Maximus is motivated by the desire to defend his family and the prosperous way of life that Roman imperialism provides. ... With a central character grounded by family, religion, and a pledge of loyalty to the dream of a Roman Republic, the film allows time for thematic and moral issues to draw attention to themselves. ... It has been quite some time since a mainstream American film set in Roman times has managed to straddle the popular and the political lines. ... There is much reflection upon the nature of the Roman Empire and several rumblings about corruption and manipulation which suggest...

• Word Count: 1374
• Approx Pages: 5
• Has Bibliography
• Grade Level: Undergraduate