La rivolta degli schiavi (1960) - full transcript

(INAUDIBLE)

(PEOPLE CLAMORING)

CLAUDIA: Come on.

(LAUGHING)
Come on.

Come on.

(PEOPLE CHATTERING
INDISTINCTLY)

(LAUGHING)

Get him, men.

Titus, I will lay you
two to one the slave
will not be caught.

An ounce of gold.

GUARD: Get him. Stop him.



Stop that slave.

All right, hold him.

Come on, you.

All right, you'll get
your ounce of gold.

You know the law,
punish him,

(SCREAMS)

Anyone else who wants
to lose his hands?

Forward,

(GRUNTS)

No. No!

I will punish him.

CLAUDIUS:
Wait, Iface.
Let me down.

What is the price
of that slave?

He must be
punished first,
and then he'll be sold.



Without hands
he'll be worth nothing.

The Emperor
won't like that.
Wasting his goods.

Well, I'll give
you 400 for him.

Three hundred
to be paid to the State,

I think 100 should be
enough to corrupt you.

All right?

What is your name,
then, slave?

Vibio.

And yours, Master?

Claudius.

Go along with the others.

Over there.

Put it down there.

Be careful.

Gently, men,
gently now.
Set it down easily.

Now let's see
if anything was
broken in transport.

They're
so delicate,
these clocks.

Oh, stop it, Maximus.

MAXIMUS: No. I want
to know the truth.

Why do you
treat me this way?

Don't insist, Maximus.
I tell you it's all over.

But why, why?

Don't you ever want
to change your mind?
Without reason?

Perhaps it's Lucius
who's made you
change your mind.

What's the difference?

But Claudia,
I love you.

That's exactly what
makes you so boring.

You may go now.

Oh, Father,
this is the limit.

It's a marvel,
Claudia, isn't it?
Mmm-hmm.

Just exactly
what we need.

The house is full of
clocks, and none of them
keep the same time.

This will complete
the collection.

It was a good
buy, besides.
Father...

Well, perhaps I did
pay a little too
much for it. But...

Who is this?
He's a new slave.

He's as brave
as two lions.

Vibio, a Dalmatian,
age 29,

185 pounds,
healthy, educated,

quick tempered,
impulsive and violent.

Is it all true?
I'm afraid so,

Mistress.

Let's hope he
changes his character.

Mistress, the musicians
have arrived. They
await your orders.

All right, Sesto,
I'll be with them
in a moment.

Take them in,
I'll place them myself.

Another feast?

You have your clocks,
I have my feasts.

This way, both of us
help pass the time.

(PEOPLE CHATTERING)

(GRUNTING)

(LAUGHING)

Oh, this should be
to a soldier's
liking, Sebastian.

But it seems to
displease you.

These men are
not soldiers.

There's no glory
in a wrestling match.

I agree with
Sebastian.

As usual, Agnese
seems to agree with you.

You two should
get married.

What did you say?
What was that?

(ALL LAUGHING)
Did I hear that someone
is getting married

in my family, eh?

Oh, this is no
laughing matter.

Are you going to go
looking for the one man
like your cousin here?

Father.

(PEOPLE EXCLAIMING)

(LAUGHING)

So I am going
to be replaced by
this Sebastian, am I?

Why didn't
you tell me?

Oh, come now, Valerio.

Don't look at me
that way. Smile.

Your man is winning,
aren't you glad?

(ALL APPLAUDING)

Fortune is not
always so kind.

She was kind
to you tonight.

I only hope her
kindness continues.

While your luck's
good, why stop?

Your champion

against the slave
my father bought today.

Sesto.

Double or nothing.

This way, you can pay
me what you owe me
once and for all.

I'll do it.
Ah!

It is I who
wants you, slave!

Mistress.

Fight him and win.

I bet a fortune
on your head. Now
go on and win for me.

Well, what are
you waiting for?

You order me to work,
and I'll work.

This is what your
father bought me for.

But I will not humiliate
myself to make you or
your guests laugh.

Well, he has character.

Sesto.

I want this
coward lashed.

I don't think
he's a coward.

In any case,
the whip will
do him good.

(PEOPLE APPLAUDING)

(ALL CHEERING)

Thirteen.

Fourteen.

Fifteen.

Sixteen.
My Mistress,

why don't you
come closer?

It's hard to
see blood drawn
from that distance.

Wait...

Why did you
refuse to fight?

Dignity.

Dignity?

What dignity
can a slave have?

Same as any man.

No man was born
wearing chains.

Then why do
you wear them?

Because I objected
violently to being
unfairly taxed.

