Gladiator - Maximus Decimus Meridius 

"My name is Maximus Decimus Meridius. Commander of the armies of the North, General of the Felix Legions, 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." Please leave your voice message after the tone.

Joaquin’s reaction to that line is incredible. He’s doing his best not to display his shock to Maximus but he can’t even speak lest he advertise how he feels. You can see his internal battle with himself in five seconds of acting. He is so damn good.

fun fact: Russell Crowe hated those lines pre shoot because he thought it was too cringey. He even tried to fight Ridley Scott to change the lines but he failed. Then this was born.

This is one of the most badass scenes ever

the crowd is like wtf is he saying can't hear shit from up here.

1:33 I love how the other gladiators immediately went to protect Maximus from harm. That's team spirit at its finest

Truly a moment when a slave becomes more powerful than an emperor!

I’ve watched Gladiator at least 20 times and still get chills every time. What we do in life echoes in eternity.

Joaquin Phoenix was SO robbed that year, he deserved that Oscar.The fact he didn't win vexes me.

The way Juba and the other gladiators move to defend Maximus is a sign of true leadership. Its easy to find someone willing to kill for you... much harder to find someone willing to die for you...

This is Joaquin Phoenixs' absolute best role and his best scene. The way he turns deathly pale when Maximus reveals his identity is one of the greatest moments in movie history. In my humble opinion of course.

I am always amazed by Crowe's delivery of those lines. Starting determined as befitting the rank of a general, the tremor in his voice midway through the speech when he painfully remembers and mentions his dead family, and finally ending it again (kinda) emotionally composed but grimly determined about having his vengeance. Those lines coming from a veteran - although fallen low - still commands respect for he is very dangerous to Commodus: A very clear target in mind, nothing left to lose, with extensive experience on the battlefield and the fame included with his name. Phoenix's reaction is spot on and exactly represents my feelings after that speech. He realizes the immediate danger coming from Maximus prowess and charisma.

There is no cooler name than Maximus Decimus Meridius. I'm going to say that to the next fine babe I come across.

Commodus: the original Joffrey

Absolute masterpiece of a scene - so much building up to this moment in the film - it was amazing when I first saw it

this movie is one of the greatest ever. An epic masterpiece that doesn't know his greatness. An inspiring story of the Genereal who became a slave, the slave who became a Gladiator and the, Gladiator who defied an emperor. I love this movie.

An underrated element in this scene is the inner world of Maximus. Note the decision to pick up the would-be murder weapon is made when the son is fully out of sight and absent from the scene. You can see the conflict Maximius feels upon witnessing a father's love... even that from a sworn nemesis and enemy. His principles and values provoke a painstakingly loud dilemma in his heart and mind. I feel this is why he diverts his gaze down to the ground... because the hug and affection takes command of his rage. The son unknowingly becomes a shield and one of the only possible defenses that Maximus could not battle through works. It's so much for him to bear that his entire demeanor shifts. We are then shown what are presumed to be empty hands once Maximus turns his back and walks away. It stands to reason that the turn and walk helps Maximus hide his original plan by either disposing of or concealing the weapon. Instead, he attacks with an even more powerful weapon in a means that is conducive to alignment with his values and beliefs. He fully realizes in that moment (during the staredown especially) that this attack will protect the son's life, which matters more to him than his vengeance (in this life or the next). Note the importance of this exchange in the young boy's sudden awareness of his father's evil ways too. Remember the counsel he was given: "I was not the best because I killed quickly. I was the best because the crowd loved me. Win the crowd and you will win your freedom."

Joaquin’s lip quiver at 1:29 is just fabulous acting 👏👏👏

People sleep on Joaquin ... his performance as ceaser is a masterpiece one of my favourite actors... the casting of this movie was brilliant

I'm here because of Joaquin. A true testament of how good of an actor he is. Being an amazingly evil is one of his elements.

The juxtaposition of a man who craves the attention and love of people that he is consumed and controlled by it versus a man who earns that respect through his actions and life of servitude. These two are truly the greatest hero/villain combo of all time

love the way he takes a breath and closes his eyes at 0:55. weighing up a huge choice, he chooses potential death, could have been slaughtered right then, but the best speech ever ensued!

You will tell me your name! *removes helmet* "My name is jeff" 😂

God what an iconic scene !! Two legends making it happen with incredible story telling.

I still have goosebump watching this scene. Brilliant work by ridley scott.

Phoenix face was glorious to watch. You felt the scene.

that emperor's black outfit is on point thou, ill wear that at the club

Such a badass scene you can see when the emperor shits his pants haha

Joaquin Phoenix played that little pathetic man so incredibly well.

i watched this movie when it first came out on dvd at a friend's house. i was like 11 years old and it so deeply impressed me that it remains my favourite to this day.

This scene …. Has a separate fanbase .. forever…..❤

Any one else get chills when he says his names and i will have my vengeance. Fantastic actor!

This scene went hard asf. This is still my all-time favorite movie & this scene is the most compelling imo.

This is and has been my favourite film for the last 20 years. I watch it atleast a minimum of 3 times per year and it still gives me goosebumps

Arguably the most epic vocal scene in cinema history.

Oh my God what a performance of Commodus, his face is damn white...

One of the most powerful lines in movie history.

