. Still remember seeing it in cinema like it was yesterday... 23 years ago.

[@joshuasantana685]

If there is cinema cell to frame from this film, it would be this one

[@asellandrofacchio7263]

Flame arrows were not a thing, so it's all bullshit.

[@souptikkk]

I still remember watching this inside a dolby cinema 20 years back, exiting crestfallen and getting completely absorbed by it for the next couple of days. What an experience it was!

[@james87367]

I was 13 when I saw this at the cinema back in 2000. I not ashamed to admit it I balled my eyes out at the ending. I still remember being extremely upset leaving the cinema.

[@thesouthernvikingr5919]

1:13 "What we do in life, echoes in eternity." Fun fact: That was a quote from Marcus Aurelius himself. It's a hidden gem to see Maximus say it to his men, as it shows his respect for the Emperor (who at that time was Marcus Aurelius)

[@jameswahnee435]

Sarg. What do you call a man who unexpectedly has an organism while performing oral sex on his woman?........Gladiator.

[@TLMHaru]

@@jameswahnee435 An organism?

[@jameswahnee435]

@@TLMHaru sorry spelled it wrong... orgasm

[@daguroswaldson257]

I also like how Marcus Aurelius is worried that he might be labeled a tyrant by history when history speaks of him as one of the four good emperors. But he beats himself up too much in the film as he bashes himself for expanding the empire when he didn't expand one mile but only defended what Rome had already conquered.

[@willk1756]

"Death smiles at us all, all a man can do is smile back" - Another quote from Marcus Aurelius

[@Grivian]

6:25 I can't believe I've never thought of this before. But the reason why Marcus Aurelius looks so anxious during the battle and relieved when it is over is not because he is worried that they will lose, he is worried that Maximus will die. It is not until he hears Maximus' "Roma victor" that he relaxes.

[@matts2298]

Actually I think his reaction just tells how tired he is of the constant warfare against german tribes and deep inside he knows it'll never end.

[@Grivian]

@@matts2298 I doubt that. It is clear that the Romans will win even before the battle, the entire German army is defeated and routed at 5:00, the fighting has stopped at 6:00 but it is not until Aurelius hears Maximus' voice that he relaxes. His thoughts are far beyond this battle, this war. He is thinking about his legacy, about the future of Rome. Aurelius looks nervous throughout the battle, far more nervous than someone who has spent their life at war should be. The worst thing that could happen to him now is not a defeat, or an additional 3 months or war, but that Maximus dies.

[@matts2298]

​@@Grivian I'm sorry but you just repeated my own argument. First you are talking about this single battle, while the historical context is told even at this movie's beginning. This single campaign is already 12 years old and Marcus Aurelius had to fight them in all his life. He is tired and has learned there just can't be an infinite victory nor peace. But in your second part of your comment you talk about these things yourself so I don't know why you doubt what I've said before. You are making false assumptions with that defeat thing, because it is more than obvious that they are going to win the battle. He is not doubting for a second. He might have cared for Maximus for sure but that gesture is not about Maximus being alive. He is relieved that this single war is over finally. And as I've told he even foreshadows that it's just a beginning of a new one. And yes, after the Western Roman Empire's position had weakened in many aspects indeed it became conqured eventually by germanic tribes.

[@Grivian]

@@matts2298 I am not, perhaps you didn't read it carefully enough. Obviously he is happy that the war is over. The question is why he completely changes his expression from extreme anxiety to immense relief at 6:25. That the war is over is a relief of course, but does this battle where the outcome is clear warrant such anxiety from a war veteran? I don't think so. It is not a false assumption, this is an analysis of a movie scene, not a mathematical proof lmao. There is no question that Aurelius saw Maximus as the most important man in the empire right now, the one who could restore the republic and make sure that Marcus' contribution to the world was more than just war. Anyone who has watched the movie understands this. Nevertheless you have your interpretation of the scene, I have mine. That such a short scene can have several interpretation just shows what a great movie it is.

[@matts2298]

@@Grivian Your point is actually true that he had high hopes with Maximus restoring democracy. It is naturally totally a fiction and Marcus Aurelius had no intentions to end caesardom whatsoever with any of his generals in reality, maybe he philosophied about it, I'm not sure honestly. But in movie context he could have feared for Maximus' life for sure. IMHO this was really not the case. Maximus has surely proven at that point that he is one of the most able generals at the time, won countless of battles, also high ranking officials were not so keen on going all-in themselves and die on the battlefield. Ancient Roman warfare resembled regular imperial warfare much more in my opinion compared to middle ages for example where actual noble and royal members were part of the offense as well, where honor and moral required it. Here Maximus leads the cavalry attack himself as a general for sure, which is kind of a cringey cinematic move but clearly works, it shows his characther as a brave leader. But still itt would have been strange that the emperor fears for his life so much when this was just merely a last stronghold in a decade long war. So yes I respect your interpretation that the sign of relief is towards Maximus' survival. Again for me the higher context is emphasized much more in the movie and at that point we do not even know anything of their friendship/teacher-studen or father-son relationship, only about the long struggle the emperor had with warfare while surely it was not because he wanted to like previous conquerors, he only wanted to protect heritage and legacy. Probably wished to do totally other things in his reign being known for a wise philosopher.