Then I think
it's time you
learned obedience.

Continue.
Come, Sebastian.

Wait. How many
lashes are left?
Seventeen.

Here, untie him.
No one will count
the scars on his body.

(PEOPLE LAUGHING)

Ah, Sebastian.
Agnese.

Take me home,
would you? I've had
enough of these feasts.

(GROANING)

That's enough.

Stop it. Let go.

Well, you said
you wanted to
see if it worked.

It works.

I don't understand why
he wouldn't confess.

Maybe he's
a Christian.

It seems
the more these
Christians suffer,

the better
they like it.

Corvino, may we talk?
It's very important.

When my dogs are fed.

(DOGS BARKING)

Now, what is it?

Give me that.
You can go.

It concerns Agnese...
She won't let you
seduce her, is that it?

Worse.
She knows you
love her for her money.

No, that's not true.
I do love Agnese.

I'm afraid that
there is someone else,
though. Sebastian.

But to kill a tribune
is a terrible risk.

Even for a member
of the State Police.

Who said anything
about murder?

For the moment, all I want
is to find out if she's
in love with Sebastian.

Can you find out for me?

How much is it worth?

This is only on account.

And when Agnese
and I marry, you'll
receive the rest.

Will you do it?

I will.

In the Sacred Name,
peace be with you.

And peace be
with you, Sister.

Here, lean
on me, Brother.
I will help you.

They fight us and they
persecute us because
they know us not.

So it has been since
Jesus was crucified.

No, that is not the reason.

It's because Jesus
was too good.

They took advantage of him.
If I had been there...

You would
have obeyed then
as you will obey now.

Do not interrupt me.

The Master has
taught us to forgive
our persecutors.

Your are late,
Mistress.

I feared that
you would not
be able to come.

(CHUCKLING)
Mistress, Mistress,

in our Lord's church
we are all free, Sesto.

Here we are equal,
and you are as my brother.

Are you better?

Let me take a look.

RUTILIO: ...rich in
the grace of our faith
and our knowledge.

It is we who must
lead the way.

And show by our example the
road to providence and love.

Only thus,

by following the Master's
teaching to the very end,

by showing to all the
difference between the

love for one's neighbor and
the fight between brothers.

Only, thus, I say unto you,

can we hope to see
one day the entire world

blessed by the
same divine grace

which Jesus offered
to all of us from his
place on the cross.

The last thoughts of Jesus
were for us, his children,
his chosen flock.

Did he turn to kings,
to the wealthy and the mighty?

No, for Jesus
sought the humble...

Corvino,

Torquato, but
you're the last person
in the world that I...

I thought to seek here.
You should have told us.

All your friends
are looking for you.

What are you doing here?

Why. Just what
everybody else is doing.

Why are you
dressed like that?

Don't you want
to be recognized?

What do you mean?
I'm not trying
to fool anyone.

What do you want here?
Why, that's Corvino.

The right arm
of the State's
Secret Police.

So, you're spying?

No, I'm not a spy.
I swear. I, I'm not a spy.

No. That's false.
I won't tell what I saw.

No. You have my word.
No. I won't tell.

Have pity, please.
No. Have pity on me.

I won't talk,
believe me, I won't.

You bet you won't talk.

No, Catulo, no.
That will do.

No, Catulo.
SEBASTIAN:
Let him go, Catulo.

I order you.
Are you not ashamed?

And the rest of you,
who stand by in silence

to watch the murder
of your brother.

You would teach
charity and peace with
hands drenched in blood?

Let Corvino go.
Forgive me, brother.

Was it the voice
of the Lord?

It was my voice.
CATULO: Sebastian.

Terenzeio told me that
you had caught a spy.

I didn't wish
to be recognized.

If I'd known, I'd...

Enough, Catulo.

It is no longer
safe to meet
here, Brethren.

We shall go to the
Villa at Volks Hill.

The Emperor prefers
these Africans
to our Praetorians.

That's only natural.
The Emperor
is a barbarian.

Among his barbarians,
he's more secure.

I guess you're right.

Corvino,

I've been looking
for you for hours.

Is this the way you
treat your friends?

You forget, friend.
I've work to do besides yours.

I'm paid for it.

But what's interesting is,

is that Sebastian
is not the one
you have to fear.

Your rival is more powerful.
He won't be easy to fight.

We're up against
more than a
simple tribune.

Why? Explain yourself.

Not now. We'll
speak of this later.
Wait outside for me.

Corvino, the
Emperor will see you.

Duty first, and
friends after.

Devine Maximian.

You may approach.

What is it that
you want now?

