Throughout Gladiator we see the character of Maximus go through many stages of development. From hero to zero and then back to hero again, Maximus is changed. He is portrayed as blatantly physically frightening and at times unfortunate and pitiful especially when he realizes he has lost his family. It is through Commodus' contempt for Maximus that the story unfolds and the development of both men takes center stage.
[...] The music and score of the film added to the Christmas feel and the understanding of the beauty of unity of mankind and the dignity that unites us all. The acting or sometimes overacting seems to come across flat and almost lethargic. Even though at times the plot moved rather slowly the visual elements make it worth watching. Throughout the movie I found myself becoming rather bored and uninterested. The lessons were on a very juvenile level. The meaning of Christmas and the holiday season was literally forced [...]
[...] This incredible looking movie with remarkable sets allows us to be transported to the world Whoville, and escape from the reality of our own life as least for 90 minutes. The moral of The Grinch embraces the true meaning of Christmas. The Grinch finally learns that his stealing of the presents has little to no effect on the people of Whoville, since they understand that Christmas is not wrapped in presents under a tree. His realization, combined with his understanding of happiness and compassion changes his outlook on life and he moves back to the town to live. [...]
[...] This ridicule caused the Grinch to flee Whoville and live in isolation. The heroine of the film is the little Cindy Lou Who. Cindy Lou is disillusioned by the rabid commercialism and competitive spirit of the season. It is Cindy who takes interest in the Grinch and began to bring him out of his shell. It is this interaction and connection that awakes the spirit and true meaning of the holiday season. It is the Grinch who goes through the most dramatic changes in the movie. [...]
[...] the beginning of the movie we see Commudus as a dark dubious hateful character. He strikes you as a short, whining, bully that is afraid of the dark. Throughout the movie he does very little to dismiss this image. Commodus' father takes a strong liking to Maximus and informs his son that it is Maximus who will be his successor. Commodus decides that he must kill his father so he is to become emperor, and makes it look like he died in his sleep. [...]
[...] I normally do not care for this type of movie genre but the concentration of movement and changes from close up to long shots really brought me to focus on the story. Gladiator's use of these elements added to my movie viewing experience. From this film I learned one important lesson. Truth of convictions and honor far outweighs the need for power and greed. In the end the ultimate freedom in the free will to act upon you own truth and to discover that truth in others. [...]
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