Name: Irish Interone
Block: BSSW 2E
REFLECTION
This movie revolves around the story of Maximus Decimus Meridius, a commander
of armies in the North and the general of Felix Legions, whose only wish is to return
home to see his family and his 8-year-old son after a victory in battle. However,
the son of the emperor, Marcus Aurelius, named Commodus, becomes upset
when he learns that Caesar wanted Maximus to be the next emperor. He murders
his father and orders his soldiers to execute Maximus before dawn. However, the
plan fails because Maximus manages to escape and kill the soldiers. After the
incident, the soldiers capture and murder his family while he is crawling and trying
his best to go home. When he finally arrives home, he finds his house burned and
his family gone. He faints due to lack of energy and his wounded arms. This marks
the beginning of his revenge, and he becomes known as a gladiator.
As I was watching the movie, I experienced mixed emotions since I'm not a fan of
wars and I'm afraid of swords and blood. The movie portrays the battle as
extremely intense and brutal warfare in Rome. I noticed that the warfare
depicted in the movie differs from modern warfare; in ancient times, battles relied
more on words, armor, and arrows with fires to eliminate enemies faster. Soldiers
mastered various skills, agility, and flexibility, relying more on physical strength. In
contrast, modern warfare relies more on bullets and critical thinking.
The movie also portrays the Roman fondness for gladiatorial games. Maximus's
journey as a gladiator highlights the importance of pleasing the Roman crowd.
His success in the arena is not only about survival but also about winning favor
with the spectators. This demonstrates how the approval of the masses could
influence one's fate. Maximus understands that winning battles alone isn't
enough; he must also entertain and please the spectators to gain their favor and
potentially earn his freedom.
The lesson in this movie is that when it comes to politics, people will do anything,
even if innocent people are harmed, to conquer power. Politicians are depicted
as cruel and tyrannical, using power to manipulate people. Tensions arise in the
senate and within the emperor's court. Senator Gracchus and Senator Gaius want
to kill Emperor Commodus and name Maximus emperor because he will give
more power to the senate, whereas Senator Falco is allied with Commodus and
wants him to stay in power.
In the movie Gladiator, Maximus isn't just a skilled warrior; he embodies bravery,
strength of character, and a firm commitment to justice. Despite his prowess with
a sword, it's his courage and moral integrity that truly set him apart. He doesn't
seek glory or vengeance; his battles are fought to uphold what is right and to
defend the innocent.