The charge of the
Secret Service.

The present Chief
still has my confidence.

And besides, you're
still much too young.

The young have
good eyes and keen ears.

Plastro, give me
the unguent, quick.
This itch is torture.

So, what have
you found out?

That your orders are ignored.

The Christian
plots continue.

Ah, why should we get
excited about a few idiots?

Idiots like
Lucious Servarius?

Lucious Maximus, the Idar,

even your most trusted
advisors are going
to these meetings.

I have seen them
with my own eyes.

I tell you, even the ward
of Claudius is a Christian.

Impossible,

you must be mistaken.
Claudius is the
richest man in Rome.

Grant me the authority
and I shall bring proof.

You know what
this could mean?

I'm sure you know
that half of all we
confiscate will be yours,

but I warn you,
if this is the only reason

you have for your
actions, you'll answer.

Put me to the
proof, Maximian.

All right, you
have full authority.

And if you are capable,
our Secret Police
will have a new Chief.

(HOOVES POUNDING)

How many guards
were there?
SESTO: About 20.

Who else managed
to escape?
No one but me.

The Villa was already
surrounded when I arrived.

Well, a few
of us against 20,

there's little hope
that we can free them.

Free whom?

I asked a question.
Answer it.

Speak up!

The Christians.

And what do you care?

Or are you Christians?

Yes.

You'll end up like the
rest of those delinquents.

Your cousin, Agnese,
is amongst them.

GUARD: Walk faster,
you swine.

Here they come.

Wait here.

You fool, Agnese
is amongst them.

I don't care if they
kill all your friends,
if they dare touch Agnese.

Agnese is tied
to the others.

You'd better
cover yourself.

Someone may
recognize you.

Halt.

Halt, I say.
Halt in the name
of the Emperor.

(SOLDIERS GRUNTING)

(INDISTINCT SHOUTING)

For the love of God.

For the love of God,
peace, brothers,
peace, brothers.

Don't do it, brother!

(GRUNTING)

Turn the other
cheek, brother.
Forgive thine enemy.

Remember the
teachings, brother. Peace.

No, Catulo.

Oh, forgive me brother.

And a patrician,
a patrician with slaves.

How could you?

To me, they are
not slaves, Claudia,

I consider them
as my equals.

I don't understand you.
You will, though, one day.

You will believe. Yes...

Everyone will soon
believe words like
forgiveness and justice.

Justice and forgiveness?

Poor Agnese.

Poor Agnese.

You have no conception
of the evils of mankind.

I know what
goodness means now

and goodness will cure evil.

Words.

Your trouble is youth.

The young always
fall in love with words.

We are justice.

(GASPS) Oh...

Get out.
All of you, get out.

And you stay here.
I won't let you
out of this room.

Oh, Agnese.

I don't want
anything to harm you.

And the rest
when Agnese
is in my hands.

(LAUGHING)

Lubala's clever,
isn't she?

Wait, you. Who do
you think you are?

CORVINO: What
do you want, Valerio.
No one sent for you.

I salute you, Corvino.

I see, you're
still betraying
your friends.

I've done my duty
as a loyal Roman.

Ha, another loyal Roman
paid for doing her duty.

And so what?
This girl is the
slave of Claudius.

And so we both
know where we
can find Agnese.

Where are you going?

I won't lot you hurt her,
Corvino. You shall
not hurt this girl.

I told you it's not
just her gold I love.

Don't let him out.

(GRUNTING)

(DOGS BARKING)

Ahhh!

(DOGS BARKING FEROCIOUSLY)

Order your men
to leave this house at once.

I have a warrant
in good form
from the Emperor.

Agnese is
wanted for plotting
against the State.

One little girl
threatens Rome?

CORVINO: It is not
for you to judge the
Emperor's actions.

Your house
is impressive, Claudia.

I'm sorry to have
to come without
being properly invited.

But I'm pleased
to have the occasion
to admire the place.

Corvino, we looked
in the servants' quarters
and she's not in there.

And this floor?
Not here, either.

We'd better
look upstairs, too.

Corvino.

Corvino.

The Emperor
will regret this.

Rome owes a great deal
of gratitude to my family.

And a great deal
of money to my father.

For the last time,
Corvino, give up
your warrant,

or I'll make you
pay for this.

Why are you
so concerned?

If Agnese is not
in your house, I shall
even ask your pardon.

(CLINKING)

She's not here. Still...

I think you'd better
leave this house,

before I have
you thrown out.

Very well, Claudia.

But I'll pray
to the Gods that we
shall meet again soon!

Don't worry.
We just made it.

Where is she?
She's in a safe place.