[@abramswee]

"how often do you think about the Roman empire?" almost everyday,...

[@richardmapa2585]

Everyday, man. Every. Damn. Day. SPQR.💪🏼💪🏼

[@Wolfpak23]

I am proud of the germanic warriors who endured this punishment and still fought till the end.

[@RobertWF42]

The Germans fought smart: their arrow volley forced the legionaries to take cover so they couldn't throw their pila.

[@ravensthatflywiththenightm7319]

Especially the ones who stood their ground while hundreds of their buddies ran away like cowards the moment the first catapult launched.

[@ActionfigureGeek]

the germanic tribes won in real life. It was the flippin romans that run and never dared to cross Rhein river again!

[@BillionsWillDie]

​@@ActionfigureGeek They did crossed the Rhine many times during raids where they destroyed everything, even setting up client kingdoms. The Cherusci, Arminius's very own nation assassinated him and became clients for Rome.

[@Neckromorph]

And 20 years later this is still one of the best battle scenes in any movie. The late 90's and early 2000's had their stuff down man.

[@TheWest5241]

they didnt rely as much on cgi as most movie directors nowadays do

[@hypdal1982]

The best historically battles are in Alexander the Great movie

[@tacocruiser4238]

Saving Private Ryan, Thin Red Line, Black Hawk Down, Gladiator.

[@l3quack]

A set piece battle with flaming napalm balls and a rambo dog and suicidal germans.

[@motortumsc]

People were crazy for the build up while going crazy in it. Now everyone just wants to cut to the chase and get to the point.

[@mariou3656]

"STAY WITH ME" what a master piece.

[@shaunybonny688]

Amazing. This scene, this film will echo in eternity.

[@helraiser666painkil]

This whole scene in Gladiator at the start of the film is absolutely fantastic the battle is just amazing and the weapons that the Romans have compared to the German people is just unbelievable arrows spears sorwds and giant fire bombs as well is just incredible and very impressive and I absolutely love the start of the film just brilliant.

[@cheryldeboissiere1851]

I remember Marcus Aurelius was very sad about this war, which I think was thirty years older than he was...

[@henkmeerdink2088]

Giant firebombs.... in a forest, in Germany, on campaign... gotta love Hollywood. Oh, you forgot the fire arrows...

[@carlogambacurta548]

i wonder if it is true.

[@willietorben560]

@@carlogambacurta548 Probably not; there were lots of such pitched battles against the Gauls but that was earlier. The Germanic wars were mostly the Germans avoiding the Romans until they had mustered enough troops for decent-sized guerilla attack or two, as the Romans retreated (because their supply lines were overstretching). There is very little in Roman sources - far less in fact thgan what we have by now found in the ground. The Romans apparently went to the Göttingen area or even the middle Elbe, there have been a few battlefields that mostly seem Roman rearguard actions, but contemporary sources do not mention those, or only in the most circunstantial terms, so nothing suggests there was any major battle in the woods, let alone a major Roman victory. There certainly was no siege train on the Germania campaigns (there was nothing there to besiege). Idistaviso is the sole major Roman victory we can really be sure about, but that was in the Weser floodplain ("viso" is "meadow). The closest thing to the Gladiator battle (setting, season, weapons) that actually happened was Angrivarian Wall, but Tacitus is really circumspect about this and while the German forces seem to have been beaten off their fort with heavy losses, the Romans did not push further east and didn't even stay in the area, but immediately retreated some 100 miles back to their fortified camps further west. (What the movie does get spot on is the abysmal conditions for fighting Roman style. In reality however, they did prevent such battles. Charging Roman heavy cavalry thru an uncharted forest in the gloom is a really really crap idea, and indeed the evidence for such cavalry ever being present in Germania in numbers is slights. Mostly they hired some German raiders to scout and protect the infantry's flanks on the march. And if you ever take the Autobahn east or northeast from Dortmund, you'll know why the Teutoburg forest is the Teutoburg Jump in Latin: you drive for an hour or so thru the most perfectly level countryside, and then there's a forested "wall" rising suddenly in front of you. Back at that time, it was essentially impenetrable. It's like that from the battle site near Osnabrück all the way down to Paderborn. For all the Romans could tell, there might as well have been dragons behind that. They went around north and south at least once, past the Weser or Fulda, but there were only more forested ranges beyond, and that was that, so they withdrew and did a triumph mainly because this time they hadn't gotten their butts handed on a platter. But nothing of value was to be gained from subduing those lands. Better to sit at the Rhine and trade Celtic knick-knacks errr "only the finest gemsmith wares directly from Lutetia" to the local yokels errr "esteemed discerning customers". And wine. Lots of wine. A people with no access to purebred yeast will drink almost anything that's not outright vinegar. In exchange for blonde or ginger bed- and fighting slaves, which went at a premium. After Augustus, the German frontier was for some 200 years mostly good for improving the Roman trade balance.)

