All language subtitles for nbGladiator.II.2024

[arrow whistling]

[faint whinnying]

[steel clanging]

[roaring]

[faint crowd roar]

[men chanting, indistinct]

...salute you.

[roaring faintly]

[birds chirping]

[chickens clucking]

[woman] Be gentle, Hanno.

[goat bleating nearby]

[grunts]

[loud horn blowing]

[men shouting in distance]

[horn continues blowing]

[seagulls calling]

[wood creaking]

[man] We invoke you
by your great names

to come to our aid.

Defeat the Romans.

Destroy their ships,

their engines of war,

and their soldiers.

We will prevail.

Ozalsces.

Arishat.

[faint shouting]

[man] Hanno.

You did not make
an offering today.

I prefer to sacrifice a Roman.

[chuckles]

[Arishat]
Where you are,

I am, too.

[Hanno] And where you are,

I am, too, forever.

My wife.

[man shouts
indistinctly]

[excited chattering]

[muffled drums beating]

[mast creaking]

The wind is too strong.
Furl sail and strike water.

Furl sail,
strike water!

[man] Furl sail
and strike water!

[men shout in reply][drums thudding]

[grunting with effort]

Strike water!

[horn trumpeting]

[men chanting rhythmically]

[Hanno] They have no lands
but the ones they'’ve stolen.

Wherever they go,
they leave destruction

and call it peace.

This is the last free city
in Africa Nova.

Today, we go into battle.

Pray that your god
is with you.
If he is not, he is no god.

[men chuckling]

We'’ve nothing to fear.

Where death is, we are not.

Where we are,

death is not.

Stay together and listen
for my commands.

[men mutter assent]

[Hanno] Your eyes up
and your head out.

[overlapping shouts]

[indistinct chatter]

[man shouting commands]

Fire!

[men screaming][man] Ready your weapons!

Again!

We'’re ablaze on the right!

Keep formation!

Pull!

[man] Archers ready.

Release!

[arrows hissing]

Nock!

Draw!

Loose!

[man] Archers!

[grunts]

[screaming]

Fire!

[all screaming]

Raise the tower!Raise the tower!

Back astern!Back astern!

[all chanting]

Keep cranking.

[all grunting]

Drop drawbridge!

The drawbridge is stuck!

[grunting]

[screaming]

Sir!

[Hanno] Loose!

Back.

[all yelling]

[exhales]

[all yelling]

[battle grunts]

[yells]

[gurgling]

Archers!

There!

Kill her!

Arishat!

[muffled roar]

[faint echoing rumble]

[thunderclap]

[faint, echoing] Arishat.

[faintly] Arishat!

[panting]

[Arishat, whispering]
I'’ll wait for you.

[screaming]

[gasping for breath]

[coughs]

[Roman officer]
Check all the bodies!

Leave nothing!

[gasping]

[sobs]

[horn pealing]

[people shouting, crying]

[people exclaiming, wailing]

[loudly]
I claim this city...

for the glory of Rome.

Vae victis.

[quietly]
Woe to the conquered.

[people wailing in distance]

[flesh sizzles][man screams in pain]

[Roman soldier] Next!

[pained grunt]

[man] Move it!

[Hanno grunting]

[gulls calling]

Down the stairs!Downstairs!

[men coughing, groaning]

[hull creaking]

[draws shuddering breath]

[waves splashing]

[softly] Hey.[groans]

What damage have they
done you, eh?

[chuckles bitterly]

Lift it up. Easy, easy.[groans]

Hold that.

[pained groan]

Arishat?

I am sorry, my son.

I have not long.

This galley

is sailing us to something
I cannot endure.

I am ready... to be taken
to another place.

Stay here a while longer.[chuckles]

[light chuckle][pained grunt]

I remember well
when you first
were brought to us.

A lonely boy
from the desert.
Guileless.

Afraid.

You embraced everything
we taught you.

You found Arishat'’s love.
Your soul was replenished.

[chuckles]
When I die,

my ancestors will meet me
in the next world.

Who will meet you?

Hanno,

I am done.

Do not let them change
what you are.

[young Hanno panting]

[boys chattering]

[horses whinnying]

[horses snorting][hoofbeats approaching]

Have you seen this boy?

[panting]

Eama! Eama!

[woman] You must
go alone now, Hanno.

Never let them find you.

[woman'’s breath trembling]

Go. Go.

[bell ringing]

[men murmuring]

[people cheering]

[overlapping, excited chatter]

[crowd roaring]

[crowd chanting]
Acacius! Acacius! Acacius!

Emperor Geta.

Emperor Caracalla.

General Acacius.

I have taken Numidia
in your names

that your dominion
may eclipse that

of every emperor
that came before you.

Crown him with laurels,
brother.

[crowd cheering]

[all chanting]
Acacius! Acacius! Acacius!

[monkey hooting softly]

[Geta] In honor
of your conquest,

there will be games
in the Colosseum.

I require no games
in my honor.

Serving the Senate
and the people of Rome

is honor enough for me.

You are too modest,
Acacius.

It does not suit a general
as accomplished as yourself.

The glory is yours,
not mine.

I only ask for
some respite from war

to spend time
with my wife.

Your wife, yes. [sniffs]

Remember the privileges
we have granted her?

[sword scraping]

Where is she now
to ignore such an occasion?

There are victories
yet still to come.

Persia.

India.

[chuckles]

Both... must be conquered.

Rome has so many subjects.

She must feed them.

They can eat war.
[laughs]

Your triumphs
will be celebrated

as a tribute
to the greatness

of the Roman people.

[men shouting][horses whinnying]

[man] Go to hell!

