The Gladiator

Part 1:

• There are several things that I liked and disliked about the movie. For starters, I enjoyed the overall plot of the movie and the action and battles within the film. Usually history movies that are set way back in the day can be pretty boring to watch, but I think that all those fights and bloodshed kept me intrigued and wanting more. Also, I personally admire Russell Crowe and I think he was a perfect fit for the role of Maximus. Some things that I did not like about the movie was that I think they could have done a better showing all the different types of gladiators (what they really looked like and what armor they fought with) and also all the special features of the Coliseum. The way the Coliseum was build is so fascinating and I wish they would have shown a little bit more of that.

• By the end, I felt very good about the movie because of the ending. I really disliked Commodus so when he died I was pleased. Also, I was happy that Maximus had a happy ending and he could finally be reunited with his wife and son.

• Every time I watch this movie, I always have so many questions to ask Mrs. Pool about Rome and all of its symbols. It seems like every time I watch the movie there are new symbols and meanings about Rome so my lasting impressions are always new questions to ask and new meanings to analyze about Rome.

• I think that the most interesting character is Maximus Aurelius. Although he wasn't in the actual movie very much, I think that he was a very interesting Emperor of Rome. From learning about him in Latin class, I know that he was involved in many wars and battles and he always had Rome's best interest in mind. He also wrote the Meditations which was a very interesting book.

• I think that the application of the movie to today is to fight for what you believe in and don't give up. Maximus started as the lowest level of gladiator and earned his way to the highest ranks and I think that it can be applied to many different situations today.

Part 2:

• I think that the overall message or theme of the movie is to never give up no matter what. Maximus could have just let someone kill him in a battle and end his life in order to be with his family again, but he fought for himself as well as the Roman Empire because he truly believed that Rome could prosper. His determination and willingness to fight gives a message to others that you can't just be handed something you want, you must fight for it.