Analysis Of Gladiator

An epic is a work that contains a hero of imposing stature, a setting vast in scope, an action that is of great deeds, supernatural forces at work, formal speeches, and a formal introduction. Although it is not necessary for a film to contain all of these criteria, a film that is considered an epic would require at least a majority of these standards. In Gladiator, Maximus is of imposing stature, Rome is vast in scope, Maximus sacrifices himself for the sake of Rome, and some of the dialogue in the movie is composed of speeches. Although the setting of Gladiator isn’t as vast and the dialogue in the film isn’t entirely composed of speeches, a more modern movie requires a different definition of an epic. It would not make sense for people to

Before he was arrested by Commodus, Maximus was a general for the Roman army. He was an excellent solider and showed his incredible skills by defeating several gladiators in his fights. He showed tremendous courage, bravery, and strength going against heavily armed gladiators in outnumbered fights. He showed his wisdom when he took command of his allied gladiators in the recreation of the Battle of Carthage. He told his comrades to stay together and work as a unit. His wisdom allows them to win despite their lack of weapons and armor. Maximus shows his humility when he spares the life of Tigris, the only undefeated gladiator in Rome. Maximus defeats him without killing him. With Tigris laying helplessly on the ground, the emperor gives Maximus the command to kill him, however, Maximus chooses to spare his life. Maximus’ characteristics and victories earned him a lot of fame with the Romans. His imposing stature caused the Romans to chant his name and love him more than the

Despite being stabbed in the side before their fight, Maximus overpowered Commodus and slowly stabbed him in the throat, showing his superhuman strength. When Maximus died, Lucilla, Commodus’ sister, says “Is Rome worth one good man’s life? We believed it once. Make us believe it again.” This quote reiterates the fact that Maximus made a great sacrifice for the sake of Rome. Maximus gave his life to kill the undeserving emperor so that Rome could have a new, beneficial one. Lucilla wanted the Romans to make his sacrifice worth it. A great man made a giant sacrifice and they would have to honor it by making Rome a great empire again. Clearly one can see that Gladiator, one of my favorite movies, is an epic film. The epic characteristics of the film make that much better. Without a hero of imposing stature, an action of great deeds, a vast setting, or formal speeches, Gladiator would not be the same great movie it is. These characteristics are essential to the plot and along with the wonderful storyline, they create an exceptional movie that deserves every award it