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The
Gladiator
A
Dreamworks Picture
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Power Clip: "My
Name is Gladiator"
(#16 DVD)
E-mail to a friend
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There
are many memorable scenes in the Movie, Gladiator,
but only one that is unforgettable. The unmasking of
Maximus and the revelation of his true identity before the
evil Commodus is the apex of the film. So powerful is
this confrontation between these two mortal enemies, that it
is easy to miss another confrontation that is taking place
at the same time; for standing behind Commodus is Quintas,
the man who served under Maximus and had him arrested.
Maximus
does not respond to Commodus and Quintas in the same
manner. To Commodus he makes a simple vow to have his
vengeance. To Quintas he speaks no words, but makes a
gesture with his arm. It is a slight movement that the
viewer can so easily miss, but one that conveys a profound
message, for it is the sign of "strength and
honor". In giving Quintas this sign, Maximus is
communicating his forgiveness. He knows that Quintas
owed his loyalty by oath to whoever was Emperor of Rome, and
had he refused to carry out Commodus order to arrest
Maximus, he himself would have been executed.
This
incredible act of forgiveness is what redeems Quintas
enabling him to order the "sheathing of swords" in
the final confrontation between Maximus and Commodus. The
Movie's ending recalls its beginning with the beloved
Commander Maximus giving his final instructions to a
restored Quintas.
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