Gladiator
ActionDramaAdventure
13+R
2000·2h 35m·Ridley Scott·Universal Pictures·● Script read & verified
A Roman general named Maximus fights in Germania under Emperor Marcus Aurelius, dealing with political intrigue involving the emperor's son Commodus. This is an epic...
Best watched together — Complex themes about war, empire, and morality benefit from discussion
Heads Up for Parents
The medical tent scenes show realistic ancient surgery including amputations that may be disturbing
What's In It
Violence
Extreme▸
Language
Very Mild▸
Scary
Mild▸
Romance
None▸
Substances
Very Mild▸
Stimulation
Extreme▸
Cultural & Values Guide
Values & Themes
●Traditional family values
Maximus is driven entirely by love for his murdered wife and son, with their memory motivating every action. His devotion to family and the promise to reunite with them in the afterlife is the emotional foundation of the entire film.
Community Notes
- Some may view the portrayal of Germanic tribes as overly barbaric compared to 'civilized' Romans
Family Takeaways
What it gets right
- ✓Shows the cost of war through Maximus wanting to return to family
- ✓Depicts leadership through Marcus Aurelius showing mercy to the German prisoner
Cast:Russell CroweJoaquin PhoenixConnie NielsenOliver ReedRichard Harris