Gladiator

§ How do major characters such as Maximus, Commodus, and senator Gaius express the values of late imperial Rome?

§ Based on the movie, how would you describe society at the time the film takes place? How “civilized” is it compared to previous periods and regions? Consider men and women and elite and commoners.

§ What are the advantages and disadvantages of learning about history through (fictional) feature films?

§ What impressed you the most about this movie?

The remarkable feature of this movie is the tie that the Romans had with their ancestors. It is because a scene displays Maximus kneeling and praying to them for their guidance. Also, I was impressed with the performances in the arena they were visualized in a manner to portray their realness. In addition, it was interesting to view how spectators enjoyed entertainment through combats in the stage for their amusement. The setting selected as the imperial locations was impressive since they were decorated to resemble late imperial Rome. It provides a clear insight into the set of gladiators in context to the tradition of historical films.

[646 Words]