[people jeering]

[piercing animal shrieks]

[men shouting]

[announcer]
Macrinus of Thysdrus,

master of gladiators![horn playing fanfare]

[crowd roars]

[animal screeching nearby]

[animal snarling]

[screeching continues][loud thumping]

Stay close.

[snarling, thumping continue][chains rattling]

[door thudding]

[crowd roaring]

[shouting, jeering]

[announcer] Aediles
and the town councilors,

distinguished guests,

citizens of Antium,

[jeering continues]

behold the fate

of the conquered enemies
of Rome:

The barbarian Numidians
and their chieftain,

Jugurtha!

[loud thudding]

[snarling][teeth snapping]

[man shouting,
indistinct]

[blows][baboon shrieks]

[screeches]

[yells]

[screeches][Hanno yells]

[growling]

[guttural hooting]

[screeching in agony]

This one is interesting.

[all cheering]

[grunts]

[spits]

[yelling]

[baboon choking]

I'’ll buy him.

[crowd chanting]

[horse approaching]Halt! Who goes there?

General.

[woman murmuring softly]

My lady.

I thank the gods
that brought you back home safe.

Thank the Army.
They protected me.

Mm.

Let me feed you.

[indistinct chatter]

[men grunting][weapons clashing]

[trainer] Go.

To the wall.

[trainer] The arena
is a sacred temple.

For the bravest of you,

the road to glory
runs through the arena.

The arena turns slaves
into gladiators

and gladiators into free men.

You have worms.

I know this one.
He eats monkeys.

[men laughing]

[indistinct chatter]

[trainer] Go. Sit. Eat.

[groans softly]

[man hoots quietly]

[men hooting]

[men mimicking baboons]

[hooting continues, louder]

[chuckles]

You.

[trainer]
Hanno, get up.

What is
your native language?
I speak them all.

You don'’t answer because
you can'’t or because you won'’t?

Mm, all right.

Violence...
is the universal language.

Viggo,
put him through his paces.

He can fight an ape.
Let'’s see if he
can fight a man.

[grunts]

[Hanno groans]

[Hanno exhales heavily]

[both grunting]

[groans heavily]

[chuckling]

[explosive grunt]

[Macrinus]
Enough!

[panting]

Very good.

Very good.

Hose him down.

Bring him to me.

[grunts]

Ah!

A strong jaw.

Good arms.

[sniffs]

Better smell.

[chuckles lightly]

You will do well.

It is an art,

choosing gladiators.

Some choose entertainers.

Some choose brute force.

I choose rage.

[Macrinus chuckles]

Crowd loves blood.

And they love those who
love blood as much as they do.

And you, my friend, rage

pours out of you like...

like milk...

from a whore'’s tit.

You will be
quite the fighter.

Not for you.

You'’re right,
you do not fight for me.

I put you in the ring,
you fight or you die.

The choice is yours.

But whose head
could I give you

that would satisfy this fury?

The entire Roman Army'’s.

[hearty laugh]

Too much.

Mm.

The general will do.

General?

General Acacius?Mm.

Use your rage
in my service,

and you will have his head
ready for your sword.

Serve me and I will serve you.
Deny me...

and you will die.

[thunder rumbles
in distance]

There are times I wished
you'’d abandoned me

rather than
fight their wars.

I'’ve made my choice.

I can live with it.

But my patience with those two
is at an end.

Leta?

You may go
to your quarters now.
We need nothing more.

To hear wives and mothers
mourning their dead

on that beach at Numidia...

Lucilla.

No more.

I will not waste

another generation
of young men for their vanity.

If I fight another campaign,
it must be to depose them.

When will your troops
arrive?

They land at Ostia
in ten days.

How many of them will be
loyal to you alone?

All of them.

The emperors do not have
the support of the people.

The people are weary
of the madness, the tyranny.

[sighs]

What is the dream of Rome
if her people are not free?

[chuckles softly]

[whimpers]

[excited chatter]

[laughing]

[man] Enjoy yourself,
everyone,

to excess!

Thank you. Thank you.

[castrato singing
to lively music]

Oh!

[laughs] Please, drink.

Ah! Excuse me. Macrinus!

I knew the provinces
were not enough for you.

I'’m just here
for the games.Ah, well,

you won'’t be disappointed.

Rome has all the games
that men like you like to play.

Men like me, Thraex?
Men like us.

I know nothing happens
in Rome unless you'’ve
tasted it first.

[both laughing]

What is my purpose here?

You'’ll find out soon enough.

What'’s this we hear
about you being interested

in standing for election
to the Senate, Macrinus?

Me? No, I'’m, uh...

I don'’t even know how
to use an abacus.

But I do understand that

it'’s customary
for your guests

to make wagers
at these affairs?

How large a sum
did you have in mind?

A thousand gold denarii?

Two.

Two?

Denarii.[chuckles]

[sighs deeply]

[knife scraping]

Stand back! Stand back!

My emperors.

Lords, ladies and gentlemen,
and senators.

For your entertainment,

the art of combat!

[crowd murmurs, clapping]

[Thraex] May I present

the barbarian versus,

from my own stable,
the mighty Vichek!

[applause, cheers]

This is your gladiator?It is.

[Thraex] Three rounds,
hand to hand.

Swords!

We want swords.
A fight to the death.

No quarter to be offered...
or given.

Fight now![swords scraping]

Brother,

let'’s not kill each other
for their amusement.

[Vichek yells, grunts]

[excited murmuring]

[both yell, grunt]

[cackling]

[both yelling]

[Vichek panting]

[yells]

[sword clattering]

[scattered cheers, applause]

[Hanno groans]

[scattered cheers]

[applause]

[Geta] Remarkable!

[giggling]

Remarkable!