[@carlogambacurta548]

Thanks,sir.

[@Avenus112]

What we do in life. Echoes in eternity.

[@notmenotme614]

What we do in life.... Surf KZbin and Reddit?

[@tistoni09]

ima go and kill some random people from north europe. that should echo.

[@Avenus112]

@@tistoni09 it was a line with a memorable bit of drama, that's all.

[@MTCoblivsicas12345]

@@Avenus112 it's actually a quote from Roman Emperor Marcus Aurelius from the book he wrote "Meditations"

[@MaxHohenstaufen]

I'm sure some of my farts reverberate in outter space and it will continue to do so forever

[@ToBeOrNotToBeThatIsTheQuestion]

3:43. Love how the long haired guy in the middle is just casually smiling whilst not having a clue what to do. First day of the acting job. 😄

[@domenicozauber206]

ROFL

[@dingliedangliedoodle9261]

If you look closely, you can see a lot of them, both Romans and Barbarians alike, have this grin on their face as if they are playing swordfight like lil kids, which is exactly what acting is. Since these extras are only there to fill a scene as a crowd, they don't need to be particularly skilled... but would it kill them to take it seriously, no matter how fun it might've been, they could have ruined the scene if it was obvious enough to be caught on the first watch in the theaters. How many footage might have gone to waste when they noticed theses during film editing stage.

[@vipersuphere]

Lmao looks like hes stoned af just walking through yhe battle xD

[@Retsler54]

That famous 3:43 clip. Yeah but look to the far right. Smiling Romans just watching and a barbarian just strolling. He has got a giant arrow in his chest or maybe in his shield.

[@sushanalone]

The amicable and friendly neighbourhood barbarian stereotype. I am sure his wife made some choice porridge he was bringing to share with the Romans.

[@texmex658]

Brave Heart is another movie in which the battle scenes are very well put together .

[@blacklion8208]

Fun film too, but always a film. William Wallace was a lowlander Scot and did not wear a kilt. They wore cloths similar to the English. Then again he would not have resembled a Scot fighting the English wearing a tunic covering a mail-coat in the film. ;)

[@wadatamana]

*At least the German warlord died honorably trying to defend his ancestral lands.*

[@andrewryan4417]

Why did you type in all bold?

[@Generalraam33]

@@andrewryan4417 to make it a bit more poetic, more dramatic😂

[@averageguy8974]

Uhm not really, in that instance the Germans where the one trying to invade Roman lands, not the other way around

[@Generalraam33]

That’s true Marcus aralius lead a 12 year campaign against the Germanic barbarian tribes

[@samuelcapritta1086]

"If you find yourself alone riding in green fields with the sun on your face do not be troubled for you are in Elysium, AND ALREADY DEAD." Great line

[@ip3887]

Real men facing death. All one can do is smile back. 🦸

[@themaga8379]

Notice all the soldiers laugh as this is a welcoming experience opposed to what they’re going through at the moment

[@anaussie213]

Sadly that's where his dog ends up at the end of the film (and if we ignore the sequel plans likely Maximus himself).

[@JeffreyDeCristofaro]

"At my signal, unleash hell." That line and this battle that follows gives me goosebumps every single time!!!

[@nowaydude4283]

Fun fact!: The Romans didn't believe in hell. Edit: still a badass scene though

[@spaceflight1019]

While I'm not sure of the history, isn't the concept of Hell a Judeo-Christian thing? It shows up in "300" which took place over 400 years before Christ.

[@nowaydude4283]

@@spaceflight1019 you're right but it wasn't the main religion of the empire until Constantine I showed up In the 4th century A.D.

[@arbiter8246]

@@nowaydude4283 what was?

[@nowaydude4283]

@@arbiter8246 Roman paganism (ancient Greece's gods with different name). Fun fact: planets of our solar system are called after Romans's gods. Edit: Romans's hell was the Hades as Greeks.

[@gabitex]

Superior Firepower Doctrine a thousand years before it was cool.

[@1972hermanoben]

Still smile at the barbarian extra at around 3:42, smack dab in the middle ground of the shot, with his back to the legionaries smiling broadly and just enjoying the moment 😂 And “Roma Victa” - as I’m sure many have already pointed out - means the exact opposite of what it’s obviously meant to (‘Roma Victrix’ would have been correct, but doesn’t trip off the tongue as easily nor sound quite right) For all that, a stunning opening sequence. We used to use it to demonstrate home cinema systems at a hifi store I worked at: sounds amazing in surround (we had the DTS-encoded DVD version)

[@indieroc4life]

-Quintus: " A people should know when they are defeated " Maximus: " would you quintus? Would I "

[@thestroke55w]

My favorite line of the whole movie

[@DamnControl5]

And Quintis remembered this line when Maximus fought Commodus. Quintis knew Commodus is already defeated.

