At my signal, unleash hell. With Ridley Scott unleashing the highly anticipated sequel Gladiator II in November, it's time to step back into the arena and ask audiences once again: are you not entertained? Once a great Roman General, Maximus (Russell Crowe) has been forced into exile and slavery by Commodus (Joaquin Phoenix) the jealous heir to the Emperor's throne. During his captivity, Maximus trains as a gladiator and returns to Rome, intent on avenging the murder of his family by killing Commodus, now Emperor.