And now there's
this persecution,
where will they go?

What will they do?
They'll end up in
the circus games.

I've never seen a lion
go after a Christian,
myself, but my father...

Ouch.
Get some hot water.

My father used to say
that there was a
world of difference

between them and
the usual criminals.

He said that, uh...
Well, what is it?

Hello, Torquato.
Where have you been?

I've been looking
for you.

We have nothing
to say to each other.

On the contrary.
You have a great
deal to say. Come along.

And don't give us
any arguments.

BARBER: But
what's the idea?

He's going away,
and he's only half-shaved.

Shaving's torture
for my friend, Torquato.

He can't bear torture,
can you, Torquato?

(THUNDER CLAPPING)

It's here.

It's all right,
she's with me.

Your friends are
welcome here, Vibio.

Some of these
passageways lead out
into the open country.

Others, directly
into the heart of Rome.

So, this is where
you people hide.

We don't actually hide.

We meet here
to bury our dead
and sanctify our martyrs.

What are they doing?

We keep closing
old passageways
and opening new ones.

That makes it
difficult for those
who would spy on us.

Agnese.

Oh, Claudia.

How can you bury
yourself in this tomb
without light or air?

Ah, but you
are wrong, cousin.

There is more light
here then in the
palaces of Rome,

and the air that
we breathe is clean
and without hatred.

Come away.
There's Octavio's
house near Capua.

You'll be safe there.

Agnese is
safe here, Claudia.

She's safe here with us.

We have all found
peace in this place.

You, too, a Christian?

But are you all
out of your minds?

If truth is madness,
then we are all
out of our minds, perhaps.

I don't understand you.

Stay here awhile with us,
listen and watch.

We shall teach
you the joys
of our faith.

You may find peace, too.

(SPEAKING LATIN)

(GRUNTING)

Come on.

Come on.

(RECITING IN LATIN)

(INAUDIBLE)

What's happening?
Shh. Don't speak.

Which way? Speak.

Down there.

Come with us, Claudia.

But, Sebastian, Vibio
and the others,
where are they going?

Don't worry, we'll
see them outside.

Come with us.
Hurry, please

(CRASHING)

(SHOUTING INDISTINCTLY)

They're on my heels.
So are mine.

Stop it, you stupid fools.

While you're fighting
each other, the
Christians are escaping.

Follow me and
use your heads.

(ROOF CRASHING)

(WOMEN SCREAMING)

Agnese. Agnese.

Agnese!

Let go of me.
Let go of me.

Let go of me.

Turn back!

CLAUDIA: Let go of me.
Let go of me!

Come on. Come on.
Please. Let go of me.

Vibio...

Are you hurt?
You're wounded.

Nothing serious.

Come on.

Claudia,
what a pleasure.

I really didn't
expect that we
would meet here.

Take them away.

(THUNDER CLAPPING)

There's never
any in between.

In the summer,
it's too hot,

in the fall and winter
all it ever does is rain.

Hey, you, down there.
Here comes your food.

Don't waste the
water like that.

It'll be eight
hours before they
bring any more.

Are you a Christian?
Who, me? No.

I can't pay my debts.

Then why are
you chained?

Why, for attempted
escape, friend.

They drop the food
basket, and I jump in
and ride up with it.

The first few times
they laughed, a joke,
but not for long.

They got sick of me,
so they chained me.

I'll take your
bread, I see
you're not eating it.

You give me your cape,

you stay back to defend me.

You risked your
life to save mine.

Why?

Because it's my duty,

and of course,
my desire.

But it's absurd.
It's a nightmare.

But it will all be
over in a little while.

My father will take me away
from this horrible world.

Then, I'll take
my revenge on Corvino

and on all those
who dared touch me.

I'll show them.

Forgive me.

I was only thinking
of myself.

You know, I'm
sure it's the first
time in your life

that you say
such a thing.

I'm sorry,
Claudius. I've done
everything possible,

but he won't receive you.

I said, no one.
No one?

You don't mean
me, Maximian.

My money and I have
always been allowed
free access to your throne.

Have you forgotten
that, Maximian?

You're wasting
your time, Claudius.

Sebastian's already
been here.

Your daughter,
Claudia, will go on
trial in open court.

That's the law.

Those are strange
words coming from you.

If your daughter
is found innocent, she will
be released immediately.

And her accusers
shall answer
to me, personally.

No.

My daughter will not
go before your judges.

Engraved in the Forum
you'll find carved
in golden letters

the names of my ancestors.

Do you know how much
Rome owes to my family?

How much you owe to me?