Thraex,
he looked expensive.[dry chuckle]

Congratulations.Thank you.

Remarkable.

From where do you hail?

Speak.

I said speak.

He is from the colonies,
Your Majesty.

His native tongue
is all he understands.

"The gates of hell
are open night and day.

Smooth is the descent,
and easy is the way.

[laughing] But...

to come back from hell

and view the cheerful skies,

in this the task
and mighty labor lies."

[panting]

Virgil, Your Majesty.

[Caracalla] Poetry!

[laughter]

Very clever, Macrinus.Thank you.

I'’ve grown so bored,
but you surprise me.

To amuse you is my only wish.

We are amused,
we are amused.

We are amused.

And we all look forward
to seeing your poet

perform in the arena.

As do I, Your Majesties.

Thank you.

Viggo?

[Viggo] Come with me.

You fought well today,
but you were lucky, too.

The lines you recited.

You didn'’t learn that
in Africa, I know that.

A good verse travels far.Mm.

Who taught you poetry?

A captured Roman officer.

I was posted guard over him
and he used to tell us tales

to pass the time.

And what became
of this prisoner?

Oh, we ate him.

As barbarians do.

[chuckling]
As barbarians do.

And where were you born?

Why does my past matter
if it is my future

to die for you in the arena?

Tell me what use have I
for Roman money.

A gladiator

can buy his own freedom.

His liberty.[chuckles]

The Roman dream.

No, the slave dreams
not of freedom

but of a slave
to call his own.

Cicero.

Is that what you were
raised on, Macrinus?

What did you have to do
for Roman money?

You promised me a head.

Earn your keep
and you can have
anyone'’s head.

[stone scraping]

[door unlatches, opens]

[thunder rumbling]

[Lucilla] Father,

protect us and guide us.

Senators.

My lady.

My lady, I wish we were
meeting in better times.

Better times will come.

And why are we here?

[Acacius]
To take back the city.

And restore Rome
to where she should be.

An exciting venture.

When?On the final day
of the games.

My army waits for my command
at Ostia.

Five thousand soldiers
loyal to me...

will enter Rome
and then the Colosseum,

where they will
arrest the emperors

for their crimes
against the Senate

and their people.

Uh, this plan
is ambitious and risky.

Rome will be yours
to administer and to--

Marcus Aurelius talked
of restoring power
to the Senate,

but that was a generation ago.
Much has changed.

The people
have not seen hope

for many years.

But with time...
and guidance...

[sighs sharply]

Lucilla, you are the daughter
of Marcus Aurelius.

He had my loyalty.

And so do you.

Senator Thraex?

Politics follows power,
my lady.

Take back
what is rightfully yours...

and the Senate
will support you.

Thank you.

Food! Food!

When I was told of this place,

they never mentioned
the stink.

That would be Hanno.

[laughter]

Well, you'’ll have to
put up with me as I am.

[laughing]

And what'’s that up there?
A wolf?

The twins there,
they were outcasts.

Left in the hills to die.

That wolf found them
and she suckled them
on her milk.

Raised by an animal.
It'’s in their blood.

How do you know this place?

I know the chaos
they brought.

This city infects
everything it touches.

I never dreamt
it would be so big.

Don'’t fall for it.

This city is diseased.

[peasants] Food! Food!

[children chattering]

[elephant trumpeting]

[indistinct chatter, laughter]

[man] You! Barbarian scum!

[grunts][people yelling]

[woman] Help me.
Please, help me!

[all pleading]

[horses whinnying]

[crows squawking]

Ah!Thraex.

About our wager.

Ah. The barbarian.

Yes, I haven'’t forgotten,
I always repay my debts.

I was merely
going to suggest

that perhaps your luck
might change.

Shall we say
double or quits?

Ah.Ah.

[both laughing]

[people shouting, indistinct]

[man] Get back!

Fresh meat.

Line up! Line up!

[faint crowd cheering]

[cheering continues, louder]

Play! Play!

[playing simple fanfare]

Emperor Caracalla.

Emperor Geta.

Citizens of Rome!

[crowd cheering]

These sacred games

are held to honor
the victory of Rome

over the barbarians of Numidia.

[crowd booing]

Go! Go!

[announcer] And to honor
Rome'’s legionary commander,

General Justus Acacius!

[crowd cheering][man] Long live Acacius!

[announcer] And with him

Lucilla, the daughter
of Emperor Marcus Aurelius.

[crowd cheering]

[woman, faintly] Lucilla![man] Mother of Rome!

Acacius.

General.

[crowd roars]

[chanting]
Acacius! Acacius! Acacius!

Acacius! Acacius! Acacius!

Speak to them.

[man faintly]
Speak to us!

[cheering ebbs]

I am not an orator

or a politician.

I am a soldier.

I have seen bravery
in men and women during war.

And even once in this arena.

So if you ask anything
of the gods...

ask for that same bravery.

Because Rome needs it now.

[applause, cheers swelling]

[crowd chanting]
Acacius! Acacius! Acacius!

Acacius! Acacius! Acacius!

[chanting continues]

[announcer]
From the South Gate,

fighters from the stable
of Macrinus of Thysdrus!

From the stables

of Emperors Caracalla
and Geta themselves,

the undefeated champion:

Glyceo the Destroyer!

[crowd roars]

Hold.

[growling]

[grunting]

[roaring cheers]

[rhino roaring]

[Hanno] Hold.

Hail Caesars!

[crowd chanting]
Glyceo! Glyceo! Glyceo!

[chanting continues]

[rhino roars]

Hold together
and when it charges,
break for the wall.

[man] Why should I?

[Hanno] Hold!

Hold!

Break!

Cowards!

[yells]

[groaning]

[yells][axe clattering]

[huffing]

To the wall!

