Commodus

— I knew a man who once said, «Death smiles at us all. All a man can do is smile back».
— I wonder, did your friend smile at his own death?
— You must know. He was your father.

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Gladiator (2000)

Maximus Decimus Meridius

Maximus. Maximus. Maximus... They call for you. The general who became a slave. The slave who became a gladiator. The gladiator who defied an emperor. A striking story. Now the people want to know how the story ends. Only a famous death will do.

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Gladiator (2000)

Death

— Have you ever embraced someone dying of plague, sire?
— No, but if you interrupt me again, I assure you that you shall.

— Do you remember what our father said once? «Its a dream, a frightful dream, life is». Do you think that's true?
— I don't know.
— I think it is.

— Still afraid of the dark, brother?
— Still. Always.

— You wrote to me once, listing the four chief virtues. Wisdom, justice, fortitude, and temperance. As I read the list, I knew I had none of them. But I have other virtues, Father. Ambition. That can be a virtue when it drives us to excel. Resourcefulness, courage. Perhaps not on the battlefield, but there are many forms of courage. Devotion to my family, to you. But none of my virtues were on your list. Even then it was as if you didn't want me for your son. Commodus, you go too far. I searched the faces of the gods for ways to please you, to make you proud. One kind word, one full hug, where you pressed me to your chest and held me tight, would have been like the sun on my heart for 1,000 years. All I've ever wanted was to live up to you, Caesar. Father.
— Commodus, your faults as a son is my failure as a father. Come.
— Father. I would butcher the whole world, if you would only have loved me!

— My father's war against the barbarians. He said it himself, it achieved nothing. But the people loved him.
— The people always love victories.
— Why? They didn't see the battles. What do they care about Germania?
— They care about the greatness of Rome.