You know that the Empire
could not exist without
my family's backing.

If our money were to
be called in,

you would go
bankrupt in 10 days.

Watch your step, Maximian,
you've made too many
enemies for your own good.

Don't force the
hand of a father.
I warn you.

Do not drive those you
have need of to desperation.

When a man is beyond hope,
he'll stop at nothing
for his world is ended.

You've cut off my world.

Set my daughter free,

or another good friend,
may become, overnight,

a terrible enemy.

I've warned you, Maximian.

CLAUDIA: Murderers!
Murderers.

They've murdered him.

And they've
cremated his body
to remove all proof,

but it is Corvino's work.

He is arresting
all your family
and friends, as well.

He is saying
that all of them
are Christians.

(CRYING)
It's all over now.

They'll kill me as well.

It's your fault.

It's your fault
my father's dead.

May you Christians
all be damned.

You're right, it is
our fault he's dead.

(CRYING)

(METAL CLANKING)

(WATER FLOWING)

What is that
noise that sounds
like a river?

That's the noise
of the sewer, friend.

It's just behind us,
behind those stones.

You'll get used
to the noise of water
after a little while.

When the Tiber starts
into flood, it's like that.

Someday it's going
to break the wall down
and we'll all drown.

Look at it.

Catulo, Catulo,
help me dig.

What're you
going to do?

I want to drown.

(WATER GUSHING)

Now what?

The water rises,
we rise with it.

What a fool I was.

You know, I've been
in this pest hole for years.

How simple.
I was always
afraid of the water.

What a perfect
fool I was. By Jove, I...

Catulo.

Come on and help.

It's no use,
we can't make it.

What can we do?
There's no way
out for him.

Let's give the alarm.

If we call the
guards they'll pull
us out of here.

They'll just put you
into another prison.

This may be
your last chance.

We don't have
any alternative.

Come on, if we
all shout together,
they're bound to hear us.

There's no point in that.
It's too late now.

Not for you,
you have no
chains on you.

Now you'll be
able to escape
from this inferno.

With the water going up,

the water will
get you out of here.

You wash your
sins away with
water, I heard.

With water you can purify
the soul, can't you?

If only my soul
could be purified, too.

Please.

I baptize thee,
Tertulious,

in the name of
the Father, the Son,
and the Holy Ghost.

Amen.

(THUNDER RUMBLING)

(GRUNTING)

(INAUDIBLE)

(DOGS BARKING)

Greetings, Corvino.

What do you want?

Corvino, I thought
you might need help,
so I brought the guards.

No one asked
you to help.

My men will have no
trouble in arresting
Christian dogs.

That's true. But what
I'm worried about,
though, are your dogs.

I wouldn't care
to have our prisoners
killed without a trial.

(INDISTINCT CHATTERING)

Corvino.
Hurry, let's head
for the water.

Don't give up.

Please go
with the others.

Come along.
Lean on me.

(DOGS BARKING)

Corvino, they
might have tried
to double back.

Check the forest.

We'll go around
the edge of the woods.
I'll meet you later.

Head towards the south.

And God bless you.

(DOGS BARKING)

Quiet, children.
Quiet, now.

They won't hurt you.

They're just too friendly.

I've prayed that
you would be saved.

I knew that
you would be.

This way. Come.

This is my
humble cabin.

Come in.

(GOAT BLEATING)
Hey, come out
of there. Come along.

Can't you see
we have guests?

Excuse them,
we don't get
many visitors.

The marks
of the whip
are still here.

I did it.

Shh.

(PEOPLE CLAMORING)

This is the last one.

(GRUNTING)

Tribune, what
are you doing?

(GRUNTING)

The Commander of
the Praetorian Guards

fighting to defend
the Christians,

the enemies
of the State.

A sorry sight.

A Roman Tribune
fighting in the streets
like a common thug.

I'm only doing my duty.
Why do you interfere?

You have one more
duty to fulfill then.

I, too, am a Christian.

Release him.

In the name
of the Emperor,
your sword, please.

You, even you, Sebastian,
I can't believe it.

One of my own
officers, a Christian.

Have you forgotten
how much you owe me?

I've thought of you
as my own son.

I made you
the youngest
tribune in Rome?

Why, I even hoped
one day to put you
on the throne.

To think I've nourished
a serpent in my bosom.

And I'm lucky
even to be alive,

not to have been stabbed
by my own Praetorians.

I've told you
I was a Christian.

You need have no worry
about your safety.

Well, then, why did
you hide your religion
like a common thief?

Why did you accept
my favors while you
go on breaking my laws?

To help save
my brethren.