[@swunt10]

especially since rome never managed to defeat germania.

[@maximiliano7828]

Gets me everytime i play aoe2

[@cristhianramirez6939]

@@swunt10 Yes they did

[@mr.hawklingiii8739]

Maximus is a great General, shouting out to his troops, reminding them he is right there with them as they charge. Also I love that smile he gives that infantryman in the middle of the battle.

[@dante666jt]

Just like Napoleon

[@USCFlash]

OP fyi: maximus is not actually a real general.

[@SteveSingsThings]

Agree but this wasn't just for morale. He was also directing their movement. A charge is a lot more devastating when focused.

[@wwallace0071]

@@dante666jt Perhaps the Greatest War Lord of all time!

[@perrythedog831]

The fact that he declined cesear’s offer in replacing him ticked me off… on a side note the music score is awesome.

[@melrodas]

I remember seeing this in the theater and the opening scene is just incredible.

[@thecaseclosedpikachufiles2446]

I was so stoked to hear that there is going to be a sequel to this masterpiece film. And yes before any on asks. YES THERE IS GOING TO BE A PART TWO TO THIS FILM!

[@dhjeew3517]

The Roman Empire was the foundation of Europe, modern institutions are based on Roman Law remember that

[@northerncalifornia3566]

Well - The Davidic Government was actually first and Imperial Rome copied a whole hell of a lot from them.

[@codysing1223]

Its not about who made up what... but who made it work. The answer is always Roma did.

[@Captain.Fantastic]

... Roman institutions, laws and religions, which were based on those of the Greeks.

[@epicjohnny4831]

take a hit'a'that

[@RA-lh9uh]

what about greece?? romans did copy paste to 90% of the things greeks did. so you say china invented apple and many other brands like nike adidas phillips....

[@roklobsta1986]

As a teenager I appreciated the aesthetic of this movie. Now as an adult I also recognise that aside from the brilliant cinematics, it also featured 4 of the greatest acting talents tp ever grace the big screen. Harris and Reed are no longer with us, Crowe was at his peak during this time and Phoenix had yet to be fully recognised for his sheer talent as an actor.

[@joebloggs8422]

Well said 👍

[@R3dp055um]

I loathe and detest Joaquin Phoenix, but you're right about the other three.

[@slowmo9642]

@@R3dp055um can I enquire why?

[@Veldtian1]

@@slowmo9642 cos he's a monumental sh*itlibber and ginormous hypocrite to boot, like all leftard whack jobs that ooze through Hollyweird.

[@Gervaj79]

@@R3dp055um Cringe

[@PEPEDEBARRO]

The bloody confussion of warfare in the ancient times, some images seem taken from the Ludovisi Battle sarcophagus. A masterpiece.

[@ETOMASSI]

The first 10-15 minutes of the movie that I always watch, even after 20-30 times, I get hooked on the screen. I don't hear or see anything else but the movie. Very well made movie.

[@Vitalclubsport]

The value of this movie has increased with every passing year, making this into one of the most genuinely formidable films ever made, cinema on an epic scale. The opening battle scene alone is Oscar worthy material, watching the Roman cavalry charge, gives one the goosebumps!

[@g.t.richardson6311]

The 2 shots of his dog though very brief also help capture the moment, running just ahead of the horses, and the big bite near the end , no need to show the other 5 take downs

[@Marvin-dg8vj]

Well the battle scenes are fun. The rest of the film is a dog

[@stephenhankey]

A bit like you...plonker !!

[@Kaospattern]

Cavalry charge in the woods is a utterly unrealistic move though. The entire battle is riddled with tactics that were not used by the Roman army... Maybe it has something to do with not deserving an Oscar

[@flensoest]

Meh, it's fine. No need to go all hyperbole

[@scarecrowman7789]

Fun fact: they filmed this battle in my town of Farnham, England! We have beautiful woodlands here

[@XXOCU]

Conquered by the Romans. Perfect location.

[@scarecrowman7789]

@@XXOCUit’s okay. We conquered the world hundreds of years later

[@XXOCU]

@@scarecrowman7789 ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh ok

[@josephbradley1903]

Look at what the romans did to it

[@tavellclinton9256]

04:24 Error alert! This is not Russell Crowe but his stunt double.

[@brianhawken]

I always find myself coming back to this scene, especially the theme at the end.

[@elmarriachi100]

Over 22 years later and this battle scene still looks really well done - PART II

[@TheHardCore89]

Marcus Aurelius is like “man, am I too old for this crap...”

[@vivek27789]

True.. Very True 😂😂😂

[@benrussell-gough1201]

Seen too much slaughter and too much destruction. Unfortunately, it is in the nature of empire that the answer to the question "Is it enough?" is always "no".

