Maximus Quest For Freedom - 965 Words

Ridley Scott’s epic film, Gladiator, considered one of the greatest films in recent years, won five Academy Awards, including Best Picture. Scott’s film, tells the story of the fall and rise of the great Roman General, Maximus Decimus Meridius. The Roman Emperor, Marcus Aurelius, tells Maximus that he wishes that he ( ) the emperor after his death, instead of his son, Commodus. Angry, Commodus, murders his own father, thus becoming the emperor, and sentences Maximus and his family to death. Maximus escapes, but the Emperor’s men murder his family and burn his home. Slave traders, capture Maximus, and sell him into slavery. Maximus must rise to the top once more, and enact his revenge on Commodus. Through a liberal humanistic†¦show more content†¦This shows the viewer that greatness comes not from killing many people, but from ones own consciousness, and beliefs. Maximus has not become a decorated warrior and hero, by just killing people, he has u sed his own beliefs, and fought for what he believes correct. His fall and rise, allow the reader to see exactly what he believes, and reveals his quest for freedom. Throughout the film, Maximus does not want glory or fame, but only wants revenge and eventual freedom. The film holds this theme and meaning within the scenes themselves, and the viewer does not need any background information. Scott’s film presents the overall purpose of he enhancement of life. Maximus, plays the role of the hero, who rises, and takes his revenge. Although Maximus kills many people, he does so righteously, trying desperately to avenge his murdered family, and gain his freedom. Not once does maximus kill innocent people, or take the lives of those who did him no wrong. He only wants vengeance, on those who betrayed and wronged him, those who made him a slave, and murdered his family. At one point, Maximus screams to the crowd, â€Å"are you not entertained,† mocking their vile chee ring, and death chants. The people however do not hear his mocking tone, but cheer louder, rooting him on. Maximus never betrays his fellow soldiers, or harms innocent people, he kills the people who block him from hisShow MoreRelatedLiberal Humanistic Critique of Gladiator Essay897 Words   |  4 Pagesthe fall and rise of the great Roman General, Maximus Decimus Meridius. The Roman Emperor, Marcus Aurelius, tells Maximus that he wishes that he become his successor, instead of his son, Commodus. Angry, Commodus, murders his own father, thus becoming the emperor, and sentences Maximus and his family to death. He escapes, but the Emperor’s men murder his family and burn his home. Slave traders, then capture him, and sell him into slavery. Maximus swears revenge, and must fight for his murderedRead MoreSlavery Has Become A Big Hit For The Film Industry1325 Words   |  6 Pagesinterest for his gladiators. This is demonstrated when Proximo gives Maximus the advice that ultimately help him become one of his best gladiator. He tells him â€Å"Listen to me. Learn from me. I wasn t the best because I killed quickly. I was the best because the crowd loved me. Win the crowd and you ll win your freedom.† This advice is what delivered the turning point of Maximus gladiator career. Proximo’s words inspired Maximus to win the crowd’s support and thus become invincible. The support ofRead MoreStatement of Purpose23848 Words   |  96 Pagesschool has given me sufficient time to search . . . for graduate programs that best suit my needs. UC Berkeley s history program looms large in my mind, largely because of its outstanding faculty and interdisciplinary approach to history. In my own quest for a suitable graduate program, I was thrilled to learn that Professors Thomas Laqueur and Carla Hesse both taught at Berkeley. Professor Laqueur s book, Making Sex: Body and Gender from the Greeks to Freud, stands out among the many books I read