I felt someday
that you would
understand, Maximian,

you felt I would
understand what?

I am a soldier,
and a soldier
defends the law,

not persons who are
trying to subvert it.

Look, Sebastian,
try to understand.
Don't be a fool.

I'm sure I can
offer you a solution.

In two days,
the circus is
going to start.

And I will call it off,
but on one condition,

the Christians must
renounce their faith

before the entire
Roman Senate.

The High Priest
will conduct you
to the temple

for the sacrifice
to our Gods,

and we'll forget the matter.

It's impossible, Maximian.

All right, then, you die.

But not like
your friends
in the arena.

Iface!

Come here.

Select a squad of
your finest archers

and have them tie
this traitor to a tree.

Shoot him full of
your sharpest arrows,

I want him to
feel the points.

Don't shoot at his heart.

You will cover his
entire body with arrows.

Let the blood
drain slowly
from his wounds.

I want this
traitor to suffer.

Understand?
Take him away.

Sebastian's attempt
to help Agnese has
only made things worse.

They have condemned
all our comrades
without trial.

Demanding they
renounce their faith.

VIBIO: And what
about Sebastian?

SESTO: He is to be
executed tomorrow.

The Emperor is furious.
He fears the Praetorians.

He knows they
love Sebastian and
may try to revolt.

So the Africans
will execute him.

Terenzeio,
Jonah, Catulo,

get some horses.
Where are you going?

To Rome.
But, Vibio...

If you go to Rome,
you'll be killed.

They'll have to
catch us first.

And that won't be easy.

We must try
to save him, Sesto.

That's the least
we can do for him.

(HOOVES POUNDING)

She must've heard.

MAXIMIAN: Why
have you requested
this audience, Claudia?

What have you
to say to me?

I've come, seeking
justice, Maximian.

For I have
been persecuted.

I've known violence
and imprisonment.

My house and my
possessions have
been confiscated.

Now I'm again in the
hands of your soldiers.

I ask you why
a high-ranking
Patrician such as I

should pay for a crime
which was never committed.

I have never
believed in the God
of the Christians.

My only faith
is in the gods
who watch over Rome.

But you helped
the Christians,
you were with them.

I was only trying
to save, Agnese. I swear.

That's her word.
It's only her word.

That's enough, Corvino.

You are free.
All your possessions
will be returned to you.

You've renounced
their faith,
so I'm satisfied,

Rome must
know that I always
maintain my promises,

even as I am
stern in my revenge.

Did you hear me, Iface?

Select anything you like.

You can take everything.

But, you must
convince him.

And if you succeed,
you won't be
poor anymore.

I shall cover
you with gold.

(LAUGHING)

No.

I prefer to keep my
hand right where it is.

All right, if that's
all your love means,
I'm leaving, Iface.

No, wait.

Why don't you ever
talk about anything
except gold and jewelry?

Why? What do you
want to talk about?

Love.

About love with a man
who won't even do me
one little favor?

Look, just one arrow,

one arrow,

and the man is dead.

And suppose that
you miss his heart?

(LAUGHING)

Me, miss a shot?

Don't aim
for the heart.

The Emperor
wants him to suffer.

Don't shoot him
in the heart or any
vital part of the body.

Let him have
time to think
and feel the pain.

SEBASTIAN: Oh, Lord above,

I pray that my
sacrifice may serve
as an example to Rome.

One at a time.
You first.

May the persecutions cease,

and my brethren be
martyred no more.

Our religion must
triumph through our words,

and not through
the blood of martyrs.

Truth will one day prevail
over the ignorance of men.

Goodness and justice
shall rule the world.

And men will no longer
hate their brother.

The last one is for me.

Dear Lord,

send down thy grace
into men's hearts,

and let thy heavenly light
shine on a better world.

One Christian less
to give us trouble.

Let's go, men.

There's wine for all.

Where is he?

In a safe place.
The house of Evio,
the physician.

Catulo, get the
strongest men and
meet me at the catacombs.

Let's go.

Sebastian.
Vibio.

It's a miracle
you're alive, Sebastian.

It really is a miracle.

One inch more to
the right and they'd
have hit the heart.

Don't stay
too long, will you?
He's lost much blood.

I'm all right, really.

We could go into
the garden, but
he won't permit it.

Why did you come?
You're risking
your life here.

But it's only
my life I risk.

Tomorrow, Agnese and
the others are sure to
lose theirs in the circus.

I know.

It's terrible
to be so helpless.

But there is something
we can do, Sebastian.
That's why I'm here.