[@guillegui6487]

@@benrussell-gough1201 Meditations

[@bizybliztaverage9414]

@@benrussell-gough1201 when you're so strong the Macedonian could do nothing but lick your boots

[@dbix11]

Ah Shit, Here We Go Again

[@Avendale]

The production, the dialogue, the cinematography, the costumes, the dramatic score.. its just perfect.

[@paulmidgley8040]

Apart from the gas canister under the chariot and the bloke in his t shirt and denims the move is perfection.

[@symmetrymilton4542]

Not the costumes...at least not in this scene. With the Germans it's at best anachronistic and at worst Skyrim armor.

[@DarKKnightt07]

If it wasn't for this movie, historical period movies would have died out completely. Its help save the genre.

[@seanharris8419]

I love how the Roman formations immediately fall apart and the battle dissolves into a 1v1 shit-show.

[@EmeraldMack992]

Pullo! Formation!

[@zippyparakeet1074]

Yeah, not too accurate. Roman army at its peak had tight, unbreakable square formations with each man on the front fighting no more than 6 minutes after which he was replaced and given some water and rest so that the whole army would be able to fight for hours and hours together without falling apart

[@ManticoreRO]

@@EmeraldMack992 I am Romanian and whenever I heard the name Pullo in "rome" I cracked up. In Romanian, that words is veeery close to "dick"

[@Agent1W]

@@EmeraldMack992 Shields on me!

[@nbbistudent7]

YES exactly what I was saying previously..... Dead on. The orderly, synchronized, sequential fighting and front-line replacement tactics are what wore away at brute force and shock tactics from Germanic/Celtic troops. I love this movie, and think there are really good depictions of the soldiers are great.

[@TheSmeyer707]

at 3:08, when the hammer drops on Hans Zimmermans "The Battle" score, and you hear Maximus's "HOLD THE LINE!" echoing over the thunderous booming of the horses galloping, man that still gives me chills 22 years later

[@user-nh5vz7vr5z]

You are not alone , brother

[@_ace786]

HOLD THE LINE!... STAY WITH ME! just epic

[@crispypancetta681]

Maximus! Maximus!

[@TheDendra7]

And then the trumpets and PoC gimmicky tune ruins the scene because it doesn't fit the moment at all.

[@Whatisthisstupidfinghandle]

You need to watch this with a proper sound system. It’s magnificent

[@aj3337]

Epic. Great video to help strengthen the mind when dealing with doubt, setbacks and anxiety. Strength and Honor.

[@puretestosterone9614]

I love how the camera is just unsteady enough to capture the chaos and confusion of the battle, but not so over the top that you can't tell what's going on. Enhances the scene so much. Legendary movie.

[@Ryosuke1208]

Kind of reminds me of the initial scene in Saving Private Ryan

[@Necromonger69]

@@Ryosuke1208 That was chaotic for sure.

[@riddel-geraddel6839]

@Pure Testosterone "Perfect Analysis" of the "Visual-Balance" absolut Agree!! +Cheers from Germany+

[@Mhats]

there were many camera men and they chose the best ones,

[@KruglugBadax]

RIP Richard Harris - A truly one-of-a-kind man -- actor, writer, singer, director -- his talents are never-ending! Absolutely appreciated him in Cromwell.

[@spaceman9599]

Perfect choice for Marcus Aurelius - demands an actor with serious presence

[@zanir2387]

he was a true emperor of rome and a true headmaster for hogwarths...

[@the13thdukeofwybourne77]

A man called horse!

[@eamonwright7488]

AWAY WITH THIS POPISH IDOLATRY!

[@SCP--fj2jr]

@@eamonwright7488 *Try saying that to the crowds who admire their own respective figures in movies.* *Lets see how well you'll fair.*

[@mathiass1999]

I never think I will witness a better battle scene than this

[@andreasmller5416]

Den er helt sikkert god, mega fed. Prøv at søge herinde efter the last mohican kampene, dem vil du synes om hvis du kan li denne. Mvh Andreas

[@mathiass1999]

@@andreasmller5416 De scener har jeg skam også set, og du har ret i at de er af høj kvalitet (men romere mod germanere kan bare noget særligt haha)

[@richbutler718]

Brilliant opening scene, also so much great music throughout the film

[@jorgerp86ify]

Glad this wasn’t made like the battle of Winterfell...you can actually see the action. Calvary was properly employed for flanking, catapults were behind defensive barriers, and the arrows were actually effective. Edited for grammar.

[@halneufmille]

Just remove the silly fire arrows and other fire projectiles and its almost perfect.

[@michaelcrawford3663]

Normally I’d agree but they were in a forest. Seems like burning the trees and possibly the enemy hiding in them would be a good idea so fire arrows and fire pot artillery in this opening scene makes total sense.

[@mckanow]

Michael Crawford fire arrows do not work. It’s just something hollywood made up.

[@michaelcrawford3663]

What ? I don’t disagree Hollywood greatly hypes them up but to say they weren’t a real thing is just stupid. Like a two second google search will show you while rare they did exist.