[grunts heavily]

[rhino groaning loudly]

[grunts]

Come on!

[roars]

[grunts]

[screaming]

[cheering]

[giggling]

[guttural roaring]

[rhino bellowing]

[excited cheering]

[rhino groaning]

[gasps]

[both grunting]

[roaring]

Brother, it'’s that poet,
is it not?

I can'’t remember.

That night was a blur.

"The gates of hell
are open night and day.

Smooth the desc--"
I forget.

"Smooth the descent..."

"Smooth is the descent,

easy is the way."

Shield!

[yelling]

[crowd chanting]
Mercy! Mercy! Mercy!

Blood.

Lucilla,

shall we show mercy?

Mercy.

[chanting continues]

No mercy!

Your life has been
spared by the gods--

I would sooner face your blade
than accept Roman mercy!

[both grunting]

[attacking yell]

[grunts]

[crowd roaring]

[chanting]
Kill! Kill! Kill!

Kill! Kill! Kill!

[yelling]

[crowd chanting]
Hanno! Hanno! Hanno!

[cheering intensifies]

[rhino groaning]

The road to freedom
doesn'’t run
through the arena.

It leads to this.

Go to your cells.

[all cheering, clapping]

Hanno! Hanno! Hanno!

[panting]

[dog whimpers]

Come on, let'’s go.

"Gates of hell
are open night and day.

[voice wavering]
Smooth is the descent...

[crying]
...easy is the way."

[boy]
There, there, there, there.

And I'’ve got you.

I'’m Maximus,
the savior of Rome!

Scatto and Argento.

[people cheer, echoing]

[gasping softly]

Lucius is safe?

[Lucilla] Lucius!

[horse whinnies]

[Lucilla] Lucius,

you'’re the sole heir
to the throne now.

There are men
who want to kill you

so they can take power.

I promise I'’ll bring you back
as soon as it'’s safe.

Mother, why can'’t you
come with me?

[crying] I... I have to
stay here for your sake.

[sniffles]
And for the sake of Rome.

Remember who you are.

And that I love you.

I love you.

[man] Come.

Give me your leg.

Go. Go!

[horse whinnies]

[doctor] So...

[Hanno grunts]

What'’s your name?

[exhales]

I'’m Ravi. I'’m a doctor.

Because... more men die
of infected wounds

than out there, in the arena.

This needs to be cleaned,
it needs to be stitched and

[exclaims softly]
it is going to hurt.

Mm.

This is Devil'’s Breath
and opium.

It'’s for the pain.

You should breathe in.

[inhales sharply,
grunts]

[deep inhale]

[Ravi] I'’ve been here
so long now,

I don'’t even notice anymore.

I'’ve done more amputations
than I can count.

Where'’d you
learn your trade?Why do you ask?

You'’ve got a heavy hand.

I used to be
a gladiator myself.

Ah.

And would you have bested me?[Ravi chuckles]

In your prime, of course.

In your current state,
I could best you now.

[laughs]

Luckily for you,
I have put down my sword.

So now I spend my days[groaning]

saving lives
instead of taking them.

[inhales, grunts]

And why such a change
so late in life?

What we do in life

echoes in eternity.

[panting softly]

I feel like
I know those words.

[Ravi chuckles]
I can'’t take credit.

It'’s written on
one of the tombs.

Over the bones of a gladiator.

[sharp grunt of pain][Macrinus] My champion!

I smell Devil'’s Breath!

[laughing]

My... champion.

Did you hear that crowd?

Did you hear that crowd?Mm-hm.

You have something.
I knew it from the start.

Did you now?Yes. The Greeks call it...

thymos.

Smoke.

Rage.

That rage is your gift.

Like the great Achilles.

Never let it go.

It will carry you
to greatness,

my champion.

[horses whinny, snort]

Thank you

for inviting me.

This is truly an honor.

I hear you are
the talk of the court.

[kissing hand]

Yes.

We'’ve met before.

Have we?Long ago.

Where?

I was in the service
of your father'’s army

on his African campaign.

You served
with my father?

[groaning]

Mm.

I had the privilege

of reading
his "Meditations."

Mm.

"The best revenge

is to be unlike him
who performed the injury."

I hear you'’ve been
arming half the legions

in the entire empire,
and here, now, in Rome...

you'’re gaining influence
by sponsoring gladiators.

I do it for the love
of the sport.

And where did you find
these gladiators?

They'’re usually
prisoners of war.

Or vagrants.
Why do you ask?

A man can choose to fight...

and stay alive.

It'’s the same in life as it is
in the arena, is it not?

Who is this?

That is my father
as a youth.

[Macrinus]
She had a child?

Mm. [swallows]

It'’s common knowledge.
When Commodus was killed,

the boy disappeared.Mm.

But who would care?Lucilla would care.

More wine!More wine!

He was of the royal bloodline,
after all.

And his father?

[senator] Ostensibly,
Lucius Verus.

See, it was
an arranged marriage.

She was 14.

Mm.Females were not his taste.

Nor mine, some days.Nor yours!

[both laugh]

No, no, no.
By rumor, you see,
she took lovers.

And by rumor,
the real father...
was Commodus.

Brotherly love,
you see?Yeah.

If he died,

there has to be remains.Mm.

And if he lived,
that would make him about...

Um, well,
let'’s work it out.

He was about 12
when he died?Yes.

So that would make him...

[heavy door rumbling]

[squeaking]

[hoofbeats thudding]

My lady.

Gracchus.

Please come.Thank you.

Gladiator...

do you know me?

Do you have a family?

A wife. Arishat.

Arishat.

She was killed
under your husband'’s command.

