Gladiator’s ending shows Maximus Decimus Meridius experiencing a bittersweet dream, one that sums up the film’s thematic storyline and hints at the exploration of something deeper. WithGladiator IIcontinuing the franchise’s story in November 2024, the question ofwhere to rewatchGladiatorwill be on the lips of many.Maximus and Lucius' relationship inGladiator IIwill provide a throughline between both movies, meaning familiarizing the former’s story is beneficial before viewing the highly anticipated sequel.
Gladiatoris somewhat based on a true story, with the death of Marcus Aurelius during the Marcomannic Wars in 180 AD being taken from real Roman history. A character who did not actually exist in real life yet was based on several real Romans throughout history isGladiator’s Maximus Decimus Meridius, played by Russell Crowe.Gladiatortells Maximus' story of revenge against the immoral Emperor Commodus, with the former fighting his way through gladiatorial combat to avenge the death of his family. This culminates in an emotionally stirring dream sequence - one that has deeper implications than first thought.
Maximus' Dreams Of His Family In Gladiator Explained
Maximus Sees His Family As He Dies In The Colosseum
InGladiator’s ending, Maximus gains the admiration of the Roman population thanks to his actions in the Colosseum. Eventually, this leads him to the final showdown he has desired between himself andGladiator’s villainous Emperor Commodus, played by Joaquin Phoenix. Commodus does not play fair, however, and injures Maximus before the fight begins. Nonetheless, Maximus overcomes Commodus and wins the fight, killing him and getting the revenge he has long desired.Gladiatorends with Maximus succumbing to his wounds, as a dream sequence is intercut with his death.
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As Maximus is outlining Marcus Aurelius' wishes for a return to a somewhat democratic rule of Rome, he envisions the entrance to his farmhouse and the road leading to his estate, lined with tall trees. Maximus then sees thenow-iconicGladiatorshotof himself walking through fields of grain, with his hand brushing against the stems. As he does,he falls to the ground in the Colosseum at the sight of his deceased wife and son in the vision. As Maximus dies, the dream shows his son running towards him as his wife looks on.
Why Maximus Sees His Family In His Dream
Maximus' Revenge Quest Explains The Subject Of His Visions
The reason why Maximus sees his family in this vision stems fromGladiator’s main plot. The film is driven by Maximus' need for revenge against Commodus who, at the beginning of the film, supplanted Maximus' prospective rise to Emperor by killing Marcus Aurelius and claiming the title for himself. Maximus did not care about this, as he did not wish to become Emperor. However, Maximus also refuses to join Commodus as he simply desires to return home to his family. Driven partly by jealousy of his father’s love for Maximus and partly by petty contempt, Commodus orders Maximus killed.
Maximus' entire story surrounds this plot point, explaining why he sees his family in the dream duringGladiator’s ending; his family has been avenged, and he can return to them…
Before Maximus is killed by Commodus' men, he is alerted to the fact that his family is also being targeted. Maximus manages to survive by killing Commodus' soldiers and rushes home to find his wife and child already dead. Maximus is then taken by slavers and forced into life as a gladiator, which he eventually realizes is his ticket to gaining revenge against Commodus for the murders of his family. Maximus' entire story surrounds this plot point, explaining why he sees his family in the dream duringGladiator’s ending; his family has been avenged, and he can return to them.
Is Maximus' Dream A Glimpse At The Afterlife?
Gladiator Hints That Maximus May Be Entering Elysium
Knowing the backstory of Maximus and his family, it could be the case thatGladiator’s dream sequence is not a dream at all, but Maximus entering the afterlife. This is certainly hinted at throughout the movie and makes a lot of sense given what is presented. Aniconic quote fromGladiatorshows Maximus talking to his men when he was a general in the Roman Army. He states to his soldiers that if they envisage themselves walking alone in green fields with the sun on their faces, they are in Elysium and are already dead.
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In Greek and Roman mythology, Elysium was the heavenly afterlife where heroes were sent if their deeds in life saw them blessed by the gods. Maximus' dream inGladiator’s ending echoes these words, with the soldier walking through fields towards his family with the sun blaring behind him. Therefore, it could be the case that Maximus' dream is actually a view of the Roman afterlife as he enters Elysium to be reunited with his family.
As Maximus dies, an overhead shot is shown of the ground beneath him slipping away while his body remains, further hinting at his transition into the afterlife.
It also makes sense for Maximus and his family to have been blessed by the gods. Maximus' wife and son were wrongfully killed by Commodus for no reason outside of his mad grasp for power and his jealousy, meaning the gods could have blessed them with an afterlife in Elysium. Similarly,Maximus always fought for the good of his family and his men, be it in the army or the arena, as well as for Rome. As such, it makes sense for the gods to also bless Maximus with Elysium so he can see his family once more.
The Thematic Meaning Of Maximus' Dream In Gladiator
Another Iconic Gladiator Quote Sets Up The Themes Of Maximus' Dream
Overall, Maximus' dream is a perfect way to sum upGladiator’s thematic elements. AlthoughGladiatorhas many themes woven throughout its story, from political and class commentary to even the horrors of war, the story hinges on Maximus' journey. Where this arc is concerned, it can be summed up with two ofGladiator’s other most recognizable lines:“What we do in life, echoes in eternity"and"Strength and honor!”
Before his death, Maximus lived with honor. Despite being away from his family for years and wanting nothing more than to go home, he always did what was right for his men, for Rome, and for his friend, Marcus Aurelius. In doing so, he also kept his family safe and longed to return to them. Upon their wrongful death and Commodus taking power from his father, Maximus dedicated himself to seeing these wrongs put right.Not only did he kill Commodus and avenge his family, but he told the Roman people of Marcus Aurelius' dreamfor the Empire before dying.
Maximus, as everyone should, fought against corruption and for simple ethics that should always be upheld…
Through these many elements,Gladiatorshowed that Maximus' code of honor that long permeated his life echoed in eternity after his death. He lived for the right reasons and always fought for just causes, eventually seeing his family again and reuniting with them forever in Elysium. Thanks toGladiator’s dream sequence, the thematic resonance shines through; Maximus, as everyone should, fought against corruption and for simple ethics that should always be upheld: honor, love, and family, thus echoing in eternity as a legend of Rome.
Gladiator
Cast
Gladiator follows Maximus, a Roman general betrayed by the new emperor Commodus. After escaping execution, he is enslaved and becomes a gladiator. Set in ancient Rome, the story portrays his struggle for survival and quest for vengeance as he battles for his freedom in the arena.