[@mckanow]

Michael Crawford where exactly did i say they did not exist? They were used very very rarely, because they don’t work like they are shown

[@yellow13_]

As a person born and raised in Rome, this makes me cry.

[@danny-9988]

And I was born in Germania, still proud of romans hmm..

[@aceshotz5051]

As a person born in the US but has true Latin (Roman) blood flowing in my veins I cry with you

[@aidandavis6530]

cringe

[@kathyrene3586]

Alex Crow I love the Romans and their history, what made me cry was the war between the Romans and the Germanic tribe in the forest. Armenius betrayed the Romans, he grew up in Rome but he decided to be loyal to the people from his homeland Germany, I can’t stand that guy, he really hurt the Romans. The Romans did nothing wrong, but Armenius had them slaughtered and massacred like cattle!!!

[@trinacryo]

@@kathyrene3586 the Roman revenge...en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_Idistaviso

[@torontoBluejays87]

This scene aged like a fine wine. Looks better than most modern battle scenes. Pits GOT to shame IMO.

[@Sunny-day-therian]

I can't believe this was the first DVD movie I ever bought when DVD's were just coming out. And I still have it!

[@richardcwiakala]

I have watched this many times over the years and think this is one of the greatest battle scenes on film. It portrays the chaos of battle and as stated in the comments before this the fact that while a great general Maximus is not a super man and several times in this scene he avoid death with the team work of his fellow soldiers. A Roman military trait of team work and fighting as a whole unit.

[@stijnvdv2]

It's great movie action material. I also love how they show contrary to most movies with Romans that they also had ballista's and catapults, which they effectively also had. I suppose the only movie/series that actually portrays Roman battlefield tactics accurately is the serie Rome, particularly the scene where drunk Pullo is forced back into the ranks. I suppose it is not as flashy on screen. The dummest portrayal I've seen is Dragon Blade, where the Romans fought Mano a Mano.... yeah no, that were the Germanic tribes that fought that way. Quite effectively I must say coz they destroyed the Roman Falanx and occupied Rome in the early stages. It's of them that the Romans adopted the sword, Gladius, as a 2nd weapon and abandoned the to them proven to be obsolete Greek Falanx.

[@kazanat45]

Қумаш

[@michaelpielorz9283]

It `s just a cheap remake from a 70ies movie!

[@notrius7754]

@@michaelpielorz9283 no

[@giovannisantostasi9615]

It is great but the Romans would have kept formation much more in real life instead of single soldier combat. But for some reason Hollywood thinks it is more exciting to see these single fights when Romans really fought in ranks.

[@malacki6554]

Russell Crowe fighting round the world

[@Florensbond]

Malacki 655 OI DON YA INTERRUPT ME YA VAGOINA

[@Cortez1891]

Haha yeah ;)

[@jaymcd8577]

lol

[@DaytonaRoadster]

Heres a guy...WITH CANCER!

[@jaymcd8577]

@@DaytonaRoadster lol

[@heydude1112]

3:43 look at them having a nice time in war You can actually see them smiling and looking over somebody who fell down idk what it is but they are having a nice time!

[@marcosaronni6105]

Man you’re right

[@tianx9275]

If you watched this part, you will understand why there are so many well respected barrack emperors in the Roman history. Being a general doesn't mean you can sit in the back and plot, you have to get down to the thick of the fighting and dish it out like all other soldiers. Caesar had to do it, Aurelian did it, Constantine had to do it. In the battle, you are just like any other soldiers, no different.

[@carlogambacurta548]

this was one of the few nice things the romans had.you have to th same risks discomfort and finally death others had.This i respect. it was far from therelevant ideology today: you die i win.

[@Goldiney]

3:43 - Extras standing around and smiling.

[@spetznaz14]

lol well spotted, and if you look again one 'barbarian' just runs up to the Roman's and then kind walks into the crowd like 'yeah whatever'.

[@300096586]

What are you even talking about? Extras? This literally happened, it was happened to have been caught on camera 1800 years ago or whenever it occurred. Moron.

[@pristika9007]

I was looking for this comment. Reminds me of that extra at the end of "The Battle of Stirling" in Braveheart.

[@TheCanadianBubba]

Which way to craft service ?

[@steves9305]

Man, I've never noticed that until now.. LOL :)

[@christianifechukwu9865]

Respect to soldiers across the ages but especially in those times. It was so close and personal.

[@richardmapa2585]

Totally! Man-if Wars went back to being fought like this?-Face to face-Man to man..!??!.. War would be SO MUCH MORE Re-considered before ever engaging in it so Recklessly.

[@Jen-Yueh_Hu]

@@richardmapa2585 What we have today is not even real war. Hundreds of thousands died on both sides in a single engagement during WWI over a few yards of worthless dirt. Now you do not even get 100k casualties in a year. We have already become far less reckless.

