In 1964 the film The Fall of the Roman Empire was released, it was told how Marcus Aurelius (Alec Guinnes) was fighting against the Germans, in this context we see how his son Commodus (Christopher Plummer) arrives to the area where his father is fighting and this disinherits him and appoints as his successor to a trusted general: Livius (Stephen Boyd). Livius is in love with the emperor's daughter: Lucila (Sofia Loren). Marcus Aurelius communicates his decision to Livius and Lucila but before it is made official, Commodus' followers poison and kill him. Thus, Commodus begins a period of terror in the Roman Empire, which ends when in a public duel in Rome Livius kills him.
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In the year 2000 Gladiator is released, this time Marcus Aurelius (Richard Harris) does not trust his psychopathic son Commodus (Joaquin Phoenix) as heir and decides to entrust his succession to his trusted man, General Maximus (Russell Crowe), who lead the legions to an almost definitive victory against the Germans. Commodus assassinates Marcus Aurelius, Maximus rebels so they try to kill him unsuccessfully, but he could not prevent them from eliminating his entire family. The General becomes a famous Gladiator and in the city of Rome in the enclosure of the arena of Gladiators he confronts Commodus dying both, and thus giving end to a disturbing and terrifying mandate.
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Both stories are based on real events, but are very inaccurate. Marco Aurelio of Hispanic origin was a considerable philosopher and one of the great emperors of the Roman Empire, he also dedicated much time to war, to pacify the borders of Rome, he died in Vienna when he was about to achieve victory over the Germanic tribes.
He was not assassinated by Commodus, he died of plague. He presented his legions to Commodus as the Rising Sun, named him his successor and then died.
However, the character of Commodus was complicated, famous for his fights as a gladiator, for his cruelty and foul language. He fought more in the circus than on the battlefield and when he took charge of the Empire he made a peace pact with the Germans.
From a young age Commodus shared responsibilities with his father and participated in several battles, when he ascended as emperor he was 19 years old and dedicated himself to killing fierce beasts and fighting gladiators, aspiring to be a god. He was paranoid and suspected that his aunt Lucila was plotting to overthrow him.
He died at the hands of his favorite concubine named Marcia who gave him a strong sleeping pill one night after a drunken binge, and was later strangled by a hitman.
The Fall of the Roman Empire was directed by Anthony Mann and is said to be the last blockbuster of the golden age of cinema about antiquity. It was shot in Spain and produced by the Ukrainian Samuel Bronston, (who is known to be the producer of many epic films).
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Gladiator was directed by Ridley Scott and was the film that swept the night of the 2001 Oscars. It stands out for its staging especially in the fights presented in the gladiatorial arena. With excellent performances especially those of Joaquin Phoenix, whom I really came to hate, and Russell Crowe in an impressive role of tragic hero and avenger.
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These two movies are free interpretations of the same story, visually both are impressive, but in particular I prefer Gladiator because I find more agility in their dialogues, and its soundtrack by Hans Zimmer is epic.
I hope the reading has been enjoyable and profitable, every day we are amazed with the movies regardless of the story that tells us is true or not. Best regards to all of you.
The Gif is of my authorship being these the sources: Source, Source, Source, Source.Source,Source.