Maximus's 'Justice In The Movie Gladiator'

At first glance the movie Gladiator looks like it would be the stereotypical action movie that does nothing but throw gratuitous gore and violence at the viewer for two hours and twenty-eight minutes. And while it does deliver on the action and violence, the director. Ridley Scott, shows the viewer what it means to be human in the face of complete tragedy, and how a man can push himself further than he ever thought possible and even find hope in the name of justice. This movie is so much more than just a violent action movie. It shows what justice truly is, and how it differs from revenge. And how in that righteous crusade for justice, one can find hope where they have none.

The movies first major scene is the final battle for the Roman empire

When he is thrown into the fighting pit for the first time, being the experienced fighter he is, he easily slays his opponents- much to the crowds enjoyment. As he continues in the pits and moves up to bigger and tougher challenges it is evident that he doesn’t want to be killing all these people, he is just trying to survive and he takes no pleasure in it. Again, Scott is reinforcing that Maximus is a good man. Maximus never looks pleased with his killings like most of the other characters do. He never tries to do anything spectacular or entertaining in the beginning. He refused play to the crowd, he kills effectively and quickly, much to the disappointment of the crowd. At one point he quickly slays all of his opponents easily, to which the crowd boos. He then looks up at the and yells, “ARE YOU NOT ENTERTAINED!?” mocking

If he can get to the major championship in Rome, he will fight in front of Commodus. So he starts to play the game, pleasing the crowd and working his way up. He is building his popularity with the crowds and gaining their adoration. He is starting to have hope, hope that he can have justice for his family, and his friend, Marcus Aurelius. So he continues on, winning fight after fighting, and killing men almost as easily as someone would swat a fly. Scott is depicting for us a man who is very good at killing, perhaps the best in Rome, but he takes no pleasure in it, he is only working to achieve his