[sighing] Rome drowns
in its own blood.

And yet you enjoy
the pleasures of the Colosseum.

There is much
you do not understand.

Lucius.

I do not know
who you think I am.

[Lucilla'’s breath trembles]

My name is Hanno,

and I have no mother,
or none that I can remember.

[sniffles]

[crying] I'’m so sorry.

If your son were here,
I feel sure he would tell you

not to grieve him.

For he would not be the boy
that you sent away.

That boy is dead.

You may think
I have little worth.

You may think
I betrayed you.

But I need you to know...

if you will not have
your mother'’s love,

then take
your father'’s strength.

You need it.

His name was
Maximus Decimus Meridius.

And I see him in you.

Get out.

[Gracchus]
My lady, we must go at once!

[Lucilla sobs]

Lucius, you were loved

by myself
and by your father.

[sniffles]

Your name
was on his lips--

Get out!

[panting]

[door shuts]

[Lucilla exhales]

Lucius is alive.

Are you certain?

Yes.

I know my son.

I spoke to him
tonight.

He may be lost to me
for what I did,

but he lives.

The third day of the games
is tomorrow.

Most fighters won'’t survive.

Acacius,

you must help him.

Help him?[crying] Yes.

I failed him then.

I know I did.

I cannot fail him now.

The army is in Ostia.

If we wait a few days...

He could be dead
by then.

Acacius,

I would willingly
give my life for Rome,

but I will not
give my son'’s.

[Viggo] And one.

And two.

And one.[all groaning with effort]

Together.
Timing, timing, timing!

And one. And two.

And one.

Pause, pause!

We won'’t get far
like this.

[all laughing]

Just him. You go.

Go!

Let'’s see how far you can go
on your own without your team.

Ready?

One!

And two!

Timing, timing!

Come on, more!

[grunts]

[Viggo] More!

[Lucius groans loudly]

[heavy grunt]

Leave him.

[indistinct chatter]

[huffs, grunts]

[cork pops]

[stammering]
It'’s just vinegar,
my friend.

[pained groan]

There will be
no more opium for you.

There is plenty of pain waiting
for you in the next life.

I don'’t know why
you are so greedy for it
in this one.

Are you a free man, Ravi?

[dry chuckle] "Free."

I am. Mm.

I laid down my sword

and I swore never
to pick it up again.

And yet
you choose this hell?

Mm-hm.

What was your home before?

Varanasi.

And why don'’t you go back?

I wish I could.

[breath hissing]But...

I met a woman.
[laughs]Ah.

It'’s always a woman.Always.

She is from Londinium.
Britannia. You know.

So now...

our sons,
they speak only Latin.

My daughter'’s eyes,
they are as blue as yours.

[chuckles lightly]

We are Romans now.

I grew up hearing stories
at my grandfather'’s knee.

He used to talk
of the dream that was Rome.

It was so fragile,
you could only whisper it...

or it would vanish.

[whispering] So,

what was this dream?

A Rome where all could live
under fair law and be protected.

A Rome of the Senate.

A Rome of hope.

Your grandfather,
he sounds like
a dangerous man.

Hm.

The odds are against you.

[light chuckle]

The odds
are always against me.

Don'’t worry, old man.

Eh?[both laughing]

[muttering]

You should
get some rest. Hm?Mm.

Your men will need you
to lead them tomorrow.

[gates rumbling open]

[crowd cheering][drums thudding]

This is about survival.

Survive!

[announcer]
In the name of Poseidon,

we celebrate the glory
of naval war.

[Lucius]
They have archers.

Be ready.
Listen for my commands.

Stay together
and pull as one, yes?

[all] Yes!

Yes?Yes!

[hull creaking]

[announcer]
Today we relive

the Battle of Salamis!

[crowd cheering]

The Trojans
versus the Persians!

Oars out![all] Oars!

And... pull!

[all grunting explosively]

Archers![men yelling]

Archers!

Pull!

Pull!

[all grunting][screams]

Pull!

[grunts, screams]

[muffled screaming]

[all yelling]

Pull! To my time!

And... now!

Left side! Ready, and

ship oars now!

Oars in! Oars in!

Get down!

[screams]

[straining]

[crowd cheering]

And pull! And pull!

[men grunting rhythmically]

[man] Don'’t stop!

[grunting]

Pull!

[men shout in unison]

And right!

Ready to ram!

[Romans shouting, indistinct]

And brace! Brace!

[all yelling]

[all shouting]

[cheering]

[all grunting]

[gasping]

[soldier] Everyone regroup!

[screaming]

[fighting grunts]

[grunts]

[crowd exclaiming]

Praetorians!

[crowd chanting]
Hanno! Hanno! Hanno!

Move, move.

[chanting continues]

[announcer]
In the name of the emperors...

the victor is Hanno!

[all chanting in support]

Who did this?

Who did this?!

It was me!I did it!

I did it! I did it! I did it!It was me!

Geta will want retribution
for all of you.

Did you learn to shoot
in the same place

you learned to recite poetry?

Be glad it wasn'’t me,

or that arrow
would have found you.

[men laughing]

[indistinct chatter]

[faint music playing]

Be seated.

I have news for you.

He'’s here, sir.

[door opens]

[Macrinus]
Oh, still here.

[Thraex laughs nervously]

Macrinus.

[Macrinus chuckles]Welcome.

Yes, I'’m listening.

You know
this is my house now.

Your debt to me is
over 10,000 denarii.

You know that.

[chuckles, stammers]
I have other things. Uh...

Cattle. Art!

Truth, then.

What do you... want?

Truth.
That'’s what I want.

Nothing happens in Rome
without your knowledge.

You have
the senators'’ trust.

You have
Lucilla'’s trust.