[@notrius7754]

@@richardmapa2585 You know i think nukes make everybody reconsider them much more lol.

[@carlogambacurta548]

respect all soldiers of any age -but i would not be one of them.

[@carlogambacurta548]

@@notrius7754 u right.

[@duncanidaho2130]

I cry everytime the music softens against the backdrop of the brutality of hand to hand combat.

[@Guigley]

2:55 and 4:12 are two of my all-time favorite shots in any battle scene.

[@lauroandrea3241]

This is truly one of the greatest movies ever made. In the first act alone, so much has been established on the main character.

[@greyd.99xsome]

It has it's flaws but this opening battle is one of the best battles i've ever watched in cinema. Hands down.

[@user-dx5bn4yk4f]

Branko Drobnjak iT hAS iTS fLAwS, well of course no one alive today witnessed the Romans battling the Gauls 🙄

[@greyd.99xsome]

@@user-dx5bn4yk4f If we only make movies about things we actually witnessed there wouldn't be much left we can watch. And in Gladiator the Romans fought against Germanic tribes not the Gauls.

[@tenarmurk276]

@@user-dx5bn4yk4f shut the fuck up this was not roman fighting style this looks like ww1 idk how they managed to fuck up the fighting style so bad

[@StykFo]

If Rome was in GOT's universe, they would have taken both westeros and essos

[@brianhung6563]

@Lord Voldemort well the Yi Ti is based of the Chinese Han Empire, which at its height was greater in expanse than the Roman empire. What's funny is they existed at the same time and they knew about each other albeit vaguely.

[@alamaniac]

Rome would be able to conquer most of the medieval european nations too, and GOT nations are pretty much based on them. So it's not a big surprise.

[@lewistaylor2858]

@@brianhung6563 the Han sent an envoy to find Rome (they had heard of a mighty empire that was equal to their own, which it should be noted surprised them a lot) and make a trading alliance with them. The envoy reached the edge of the Parthian empire, but turned south instead of west. He was within 40 days march of Rome's eastern provinces but instead went along the Arabian peninsula to the Persian gulf where traders thought he wanted to go round Arabia or Africa to get to Rome and so told him it would take years. He turned and headed back to China when he heard this, some have speculated that it was the Parthians intentionally gave mis-information to prevent the two greatest empires of the time from contacting each other. Although apparently during the reign of Marcus Aurelius some Roman's reached what is now Vietnam and mapped the area, Roman glass, coins and other goods have also been found in China.

[@lewistaylor2858]

Rome would crush them both easily, the imperial army had around 350,000 men at its peak, this is not counting the thousands upon thousands of auxiliaries. Also they would be so wealthy in comparison that they could buy off most of the armies of Westeros and Essos without fighting at all.

[@maurovaz6081]

They were the Valyrians which was basically the Roman Republic with Ghis being Carthage and the Ghiscari wars standing for the punic wars

[@cuddlemuffin44]

Even though fire arrows weren’t exactly historically accurate, the woods being set ablaze on the horizon in that wide angle shot of the field is EPIC

[@benrussell-gough1201]

I think that the objective was to crate parallels with the trench warfare and no man's land of World War I.

[@fernandomugnolo3590]

All is accurate

[@far4235]

The "Hispania" motif at 3:49 as the cavalry charges down through the fire to the cry of Roma Victor! Goosebumps.

[@opwave79]

This scene is so incredibly balanced. There’s strength and resolve as well as fear and despair. Then that final shot of the emperor closing his eyes in a sigh of relief gives you the feeling of peace mixed with uncertainty for the future.

[@spaceman9599]

Of them all, Marcus Aurelius was the Emporer that truly embodied the power and the responsibility of the position - and actually cared for the men serving under him.

[@premnathdivakaran5222]

A very good summary on the battle scene. Incredible observation and choice of words to convey .

[@vitaliydianov6153]

На этом языке точно не говорили просто воины я имею англоязычных

[@user-fk9md2il4d]

the music at 3:04, the cavalry is on its way, gives me chills

[@matthewvillarde5601]

if you examine closer you'd find that pirates of the carribean's theme was greatly influenced by this. But what can we do? they're pirates.

[@user-fk9md2il4d]

Matthew Villarde Haha those crooked Bastards Haha

[@jasperachtereekte9611]

@@matthewvillarde5601 Hans Zimmer did both soundtracks

[@dochudson4875]

Matthew Villarde thier not pirates, THIER SOLDIERS OF ROME GLADIATORS!!!

[@user-fk9md2il4d]

DOC HUDSON He means the Pirates of the Carribean, they ised the same theme tune as in Gladiator

[@ClosedEyeVisualisations]

What a movie...when i was a kid i thought it was just another one of those blockbusters to come out on showtime. But in time it would unveil itself me, to be the great thing that it obviously always was.