Born in New Zealand in ’64, A hot-headed actor named Russell Crowe. He loves to act but he loves one thing more, Fightin’ Around the World! He fights his directors and he fights his fans, It’s a problem no one understands. (If there’s two things he loves, it’s fighting and) Fightin’ Around the World! Making movies Making music And Fightin’ Around the World~~ (Russell Crowe!)

This movie echoes in the eternity

this the manliest dialogue one can deliver

Greatest line of the greatest movie ever.

One of the greatest scenes in movie history. Acting, dialog, cinematography, drama, etc. all perfect.

Then he went to Krypton.

A noble name. Great filmmaking at its finest. The power of an emperor is insane, but the power of a zealously focused man who knows he is already dead, is just unmatched.

The way the Colosseum was designed, allowed for sound to carry all around the arena, so even though Maximus isn't shouting, you can guarantee everyone heard what he was saying.

90s plus early 2000 were the golden age of cinema

he was totally gonna shank the false emperor but as soon as he saw the kid run out, he lay down his weapon. :) he was truly noble to the very end.

This is one the most incredible moments in cinema history!

Women cried for Leonardo in Titanic end scene and men cried for Russell Crowe in Gladiator end scene.

Still hands down one of the best movies ever made!

As a child when I watched this movie, I admired Russell Crowe, and despised Joaquin, fast forward couple of decades, I understand Joaquin was much much better. Hats off to him in this scene.

I hated Joaquin Phoenix for years as a child after I saw this film, what a wonderful performance it was.

-You will remove your helmet and tell me your name -AND I'M JAVERT!

Joaquin Phoenix was so engaging in this movie. I never thought a villain, though an emperor, can be so sexy. He had his eyes talking for him.

Fact: You're not a straight male if you dislike this movie.

23 years later & this scene still gives me chills! He would’ve ripped his head off with the spinal cord still intact if Lucius didn’t run in front of him.

Love how he went by the warrior code! He was ready to die and strike but he saw the child that has to respected

My name is Maximus Decimus Meridius Decimus Meridius Maximus Decimus Meridius Meridius Maximus Decimus Decimus Maximus Meridius....

Humans who didn't know goosebumps in their lifetime...can experience this 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥

"I have come to reclaim Rome for my people!" -Maximus Decimus Meridius

If this were GoT Maximus would've been a dead man

THE BEST FUCKING MOVIE EVER! Russel Crowe is the best actor in history!

Goosebumps. Every time. Even 23 years later. What a scene.

"My name is Gladiator"

One of those films you HAVE to watch before you die.

This scene inspires me on whole different personal level. I have been facing workplace harassment to the point i wished death on a guy. I thought of quitting but this scene made me realize i should fight till the end

I get goosebumps at his speech, this film and braveheart are 2 of the greatest films and I never get tired of watching them

The crowd shouting LIVE, maximus is looking at him the same way if they said KILL, never fuck with a man who has nothing to lose, brilliant from crowe and phoenix

Who's here after seeing Gladiator 2's rap music trailer?

Joaquin just kills it in this movie. One of my favorite performances of his, and of anyone's, ever.

Still the best Hollywood blockbuster of the last 20 years .

One of the most iconic lines in movie history. I’m my opinion

1:32 HAAAAAAAM!!!

What is really incredible is how emperor defeated his pride and didnt have him killed

Not everyday a well respected high ranking officer you thought you killed reveals himself to you. Maximus respect with his people was on a kings level.

Maximus was ready….to fight….die….whatever he was ready in that moment. Total bad ass!

One of the best lines ever delivered in cinematic history!!!

in actual Rome thumbs down meant you live it meant your opponent was to put his sword in the ground, kill was thumb to the neck meaning you opponent stabs you in the neck. They didn't really have a thumbs up.

Shivers, literally shivers, that has to be the best moment of any movie ever!

Now THIS is a role befitting an actor like RC. Seeing him in Love & Thunder made me wanna cry.

If you listen closely, you can hear Joaquin Phoenix's teeth chattering he's so terrified!

Still gives me the shivvers hearing this. :-D Awesome movie!!

Quintis face was priceless when Maximus turned his back on the emperor lol. He was looking like he did not just show his back?! Then boom! Mic drop!

"...And I will have my vengeance, in this life or the next"

1:01 Thousand yard stare from Russell Crowe before hits you over the head with a telephone.

i love most how he shushes the crowd but they dont stop lol

honestly he should’ve said “my name is MF DOOM”

ah the roman crowd the true rulers of rome

you act in one movie nd be remembered for the rest of your life. thats this is. brilliant!

Joaquins best performance ever.

Commodus was probably thinking, “somebody get me some clean pair of underwear”

And I will have my vengeance in this life or the next.. Goosebumps ,👌👌

Joaquin Phoenix is PERFECT.

One of the Greatest scenes in film history!

It's interesting that we all find these lines epic. When this was filmed, Crowe hated the lines and often walked off the set. He eventually delivered them after telling the screenwriter, "Your lines are garbage, but I'm the greatest actor in the world, and I can make even garbage sound good."

In Brazilian Portuguese: Meu nome é Maximus Decimus Meridius, comandante dos exércitos do norte, general das legiões félix, servo leal do verdadeiro imperador Marcus Aurélios, pai de um filho assassinado, marido de uma esposa assassinado e vou ter minha vingança, nessa vida ou na próxima

I still get chills whenever I hear this speech

This movie is so awesome. equal with Conan from Milius and 300;

Joaquin Phoenix acting is so natural for a villain in this movie !

better reveal then darth vader telling luke "I am your father"