I’ve joined in for the A to Z challenge this year which runs from April 1st to the 30th. My choice of theme is Music from Favorite Films. I’ll be sharing the songs in order of film title and will write a little about my thoughts on the movie as well.
Gladiator is a movie I watched multiple times in the theater during the month of its showing in 2000. I wanted to take everyone I knew to see this movie. It instantly became a favorite, and nineteen years later remains in my top ten favorite movies of all time.
The story takes place in AD 180 with General Maximus (Russell Crowe) leading the Roman army to battle against Germanic tribes–a final battle needed to finally obtain peace. After the victory, Maximus intends to return home to his wife and son, but it is requested by the aging Marcus Aurelius (Richard Harris) that Maximus become the protector of Rome after he dies. Maximus is reluctant to take on the position, he hasn’t been home in over two years, but understands that Marcus has a vision for Rome and wants it fulfilled so that his legacy can continue. He also understands that Marcus’ son Commodus (Joaquin Phoenix) isn’t fit to be emperor because he isn’t a moral man.
When Marcus gives his son Commodus the news of his decision, Commodus is offended, hurt, and not accepting of it. After an emotional break down, he murders his father and makes it look like natural causes. Commodus announces himself emperor, and when General Maximus refuses him, he orders the murder of Maximus and his family.
I’m not going to share more of the plot because it’ll spoil the movie for those who haven’t seen it. Overall, Gladiator is visually captivating and full of action, but this is another film that’s not for everyone as it contains tons of violence and gore. There’s also one particularly uncomfortable scene between Commodus and his sister Lucilla (Connie Nielsen).
A few spoilers below…
We watched the movie just last week because my oldest son hadn’t seen it from beginning to end yet. Unfortunately, he ended up hating the movie. I think it was more that he was mad about Maximus dying in the end. I’ll admit, it’s hard to accept at first. To me, the ending was perfect because Maximus and all of Rome end up in better positions: Maximus in Elysium with his family, Rome to return to the republic it once was, and Commodus finally removed. Not only that, his fellow gladiators are to be set free.
I was astonished watching Maximus rise again from a position as low as an enslaved gladiator. The revenge always pulls me in of course, but Maximus is extremely likeable– gaining respect from everyone he meets. Had he not been inflicted with an injury prior to the final battle with Commodus, he would’ve been emperor of Rome. I love this character.
“My name is Maximus Decimus Meridius, commander of the Armies of the North, General of the Felix Legions and loyal servant to the TRUE emperor, Marcus Aurelius. Father to a murdered son, husband to a murdered wife. And I will have my vengeance, in this life or the next.”
My song choice is Lisa Gerrard singing “Now We Are Free” from the original motion picture soundtrack. This song is so beautiful and the language used is indioglossia. If you haven’t seen the movie, there are some spoilers in the video.
I’ve included the lyrics for the English translation at the bottom. This video may not work in WordPress reader, but should play fine if you open up the site page. If not, you can click here.
Anol sheh lay konnud de ne um {shaddai
Flavum
Nom de leesh
Ham de nam um das
La um de
Flavne
We de sooo a ru
Un va-a pesh a lay
Un vi-i bee
Un di-i lay na day
Un ma la pech a nay
mee di nu ku
Ve va da pa da le na la dumda
Anol sheh ley kon-nud de ne um.
Flavum.
Flavum.
M-ai shondol-lee
Flavu
Lof flesh lay
Nof ne
Nom de lis
Ham de num um dass
La um de
Flavne
Flay
Shom de nomm
Ma-lun des
Dwondi.
Dwwoondi
Alas sharum du koos
Shaley koot-tum
English translation from lyricstranslate.com
Healing to me
Thanks for checking out the A-Z challenge. Do you like this movie? Are you doing the challenge this year? Share your links in the comment section below if you’d like. Have a great week!
❤ Mischenko
I loved the movie GLADIATOR!!! True leaders rise from the worst of conditions. When others feel hopeless, leaders remind the downhearted to never give up!!! Love this!!!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Me too, Julia! I couldn’t agree more. True leaders are incredibly inspiring! Thank you for sharing your thoughts. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Love this post! I honestly haven’t seen the entire thing but my parents used to watch it on TV all the time and I love this song. I need to finally watch the whole thing 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you! I’d love to hear your thoughts on the movie and do hope you enjoy it. 😉
LikeLike
I’m kind of the same way as Justin. Didn’t like what happened to his family. Just so graphic. When you look at the ending though, I was glad to know that they were together again. Nice post! 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
I agree…that part is harrowing! In the end, there are many positives though. It’s just so difficult to accept. 😉 Thanks!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I had two toddlers when this movie came out I think I fell asleep during the movie? Although I’ve seen bits and pieces throughout the years on TV!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Aww, I can totally identify with that! My oldest son was born just a few months prior–the one that watched the movie with us lol. 😉 I hope you get to see the whole movie one day. 💕
LikeLiked by 1 person
Another perfect choice! What a movie, M!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, Jen! ❤
LikeLiked by 1 person
I loved this movie too 😃
LikeLiked by 1 person
😉
LikeLike
Love this movie and song!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks! 😉
LikeLike
One of my favourite movies. I know it was really violent and graphic, but it was still awesome. Great share, I love the translation.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Isn’t that translation amazing? I never had a clue what the song meant in the movie. That was a pleasant surprise for me too, Carla. 🙂 Thank you!
LikeLike
The song is beautiful and the translation makes it even better.
LikeLiked by 1 person