More importantly,
you have my trust.

You wish my... loyalty?

I own...

your house.

I want your loyalty.

I...

Tell me.I have heard...

of a plot...

to dethrone the emperors.Yes.

But the plan
has been delayed, uh...

A gladiator is to be rescued
from the arena.

Tonight.Mm.

I don'’t know why.I know why. I know who.

Pack.

Quickly.

[pounding on gate][man] Open up!

[rats squeaking]

[mastiffs growling]

[man] Open for
the emperors'’ guard!

[pounding on door]

[heavy knocking]

My Lady, come with us.

[all grunting with impact]

Thanks to the civic virtue

of men like Thraex
and Macrinus,

your insurrection

has been revealed.

The honor,

the dignitas that Rome
has bestowed upon you...

all this you have forfeited
by your treachery.

Please, Emperor Geta.

Torture me if you want,

but do not lecture me.

Your name
will be forgotten!

Lost... to history.

You are damned,
General.

[laughing]

[Geta]
You laugh.You damn me?

I don'’t care.

Everything is forgotten in time.
Empires fall. So do emperors.

[Caracalla] Why wait?

I will gut him right now!No, no, no!

Let them be. Come! Come!

His death must be public.

Public? [grunts]

Hang his entrails
from the city gates!

And crucify her!

Crucify her!

Take them away!

[Caracalla yells][Geta] Shh! Shh! Shh!

Thank you, Macrinus.

Come on.

In these last days,

I have come to think of you
not as a subject

but as a true friend.

Thank you.

Thank you so much.
But as a friend,

I must counsel caution.

Acacius is a hero of Rome.

Crucifixion
is for thieves.

Christians.

It'’s too common.He is a traitor.
He must die.

I agree.

Let the gods decide
his fate in the Colosseum.

Let the gods decide.

You know, last night I woke,
dreaming of a dark river.

This time,
for the first time,

I was crossing it.

[Ravi] Hm.

Well, you know,
where I come from,

crossing a river,
it represents forgiveness.

Represents... salvation.

Where I come from,
it means
you'’re already dead.

[chuckles]

But as I saw it,
I was not afraid.

For...

For someone was waiting
for me on the other side.

There. [sniffs]

Who is this man?

Scratched out?

Maximus.

I saw him fight once.

He was magnificent.Mm.

Yeah. My time in the arena,
it was after his,

but many still talked of him
in whispers, you know?

Spoke of him.

What he did.

I met him once.

He was kind.

He bowed to no one.

Come with me.

Hmm?Come. With me.

When a rebel gladiator dies,
we bury them here.

"What we do in life
echoes in eternity."

This is Argento.

This is Scatto.

[cheering, applause]

[drums thudding]

[metal clanking]

[horns playing fanfare]

Cheers.

And stop.

For his treason
against the lives

of the emperors
and the Roman state,

General Justus Acacius,

an enemy of the people!

[all chanting]
Acacius! Acacius! Acacius!

[man] We love you, Acacius!You are a hero!

Acacius! Acacius! Acacius!

[chanting continues]

[crowd roaring]

[crowd jeering loudly]

[Acacius] Vae victis.[soldiers] General.

[all shouting, grunting]

[pained yell]

[grunts]

[crowd cheering]

[panting heavily]

[scattered shouts]
Acacius!

[crowd chanting]
Acacius! Acacius! Acacius!

[all continue chanting]

[announcer]
From the vanquished city
of Numidia,

the victor of two conquests
in the Colosseum...

Go now. Vae victis.

[crowd chanting]
Hanno! Hanno! Hanno!

Hanno![crowd cheering]

Oh, Lord, any honor I have,

I will give it to you!It'’s too late.

[announcer]
The Roman traitor or

the barbarian hero.

Let the gods decide.

Lucius... wait.

Wait! Wait!

[both grunting heavily]

[overlapping
cheers and jeers]

I am a vessel.

Fill me with vengeance

and vanquish the betrayer.

[attacking grunts]

We love you, Acacius!Move it!

Pick it up!

[woman]
Bravo, Hanno!

[man]
We love you, Acacius!

[man 2]
What are you waiting for?

[man 3]
You will die!

[cheering and booing]

[crowd whooping]

[both grunting heavily]

[crowd groaning]

[pained grunting]

[panting]

[Acacius]
I know who you are.

Lucius Verus Aurelius.

[crowd groaning]

[crowd exclaiming]

Acacius
has raised his hand!

He has surrendered.

[all muttering]

Let the gods decide.

[monkey screeching]

The gods have rendered
their judgment.

Do what you must.

But on my death,
you have to know...

I love your mother,
Lucilla.

And your father...

Maximus.

I would have died
for him.

Kill him!

[man] Let him live!
Please!

[crowd chanting]
Live! Live! Live! Live!

Kill him!

[grunts][Geta] Kill him!

Archers!

No![Geta] Kill him!

[crowd chanting]
Acacius! Acacius!

[Caracalla] Kill him!

Kill him!

Kill him! Kill him!

[crowd continues chanting]

[sobbing] Acacius!

[arrow whistling]

[crowd exclaiming]

[grunting]

[Lucilla] No!

No!

Acacius!

Damn you!

[breath heaving]

Death will be
too good for you!

Is this how Rome
treats its heroes?

Tell me!

If his life has no value,
what are yours worth?

The gods have spoken!

[crowd booing loudly]

[shouting, jeering]

[crowd chanting]
Hanno! Hanno! Hanno! Hanno!

[crowd booing]

For our own safety,
we should return to the palace.

[crowd booing loudly]

[crowd]
Hanno! Hanno! Hanno!

[all jeering]

[soldier]
Stay back! Stay back!

