Gladiator (2000)

VHS CASE/ SIDE

Length of film:  155 Minutes (Extended: 171 Minutes)

Rated: 15

Genre: Drama, Action, Adventure

Director: Ridley Scott

Starring: Russell Crowe, Joaquin Phoenix, Connie Nielsen, Oliver Reed, Richard Harris, Derek Jacobi, Djimon Hounsou, David Schofield

IMDB Rank: 8.5 /10 (August 2026)

Part 1 Time:  94 Minutes (Extended: 102 Minutes)

Part 2 Time:   61 Minutes (Extended: 69 Minutes)

Where does the first part end? 

Theatrical/ Extended: Maximus nicknamed ‘the Spaniard’ (Russell Crowe) leads the gladiators to victory in a re-enactment of the Battle of Zama. He is ordered to remove his mask by Commodus (Joaquin Phoenix) where his true identity is revealed.

Final line of dialogue on the first part: 

Theatrical/ Extended: “Maximus”, the gladiators cheer as Maximus leaves the Colosseum.

First line of dialogue on the second part: 

Theatrical: Commodus sits at a table signing documents. Lucilla (Connie Nielsen) walks in as Commodus asks; “Why is he still alive?”

Extended: Commodus goes to a lower storage area with various statues. He says “Father” aloud, then proceeds to strike the statue with a sword.

How jarring is it when the first part ends? Jarring, Commodus now knows that Maximus is alive and looks to seek vengeance against him.

Which part is better? The entire film is considered a masterpiece with both parts having distinguishing features. The first part is more epic and visually spectacular as Maximus is transformed from a Roman general to gladiator. Part two is much more psychological as the conflict between Maximus and Commodus continues to build until the final confrontation. Due to the stronger sense of momentum that builds towards Maximus’s revenge part two is given the slight edge.

Academy Awards: 2001- Best Picture (Winner), Best Leading Actor (Winner- Russell Crowe), Best Supporting Actor (Nominated- Joaquin Phoenix), Best Director (Nominated), Best Writing Screenplay Written Directly for the Screen (Nominated), Best Cinematography (Nominated), Best Costume Design (Winner), Best Film Editing (Nominated), Best Music Original Score (Nominated), Best Sound (Winner), Best Visual Effects (Winner), Best Art Direction Set Decoration (Nominated)

Other Awards: 2001 BAFTA– Best Film (Winner), David Lean Award for Direction (Nominated), Best Original Screenplay (Nominated), Best Actor in a Leading Role (Nominated- Russell Crowe), Best Actor in a Supporting Role (Nominated- Joaquin Phoenix), Best Actor in a Supporting Role (Nominated- Oliver Reed), Anthony Asquith Award for Film Music (Nominated), Best Cinematography (Winner), Best Production Design (Winner), Best Costume Design (Nominated), Best Editing (Winner), Best Sound (Nominated), Best Special Visual Effects (Nominated), Best Makeup/Hair (Nominated), Audience Award (Winner); 2001 Golden Globes– Best Drama Motion Picture (Winner), Best Director (Nominated), Best Drama Actor in a Motion Picture (Nominated), Best Supporting Actor in a Motion Picture (Nominated), Best Original Motion Picture Score (Winner)