Gladiator

Gladiator (2000)

Information at Internet Movie Database
Review by Matt McEver, Journal of Religion and Film.
Cinema in Focus, a social and spiritual commentary by Hal Conklin and Denny Wayman.
Roger Ebert Review, Chicago Sun-Times
Looking Closer, review by Jeffrey Overstreet, "searching for truth, beauty and meaning in the movies."
Hollywood Jesus visual review
Review at Movie Parables
"Gladiator and the Visions of the Afterlife," Steve Lansingh, TheFilmForum: Christian Conversation about the Movies.
"Gladiator: The Reluctant Warrior," Kevin Reynolds, TheFilmForum: Christian Conversation about the Movies.
Review, Frederic and Mary Ann Brussat, Spirituality & Health - Spiritual Practices for Human Being.
Themes
- Afterlife/Heaven
  - The Garden he enters is completely white, symbolizing the holy spirit. He also must enter through a narrow gate. This alludes to the passage in Matthew's Gospel. (submitted by Steve Ash, Memphis TN)
- Ascension
  - After his death, he levitates on the ground towards a heaven-like garden that is completely white. Since in this film heaven is a lateral place it is not unlikely that his levitation was meant to symbolize an ascension. (submitted by Steve Ash, Memphis TN)
- Baptism
  - When Maximus is deloused after being bought by Proximo. He is being baptised into a new life as a slave. (submitted by Steve Ash, Memphis TN)
- Clean/Unclean
  - Maximus is portrayed as a devout, even pious man. He is is reminder not to associate "pagan" with "godless." We should be careful not to Christianize his beliefs. (submitted by Mike Clark, Hamilton, Canada)
- Covenants
  - The old method used for making an oath was for a man to place his hand in the groin area and this is shown briefly when Maximus makes his vow to the good king (before his son kills him). I just think this is a cool clip to help bring the Bible to life. (submitted by Dave Robinson, MCYM/Club Beyond (a joint partnership between Young Life and Youth for Christ to reach US Military-dependent students) Bad Aibling, Germany)
- Crucifixion
  - When Commodus is taunting Maximus, while Maximus is tied up in a crucifixtion -like pose. Then Commodus stabbs Maximus in the side, very symbolic of Matthews passion narrative. (submitted by Steve Ash, Memphis TN)
- Interconnectedness
  - There is a quote that goes a little like this: "What you do today echoes through eternity." I think an entire year can be filled with lessons using this quote as a launching point. (submitted by Dave Robinson, MCYM/Club Beyond (a joint partnership between Young Life and Youth for Christ to reach US Military-dependent students) Bad Aibling, Germany)
- John the Baptist
  - Proximo is a John the Baptist character in the film. Once realizing how good a gladiator Maximus is, he guides him to achieve his goal. (submitted by Steve Ash, Memphis TN)
- Joseph (OT)
  - Gladiator develops a similiar theme that is found in the life of Joseph, Maximus has a "decent" into the bottom of the social order by becoming a slave. Joseph becomes a slave and maintains his integrity --God is with him - and as Joseph ascends in power...in a sense conquers mighty Egypt from within. Maximus defeats the mighty power of Rome single-handedly because of his integrity and resolve, ascending to a place of prominence while being a slave. (submitted by Todd A. Capen)

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