[booing and jeers, echoing]

[crowd noise fades]

[thunder rolling]

[Lucius, faintly] Arishat!

[door opens]

We had a bargain.

I gave him to you.
You let him live.

And you got
what you wanted.

I always get what I want.
Why did you let him live?

You bought a gladiator,
not a slave.

My will is my own.

Ah...

How blue is your blood?

Perhaps the heart of a Roman

beats in that chest.
[chuckles]

The greatest temple
Rome ever built.

The Colosseum.

Because this is
what they believe in.

Power.

They gather here to watch
the strong strike down the weak.

There has to be
something else.There is nothing else.

There has to be
another Rome.There is no other Rome.

The "dream"?Mm.

The dream of Rome?

It'’s an old man'’s fantasy.

Who are you?

What was your name
before you traded it
for a Roman one?

You'’ll never know.

I have a destiny.

The gods delivered you to me.

You will be my instrument.

I will never be
your instrument,
in this life or the next.

[door opening]That will not be my destiny.

But I will see your end.

[people shouting,
yelling in distance]

[monkey chittering]

What else could I do?

He and his bitch
were plotting to kill us.

Don'’t you hear them?
They'’re calling for our heads!

The Praetorians
will put down this crowd.

Like they have every other.You brought this on us.

Filthy ape![monkey squeaking in fear]

[Macrinus]
Perhaps you should, uh,

take Dondus elsewhere
to comfort him?

Forgive
my brother'’s outburst.

The disease
that infects his loins

has spread to his brain.

Every day he gets worse.I will reason with him.

[all yelling, shouting]

[Dondus hooting]

[singsong] I see you.

I see you.

Caracalla, Caracalla!

Come on, stand up.

Get up, get up.
Not you.

All right,
there you go.

Now, listen to me.

What'’s the matter?

[panting]
Nothing'’s ever mine.

Everything is ours,
always.

Even in the womb...
[stammering] he tried...

to cut my umbilicus

so that I couldn'’t have
any more air.

You remember that,
do you?Certainly.

Come, sit.One cannot forget.

My conscience compels me.

What?

Sit.

Your brother

means to blame you

in front of
the entire Senate...

But I did not do it!

...for what'’s happening
in the streets.

The chaos!He'’s lying!

No testimony
can be more damning

than one brother
against another.

That'’s a lie!
He always lies!

He can be very persuasive.

So?
What will they do to me?

Oh, I don'’t dare imagine.
But imagine this:

What will they do to Dondus?

What will they do

to Dondus?

[Dondus
chittering softly]

It'’s your decision.

[people shouting angrily]

[angry shouts continue]

Brother.

Put down the blade.

You lie.

Give it to me.You always lie!

Give it-- [grunts]

[chuckles]

[Geta exclaiming]

Look at me.
Look at me. Look at me.

Lie!Listen to me.
Break the spell.

Lie!Break the spell!

I'’ve always protected you.
Because I love you.

Come back. Help me.

[blade plunges]

[faint, indistinct chatter]

[keys jingling]

Lucius.

[hinges creaking]

Never could have imagined
the fates would lead us here.

[Lucius chuckles dryly]

And yet here we are.

Everything has
brought us full circle.

You sent me away
and yet fate

brought me back
to the very ground
where he died.

[Lucilla] This ring...

belonged to my father.

He gave it
to your father,
Maximus,

as a token of trust.

I gave it to Acacius
for his valor.

This ring belonged to my wife.

I shall wear it next to yours.

I am truly sorry for Acacius.

I could not see the man.

[sniffles]

He was a soldier of Rome.

There was a plan.

He was readying troops
at Ostia

under the command
of Darius Sextus.

Troops he was to lead
against the emperors.

Acacius. Maximus.
Marcus Aurelius.

They lived and died
for Rome.

We all do.

Is it true
they intend to kill you?

[chuckles lightly]

One man or another
has had a sword
against my neck

since the day
my father died.

But now
that I'’ve found you,

it doesn'’t matter.

I am not afraid.

I'’ve become well versed
in losing the things
that I love.

But now that I'’ve found you,

I have no desire
to lose you again.

[exhales shakily]

You stand like him.Mm.

Alert.

Proud.

I do not have his strength.

I wish that were true.

I wish I were telling you
to flee this place.

[keys jingling]

[door unlocks]

Go now.

[Lucilla sighs]

Strength and honor.

Strength and honor.

[thunder rumbling faintly]

[Caracalla] As Emperor,

I have convened

the Senate to appoint
my First Consul

and bestow upon him the power
to administer the military

and civic functions
of the Empire.

I name...

Citizen Dondus!

[Senate murmuring]

[Dondus chittering]

[Caracalla]
Hail Dondus!

Hail Dondus!

[clearing throat]
Hail Dondus.Hail Dondus!

[all] Hail Dondus!

As Second Consul...

I name...

Citizen...

Macrinus!

Hail Macrinus!

Hail Macrinus!

[all] Hail Macrinus!

There will be
a triumphal parade
to celebrate.

There will be games

and mass executions.

[chittering]

Long live the Empire!

[Macrinus]
Long live the Empire!

[all] Long live the Empire!

[applause subsides]

Sit down.

I happen to have...

with good fortune
and not a little skill...

the remaining emperor'’s ear.

[all gasping, murmuring]

I can speak logic to it...

and tame the madness
in the street. But...

to restore order...

I must have power...

and command

over the Praetorian Army.

Ballot...

or hand?

Aye![all] Aye!

Your humble servant.

Put your hands down.

You can sit down.

[Macrinus] Rome must fall.

I need only
give it a push.

[Lucilla]
And after Rome falls...

[dry chuckle]
...what then?

