Gladiator is a movie with insanely awesome story writing and life lessons to learn.
This essay will be about why I like the movie Gladiator.
The plot is very interesting. It’s similar to rags to riches but pretty much in reverse.
SPOILER ALERT! Maximus Decimus Meridius was a general in the service of the roman king Marcus Aurelius. He had unmatched skill and wisdom in the battlefield. He was strong but fair as well. The king treated Maximus as his son, but his real son was enraged.
Commodus was his son, and he was jealous of Maximus. Marcus Aureliu wanted Maximus to be king instead of Commodus. Commodus, blinded by envy and rage killed his own father before anyone knew Maximus should be king.
Of course, that wasn’t enough for him. He went to kill Maximus’s family. Maximus saw it unfold right in front of his eyes.
Maximus couldn’t do anything and found himself as a slave in North Africa. He found out that he was to entertain the crowds in an amphitheater. His success as a gladiator brings him to the Colosseum to play right in front of his mortal enemy, Commodus. Maximus reveals his identity and Commodus tries to kill him.
Once failed, he wanted to get the glory himself. So, he wounded Maximus so that he is weak and in battle Commodus could win. There was a bloody fight, but Maximus won. Unfortunately, because of his wounds he also died.
Entertain the crowd:
Maximus was talking with Proximo (You could say he is his “manager”) about winning his freedom. Proximo says he has to win the crowd, skill doesn’t much matter if you don’t entertain the crowd.
Deception / wit
Maximus in some scenes used his wit when he was under geared.
Wit is by far more powerful and dangerous that strength that is why it is very rare to have both brains and brawns.
Teamwork
In the first battle Maximus commands his companions to work together. All the people who didn’t died and only the ones who worked together survived.