GLADIATOR is historically situated. It was released in the USA in May of 2000 during the USA Presidential election campaign. Perhaps this is a political lesson and not a moral lesson, but I approach GLADIATOR the same way I approach THE SEARCHERS, as a film with a history, not a film about history.
I'm simplifying here, but I ask if the film endorses passing power along the lines that are already in power--here a father to a son, in the USA from a president to a vice president--or does it endorse passing power to an "outsider" who seems to actively challenge the system and be a guy I'd like to fight a war with?
This question doesn't depend on whether I like the film or not.
Brian
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