20 Most Iconic Hero Introductions In Movie History

18. General Maximus Decimus Meridius - Gladiator

Ridley Scott isn't the great filmmaker he once was - Prometheus felt like a muddled mess in places while Exodus: Gods And Kings was little more than a showy yet superficial sword and sandals epic - but he got things right back in 2000 when he made Gladiator. Starring Russell Crowe as the Roman with a mouthful of a name, General Maximus Decimus Meridius, it played to Scott's production design strengths while at the same time delivering an intriguing plot revolving around political deception and rebellion. Meridius' introduction - after seeing his hands gliding over the fields of Elysium you cut to his battle-hardened face preparing for combat - captures the essence of this experienced warrior, impervious to the raging elements, adept at killing and a true leader of armies. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bLv58xOqCWo