In this episode, Brendan and Sean return to the Colosseum with Gladiator (2000), the epic that redefined modern historical dramas. They unpack Russell Crowe’s iconic performance as Maximus, Joaquin Phoenix’s chilling turn as Commodus, and the powerful character dynamics that drive the film’s emotional core. The conversation explores themes of loyalty, power, favoritism, and honor, along with the influence of figures like Marcus Aurelius and the unforgettable performances of Richard Harris and Oliver Reed. From Oscar wins and groundbreaking visual effects to quotable lines and a journey steeped in loss and courage, this episode celebrates why Gladiator remains a towering achievement—and why its legacy still echoes through cinema today.