Gladiators

Gentlemen - this is the one! Gladiators is a full-blown Can-Am extravaganza of muscles upon muscles in authentic period costumes with lush sets and lighting. Mark Wolff plays the Roman general, Maximus, who enjoys tuning his foes into his personal wrestling and body worship slaves. First up, Wolff and the handsome and sculpted Nino Bacci duel with swords before meeting in the 'fantasy forum" for a body on body duel. In three rounds of action, you are treated to punishing submission holds and painful stretches, as Bacci is slowly beaten into slavery. Next, we find chiseled warrior Justin chained to an obelisk awaiting his fate. Maximus flogs him and beats his straining muscles before giving him one chance: if he can win in the forum, Maximus will set him free. But not before some warm up body worship! Gladiators is a true body beautiful feast of delight!

Directed by Matthew Moore, Gladiators leans on a strong ensemble — Mark Wolff, Nino Bacci, Pascal Martineau — to carry a story that balances spectacle with character.

The film landed with audiences for its craft and performances, and remains one of the most talked-about screen titles of 2004.