You are
your father'’s child.

His dream of Rome
was never a dream.

It was a fiction.

"The best revenge is

to become unlike the one
who did the injury."

I have made myself
unlike your father.

He spoke of dreams,
I speak of truth.

And the only truth
in my Rome

is the law
of the strongest.

I was owned

by an emperor.

Now I control an empire.

Where else but in Rome
can a man do that?

Do you recognize
your father'’s mark on me?

If there is anything

you need...

in these last hours,

we will provide.

Your death will clear my path
to the throne.

Tomorrow
there will be games.

And at them...

I will prevail.

[door clangs shut]

[keys jingling]

Ravi!

Can you get me a message
to Ostia by morning?

What is in Ostia?

There is an army.

I'’m asking you
to risk yourself, my friend,

in the service
of something greater.

Ride to Ostia.

Take this ring
to General Darius Sextus.

Are you listening?

Darius Sextus.

He will know it
as Acacius'’s ring.

[clears throat] And, uh,

who shall I say has

sent me with this ring?

I am Lucius Verus Aurelius.

The Prince of Rome.

Tell him
I am summoning the army

to the defense
of a new Republic.

[inhales]

Should I trust you?Yes.

Should I?Yes.

Ravi! I need your keys.

Thank you.

Stop! Come back!

[panting]

[inhales sharply]

Who gave you this?

Lucius Verus Aurelius.

The Prince of Rome.

[horses snort, whinnying]

[crowd cheering
in distance]

[whispering]
Must we kill Lucilla?

[quietly] Until she dies,
you will never know peace.

Ever.

[horns playing fanfare]

The people love her.
Her death will incite the mob.

If she dies and the streets
rise up in anger,

I shall deliver them
Caracalla'’s head

and the people
shall acclaim me.

That, my friend,
is politics.

Shall we?Yes.

Today will be
your last fight, champion.

And our master
has bestowed on you...

the wooden sword of freedom.

But you have to
earn it first.

Today, you'’re gonna
defend your mother.

[soldier shouting][grunting]

[all yelling]

[grunting explosively]

Wood or steel,
a point is still a point!

[arrows whistling]

[Lucius] Wait for me.

In honor

of the acclamation
of Emperor Caracalla,

First Consul Dondus
and Second Consul Macrinus,

and as punishment
for her conspiracy
against the empire,

for her calumnies against
the emperor'’s imperial bloodline

and for fomenting
military mutiny

along with her husband,

the queen will face
divine justice

at the hands
of the Praetorian Guard.

[crowd cheering faintly]

I am not a general.

But we are all soldiers.

And up until now,

we have fought for nothing more
than another day'’s survival.

What will you
have us do?

Well, you can return
to your cells

if you do not wish
to fight this battle.

[all laughing]Or...

you can join me.

And fight for a freedom
far beyond these walls.

[all] Aye!

There once was a time when
honor meant something in Rome.

In this Rome

I no longer believe
that exists.

We must find it!

[all murmuring in agreement]

[Lucius] And know this:

Where death is, we are not.

Where we are,

death is not!

By my sword.

Strength and honor.

[all] Strength and honor!

Strength and honor!

Strength and honor!

[indistinct shouting]

[growling]

[snarling]

Let it not be said

that the emperor
is not merciful.

The queen will be granted
a single gladiator

to defend her against
the Praetorian Guard.

[crowd jeering]

The champion, Hanno!

[crowd roars]

[people chanting]
Hanno! Hanno! Hanno!

[all booing]

[all shouting]

[grunting]

Yes!

Summon the cavalry.
Put this down at once.

This is war! Real war!

The army of Acacius
is advancing
just outside of Rome, sir.

We can still
outflank them.

They have only
5,000 troops, no more.

How many are we?

Six thousand.
Perhaps more.

Ride to the gate
and hold them.

[aggressive grunting]

[cheering]

[screams]

[yelps, whimpering]

[screams]

[all shouting angrily]

[screams]

[arrow whistles][grunts]

Filthy scum!

[Lucilla] Lucius!

Give me the bow.

[bow creaking]

[both gasp]

Go, my son. Lucius--

Shh-sh-sh-sh...

Horse!

[people shouting, clamoring]

[yelling furiously]

[indistinct shouts]

[feet marching]

[man shouting cadence]

Will nothing
kill this barbarian?

My name is
Lucius Verus Aurelius!

[Macrinus]
A man does not become
emperor by bloodline alone.

It must be taken by force
and kept by force.

Are you such a man
as this?

[Lucius]
I don'’t fight for power.

I fight to free Rome
from men like you

and to return it to them.

The gods themselves
want Rome reborn.

They sent me...
to fulfill that task.

And what if your gods
sent me here to kill you?

Huh?

It'’s time to end this, Macrinus!

[aggressive yell]

[horses bellowing]

[both grunting]

[swords clashing]

[both yelling]

Hah![screams]

[grunts]

[blade clanging
against breastplate]

[metallic clangs echoing]

[Lucilla]
Strength and honor,

my son.

[grunts]

[yelling]

[groans in pain]

[panting]

[pained groan]

You look to me to speak.

I know not what
to say other than

we have all known
too much death.

Let no more blood be spilt
in the name of tyranny.

My grandfather,
Marcus Aurelius,

talked of a dream
that would be Rome.

A dream that my father,

Maximus Decimus Meridius,

died for.

An ideal.

A city for the many
and a refuge
for those in need.

A home worth fighting for.

A home that Maximus
spent his life defending.

That dream is lost.

But dare we...

rebuild that dream
together?

What say you?

Aye!

Aye!

Aye!

[all] Aye! Aye! Aye! Aye!

[all chanting]

Mother.

Speak to me, Father.