We won't use the
catacombs only to hide,

but from the catacombs,
we can dig a passage into the
main sewers of the suburra,

then we can reach
underneath the circus and
all we have to do is wait.

Then what?

When the games start,
the noise of the crowd
will make it difficult

for the guards to hear
the sound of our picks.

We can dig a hole in the
outside wall of the dungeon,

take Agnese and
our brethren out with us.

If the guards
try to stop us...
Yes, go on.

May God forgive us
for what may happen then.

Vibio...

Vibio, I resorted
to violence and
this is the result.

My brethren
will suffer for it.

Don't descend to the
level of our persecutors.

Don't resort
to violence, promise me.

No, I cannot promise this.

Sebastian, they can't
martyrize us any longer.

I can no longer
turn the other cheek.

We can't let them
torture us without reacting.

Haven't you
suffered enough?

What have I
had to suffer?

How easy
it is to suffer

when you know
that it may show
the way to peace,

to turn others
to our faith.

But when will
they understand?

They will, one day.
Just have faith.

Three hundred years
ago, the same words
were said on Calvary,

and the day
hasn't come yet.

Don't blaspheme.

Forgive me, Sebastian,

but I can't
wait any longer.

I've told you,
I can no longer
turn the other cheek.

I'm not a saint as you are.

I cannot stand
idly by while beasts
devour my brothers,

or the gladiators
massacre them.

Wait, violence is
not the solution.
Vibio, wait.

Listen to me, Vibio.

Oh, give up.
Let's leave Rome.

Are you suggesting
that I run away?

Yes. Let's try at least
to save our love.

It's all I have left,
and I don't want to
lose that as well.

I'm afraid this is
no longer the woods.

This is Rome.

In the woods
you loved me.

But here, you are
again the Mistress
and I am the slave.

But you can't save them.
They can save themselves.

All they need do
is renounce their faith.

We don't speak the same
language any longer.

Did it ever occur
to you that you
might be wrong?

You would change our world.

We have ancient
and just laws,

and you would substitute
the laws of the weak,

the visionaries,
the slaves?

It's you who create
disorder. It's you
who provoke violence.

Forgive me.

(CRYING)

Evio.

Evio!

Where is Sebastian?

I don't know.

When we try to
overlook their crimes,

the Christians only
become even more audacious,

I maintain they constitute
a genuine threat to the
State and to our own person.

It is our sacred duty
to defend the Empire
against this danger.

They are everywhere,
in our homes and
in our families,

nibbling away at the
very foundations of
our Roman civilization.

If the Emperor and the
Senate continue to close
their eyes to these traitors,

as they have up to now,

we shall all
be responsible

for the disaster
which the Christians,

this band of
subversive traitors,
will bring down on Rome.

And I ask you, can
any loyal Roman citizen

stand quietly by and
permit this to happen?

Maximian...

Maximian,
listen to me.

Don't spill the innocent
blood of martyrs
on the soil of Rome.

You, who have destroyed
the temples of God, listen.

No. Silence.
No, don't come near me.

No, You will hear me.
I refuse to be silent.

Iface told me
that you were dead.
What are you? A ghost?

Won't even death
shut you up?

God spared me
for this hour.

In His holy name,

I ask you to
spare my brethren.

Why spill the blood
of these innocent men?

Rome is filled with
cruelty and sorrow.

Why do you wish
your name to be
cursed forever?

Let these people
go now. Please.

They're full of
goodness and charity.

Why do you fear
men who are good?

Why destroy them?

Maximian, don't
stain your hands
with innocent blood.

Silence.
Isn't it enough
to have betrayed us?

Arrest him!

I order you to arrest him!

Maximian, beware.

The Lord is just.
Corvino!

No, Corvino. No.

(PEOPLE SCREAMING)

(CRYING)
Oh, my baby.

Oh, my poor baby,

follow me, come on.

MAN: The Christians, they're
taking them to the arena.

Get in there.

Let us go home, Mistress.

Where are you going?

Come on.
Get on there!

(MAN GRUNTING IN PAIN)

Come on.
Get going.

What are you
trying to prove?

Why don't you
speak, idiot?

All of your suffering
is for nothing.

You think you're
tougher than we are?

(GROANING)

Vibio, Catulo, and the
others. Where are they?

Where are they?

He's dead.

The fool.

All right,
who is next?

Well, will you
speak up now?

Speak up, or
I'll have you
eaten by my dogs.

And they are hungry.

They have not
eaten in three days.
They're starving.

Why don't you
feed them, then?

What?

The poor creatures
must be hungry.

Why do you
bark like that?

No one wants
to hurt you.

There. Calm down,
now. Good boys.

