This episode was supposed to be...checks notes...The Manchurian Candidate! But since we have been on hiatus for a while, we decided to change it up and pick a film that we know the audience has been waiting for, and that at least one of us would have some hot takes about. Don't worry, we will still release the other film soon. But today! Today is the day for a Ridley Scott epic swords & sandals film: Gladiator (2000).

Set during the reign of Emperor Marcus Aurelius and his son Commodus, this one takes us back to ancient Rome, around 180 CE. We follow Russell Crowe's character Maximus as he goes from general to slave to gladiator on a quest to avenge his murdered wife and son, depicted in grand scale with some of the best fight scenes put on film (depending on who you ask).

This is our first time covering the time period, and we did the research to satisfy all but the nerdiest of Roman history nerds. So buckle up and join us as we revisit this classic of the 21st century!

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