- StoltMamma

Maximus: Five thousand of my men are out there in the freezing mud.

Three thousand of them are bloodied and cleaved. Two thousand will never leave this place.

I will not believe that they fought and died for nothing.
Marcus Aurelius: And what would you believe?
Maximus: They fought for you and for Rome.
Marcus Aurelius: And what is Rome, Maximus?
Maximus: I've seen much of the rest of the world. It is brutal and cruel and dark, Rome is the light.
Marcus Aurelius: Yet you have never been there.

You have not seen what it has become.

I am dying, Maximus. When a man sees his end... he wants to know there was some purpose to his life.

How will the world speak my name in years to come? Will I be known as the philosopher? The warrior?

The tyrant...? Or will I be the emperor who gave Rome back her true self?

There was once a dream that was Rome. You could only whisper it.

Anything more than a whisper and it would vanish... it was so fragile.

And I fear that it will not survive the winter.

Marcus Aurelius: Are you ready to do your duty for Rome?

Commodus: Yes, father.
Marcus Aurelius: You will not be emperor.
Commodus: Which wiser, older man is to take my place?
Marcus Aurelius: My powers will pass to Maximus, to hold in trust until the Senate is ready to rule once more. Rome is to be a republic again.
Commodus: Maximus?
Marcus Aurelius: Yes. My decision disappoints you?
Commodus: You wrote to me once, listing the four chief virtues: Wisdom, justice, fortitude and temperance. As I read the list, I knew I had none of them. But I have other virtues, father.

Ambition. That can be a virtue when it drives us to excel.

Resourcefulness, courage, perhaps not on the battlefield, but... there are many forms of courage.

Devotion, to my family and to you.

But none of my virtues were on your list.

Even then it was as if you didn't want me for your son.
Marcus Aurelius: Oh, Commodus. You go too far.
Commodus: I search the faces of the gods... for ways to please you, to make you proud.

One kind word, one full hug... where you pressed me to your chest and held me tight.

Would have been like the sun on my heart for a thousand years.

What is it in me that you hate so much?
Marcus Aurelius: Shh, Commodus.
Commodus: All I've ever wanted was to live up to you, Caesar. Father.
Marcus Aurelius: [Marcus Aurelius gets down on his knees] Commodus.

Your faults as a son is my failure as a father. Come
[Gives Commodus a hug]
Commodus: [Commodus hugs Marcus and cries] Father.

I would have butcher the whole world... if you would only love me!
[Commodus begins to asphyxiate Marcus while they hug, Marcus grunts]

Maximus: I may die here in this cell or in the arena tomorrow.

What possible difference can I make?

Marcus Aurelius: When was the last time you were home?
Maximus: Two years, two hundred and sixty-four days and this morning.

[Maximus looks at images of his wife and son]
Juba: Can they hear you?
Maximus: Who?
Juba: Your family. In the afterlife.
Maximus: Oh yes.
Juba: What do you say to them?
Maximus: To my son - I tell him I will see him again soon.

To keep his heels down while riding his horse.

To my wife... that is not your business

[Watching Lucius sleep]

Commudus: He sleeps so well because he is loved.

Proximo: Congratulations, you have very persuasive friends.
Lucilla: My brother's had Gracchus arrested. We daren't wait any longer.

We must leave tonight.

Proximo will be here t midnight and take you to the gate. Your servant, Cicero will be waiting there with horses.
[Maximus nods]
Maximus: You have done all this?
Lucilla: Yes.
Maximus: [sighs] You risk too much.
Lucilla: I have much to pay for.
[Maximus shakes his head]
Maximus: You have nothing to pay for.

You love your son, you are strong for him.
Lucilla: I am tired of being strong.(sighs) My brother hates all the world and you most of all.
Maximus: Because your father chose me.
Lucilla: No because my father loved you... and because I loved you.
Maximus: A long time ago.
[kisses her hand]
Lucilla: [smiles] Was I very different then?
Maximus: (shakes his head, touches her face with his finger) You laughed more.
Lucilla: I have felt alone all my life, except with you. I must go.
Maximus: Yes.
[kisses Lucilla one last time]

Lucilla: My brother hates all the world and you most of all.
Maximus: Because your father chose me.
Lucilla: No. Because my father loved you. And because I loved you.

Commondus: The general who became a slave.

The slave who became a gladiator.

The gladiator who defied an emperor.

Striking story! But now, the people want to know how the story ends.

Only a famous death will do.

And what could be more glorious than to challenge the Emperor himself in the great arena?
Maximus: You would fight me?
Commondus: Why not? Do you think I am afraid?
Maximus: I think you've been afraid all your life.