[@EzEcro]

The sigh of relief and knowing the wars are over by Marcus Aurelius gives me goosebumps

[@davideiceman]

I always watch this scene for Marcus Aurelius' expression after the end of the battle. You can see he's exhausted, more psychologically than physically. "Another one has been won". Great acting.

[@circleancopan7748]

Imagine, all your career you are on the Roman frontier, fighting barbarian incursions after barbarian incursions, never stopping in Rome for at least a year, will truly make you look like Marcus Aurelius.

[@David-nu6kw]

All the emotion combined. So real.

[@tnganthavee100]

I remembered watching this movie for the first time and I was impressed by thr level of chrisma Russell Crowe exudes. Maximus as a leader, I will follow you to the ends of the Earth

[@captainpoontah4888]

Gold Eagle i watched this scene when I was too young to watch it and I was oh so impressed by the action and fright the germanic tribes brought to me

[@Crosby297]

When she says "how often do you think of the Roman Empire" She is temporary The Empire is Eternal

[@carlogambacurta548]

u need "she"to have soldiers.

[@james87367]

Russel Crowe was so exceptional in this film that this will be the film he'll be remembered for.

[@Eamesam]

the way it focuses on 6:27 on Marcus Aurelius with that music gives me chills

[@nizamettinemirnizam6830]

I think to

[@kp8310]

"Every Battle is won before it is fought." The Romans were fully prepared. The Barbarians were not.

[@Ispeakthetruthify]

Ironically...it was the unpreparedness(non traditional tactics/guerilla warfare) of the various Barbarian tribes...that gave the Roman legions HUGE problems for centuries.

[@Spider-Man2094]

The Romans brought everything. Artillery, cavalry, archers, legionnaires, the entire works. The Germans just brought themselves.

[@getfreur2458]

@Silmarillion Tolkien Yeah Scotland would be like Asturias in Iberia, it took quite a while for rome to fully subdue that mountainous region, so imagine in Scotland which is much more geographically.

[@davidtamayo4116]

@@Ispeakthetruthify The civil wars and the economic crisis due to the devaluation did much damage to Rome. The legions in the late empire were not the same glorious legions that Julius Caesar commanded. Actually, the barbarians were gradually integrating into the Roman system. REMEMBER that Arminius and his brother Flavius, served the Roman army. for example, the Franks, Goths, Burgundians, they all served Rome and adopted Roman practices as well.

[@davidtamayo4116]

@@getfreur2458 en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_Mons_Graupius

[@allanchurm]

i look at this sometimes just to see how realistic the film director were back in the day at makeing a battle scene look so real

[@davivvd1994980]

damn just wanna play total war now!

[@dungeondunkenchrissi535]

Sam Jason think the same

[@NobleNemesis]

I picked up Rome 1 Gold Edition for 3 bucks the other day! Been tripping down memory lane- it's amazing how much depth I was missing about the game when I had it as a younger kid. haha

[@davivvd1994980]

Noble Nemesis lol nice one, I really love that game too, just installed it in Steam.

[@arnesh1025]

Me to

[@adamenglish5187]

lul that's the reason why I'm here. Picking up some formation tactics.. Sad haha

[@ddgs5164]

3:43 at the right, germanic tribes chilling with some legionaries, having a laugh lol

[@dubochain]

DDGamerSeeker i noticed too lololol

[@VIV292]

DDGamerSeeker lol probably chilling and wanting some weed lol

[@bordiguy]

DDGamerSeeker ... I think those bunch didn't hear the director say ACTION! 😂😂

[@graffitimaniaaa]

Thats what i call worthless extras.......its so stupid people are giving them money for something so easy to look a little like they fight in 1 2 second cut scene, and those stupid fkers cant even do that standing around laughing like bunch of cunts. Do the job they pay u to do!

[@azriadzlan2297]

Woah chill dude

[@roywalker2649]

This battle was the Saving Private Ryan of historical battles! Mind blowing, yes many inaccuracies but still brilliant!!!!😊

[@rickramirez9161]

Can you imagine fighting those wars. Hand to hand. Spectacular crazy AWE

[@ronmo671]

There were a few times I was expecting to see Captain Jack Sparrow running awkwardly through the chaos. Love the score

[@user-zn4is8no7z]

Would it boggle your mind to know that pirates like Jack Sparrow wouldn't be around for another 1000 years

[@Caine61]

This movie is 20 years old and this fight scene still holds up to today's standards pretty damn well.

[@fiddleandfart]

Of course it is. Film-makers (like Ridley Scott) were no less talented twenty years ago!

[@DudeWatIsThis]

It really doesn't, though. It's a tavern fight. People didn't fight like this. Historical movies have been moving more and more towards representing battles how they really were fought (formations, etc). Gladiator and LOTR just copied the Braveheart battle style, which is kinda dumb and out of place.

[@Caine61]

@@DudeWatIsThis No one cares nerd.

[@sair9ason9a]

There is always this person who kills the fucking mood.

[@DudeWatIsThis]

@@sair9ason9a Exactly: Hollywood producers.