Russell Crowe Visits Roman Colosseum For Special Charity Screening Of ‘Gladiator’

Rome held a special screening for the 18th anniversary of Ridley Scott’s Gladiator for only 350 guest in the infamous Colosseum that features so prominently in the film. Former cast members Russell Crowe, Connie Nielsen and Tomas Arana were reunited to present the film.

There was also a live orchestra present to play Han Zimmer‘s score for the movie, along with vocals performed by Lisa Gerrard, the co-writer of the soundtrack.

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Crowe shared a video of the orchestra practicing the night before the event on his Instagram.

The screening was a fundraiser for the Rotary’s “End Polio Now” initiative. Rotary members, Italian officials and fans of Gladiator were among those who attended the event.

When presenting the movie, Crowe admitted to this being the first time he is watching Gladiator since its premiere over a decade ago. “Tonight, I will be watching Gladiator for the first time since it premiered. For the people of Rome, they have a special connection to this film, so watching this screening with them will be an emotional experience for me,” Crowe told the crowd.

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Nielsen shared that the whole experience at the Colosseum was “surreal.” “It is both surreal and exciting to be in Rome to celebrate Gladiator‘s anniversary at the actual Colosseum, a building that represents so much rich history,” Nielsen told The Hollywood Reporter.

She also says that the event was more than just a reunion, but to help a serious cause. “The event is not just about reuniting with Russell and other castmembers, whom I considered my family for those five months of filming, but also to also raise awareness about Rotary International’s work in ending polio forever,” she said. “I believe we all have the collective power and responsibility to help and empower those around the world, and promoting health care is essential.”