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from the upper stands. Commodus informs Lucilla he has arranged for
Maximus to fight the only undefeated champion in Roman history, Tigris
of Gaul. As Maximus fights Tigris, live tigers appear from trap doors in
the arena floor. After Maximus bravely slays the tigers, he wounds Tigris,
then stands over him awaiting the emperor’s decision. When Commodus
gives the signal for death, Maximus ignores him and spares Tigris, as
the crowd cheers wildly: “Maximus the Merciful!” Commodus, incensed,
approaches Maximus in the arena, and tries to provoke a reaction by
describing the gruesome deaths of his wife and son. With great effort,
Maximus walks away, as the crowd roars their approval.
Outside the Colosseum, Cicero emerges from the crowd, handing
Maximus the little statues of his wife and son, and tells him his loyal
legions are camped at the port at Ostia. In the palace, Commodus consults
with Senator Falco, who advises the emperor to let his enemies come to
him. Soon the conspiracy begins to form. Maximus sends word to Lucilla
he will consider her plan, so she brings Senator Gracchus with her to the
gladiatorial compound. Maximus promises his legions will help kill
Commodus, then they will remain in Rome to serve the Senate, while he
returns home. Proximo is worried Maximus will not be successful, but
Maximus convinces him the vengeance plot is necessary. Soon Commodus
sends the Praetorians to arrest Gracchus at his villa. When Lucilla finds
out, in fear she hurries to alert Maximus. She tells him she has arranged
his escape, and they share an emotional embrace. Meanwhile, as young
Lucius plays in the palace, Commodus learns how close the plot is to
home. When Lucilla returns, she finds her son sitting in the uncomfortable
grasp of Commodus, who hisses at her about betrayal; terrified, Lucilla
realizes the grave threat against her son unless she reveals all.
That night, the gladiatorial compound is attacked. Proximo gives
Maximus the keys to release the gladiators, who fight bravely against the
Praetorians. Hagen receives several arrow wounds in the combat, but Juba
escapes. The Praetorians swarm into Proximo’s quarters and stab him to
death, as he holds his wooden rudis, the emblem of his freedom: “We
mortals are but shadows and dust.” Maximus gets away and finds Cicero
outside, but it is a trap. Cicero is hanged, and Maximus is surrounded and
seized. The next morning in the palace, Falco informs Commodus all is
accomplished. Commodus threatens Lucilla, and demands she provide
him with an imperial heir.
In the Colosseum, the crowd shouts for their favorite, Maximus, who is
chained beneath the arena. When Commodus informs Maximus they will
fight to the death, Maximus accuses Commodus of murdering his father,
212 GLADIATOR (2000)