Quiet now, quiet.

You have no right
to treat these poor
beasts like this.

Come here. Come on,
boys, now, now,
don't be afraid.

I've many dogs
at home, but I feed them.

I'm sorry I have
nothing to give you.

Not even a crust of bread.

I wish I had.
Yes, yes, yes.

Yes, yes, yes.

You're very sweet.

Ah, if men could
only be as nice
as you dogs.

(CHUCKLING)

Good boy.

Poor beasts.

They're so
affectionate.

Dirty Christian.

Ahhh! Help.

Help.

(DOGS BARKING)

(GRUNTING)

Your offer is generous.

CLAUDIA:
And I want very
little in exchange.

During the games,
you are to get rid
of the Praetorians

who are on duty
in the corridor.

So the Christians
can escape?

You must neither see,
nor hear, nor must
you ask questions.

Now, I've promised
to set Lubala free,

if you agree
to my request.

And I shall also
give her a most
generous dowry.

Get me some more wine.

We haven't even
offered a toast
to our benefactor.

I suppose you
know how dangerous
this operation is?

Not any more
dangerous than what
you did for Sebastian.

Should Maximian
ever find out,

he'd never forgive you.

Is that a threat?

I was only asking
you to think.

You know, I like
women like you.

You know what
you want and you're
not afraid to ask for it.

What should I be afraid of?

Yes, I've always
wanted to have
a woman like you.

You haven't
answered me yet.

This is quite
an occasion for me.

Let me go.
Don't touch me,

Iface.
What do you want?

The Emperor
wants to see you.

What is your
answer, then?

I will leave the guard,
and marry Lubala

and with her dowry,
I'll build a house
bigger than yours.

(LAUGHING)

Come, Lubala.
This house is mine.

And I'm going
to stay here
and wait for him.

Divine Maximian,
your wish is
our law, but still,

to replace Corvino
with an African,

to name him the Chief
of your household...

The Africans
are the only
ones I can trust.

The Praetorians.
No Praetorian even
tried to save Corvino.

They've never forgiven
me for Sebastian.

Now, I'm not going
to be struck down by
my own men as Nero was.

(CRASHING)

SESTO: Vibio,

you'll find
horses and wagons
by the Appian Way.

We'll all meet
there tomorrow,
during the games.

The streets
will be deserted.

No one will
even suspect us.

Thank you, Sesto.
Providence
has sent you.

With the help
of Claudia.

She is going
to be there, too.

(FANFARE PLAYING)

(AUDIENCE CHEERING)

ALL: Hail Caesar!
Hail Caesar!

ALL: Hail!
Hail!

ALL: We who are about
to die salute thee.

Mistress, Mistress.

What is it, Lubala?

(CRYING) Iface says
he doesn't want to
marry me anymore.

Oh, no.
He says
he can't help

the Christians,
anymore, either.

I don't know
what to do.

Come.

The games have
begun, Vibio.

Come on. Come on.

(AUDIENCE CHEERING)

(GRUNTING)

(INDISTINCT CHATTERING)

(CHRISTIANS GROANING)

Iface.
What do you want?

I want to...
I can't speak here.
It's dangerous.

Come with me.

I can't accept
your offer, Claudia.

Corvino was killed,
and I'm his successor.

You expect me to
help the Christians
now, do you?

I'll give you
everything
I have, Iface.

My home, my belongings,
my land, everything.

The Emperor
has offered
more than that.

You're too dangerous
to let free.

(INAUDIBLE)

(SHOUTING INDISTINCTLY)

I thought you said
this was soft rock.

Let's try to pry it.

Whoever gets
past that line
will be pardoned.

He who kills a Christian
before he crosses
the line will be free.

Kill a Christian or serve

ten years in the
galley, a fair exchange.

(MEN LAUGHING)

IFACE: We'll start
with you. Go on.

(AUDIENCE CHEERING)

(LAUGHING)

Another.

(GRUNTING)

(LIONS ROARING)

You two, there.

Another one.

(GROANING)

(CROWD CHEERING)

(MEN GRUNTING)

(CHEERING)

Vibio.

You, now!

(GRUNTS)

You, next!

WOMAN: (CRYING) No!

(GRUNTING)

What are you waiting for?

You want to spend
20 years in the galleys?

(CROWD GROWING SILENT)

Vibio...

(INAUDIBLE)

Grace them,
Maximian.
Grace them!

Grace them,
Maximian,
Grace them!

Grace them! Grace them!

Grace them! Grace them!

ALL: Grace them!
Grace them!

(ALL CHANTING)

(ALL APPLAUDING)