Glory

All in all, I thought the movie was decent. I thought it was a quality film about a good story. With that said, I really just never got into it. I thought that the casting of General Shaw was done poorly. I just kept picturing Ferris Bueller, so I couldn't take him seriously. I did like the characters that Morgan Freeman and Denzel Washington portrayed, however. The movie made me feel proud to be an American, after all, equality is what this country is about. It was good to see how an African American regiment came through all doubt and ended up being the first line to charge into Fort Wagner. I now know the story of the 54th, one I will never forget. I think that the story is very applicable to today's society, as racism is still very much an issue. It shows that all it takes is an open mind, and you will surely change the way you feel about other race's. I particularly liked the scene in the movie where Denzel's character met the white soldier he had gotten into a tussle with for the second time, but this time, the White soldier saluted the 54th. He changed his opinion. I think that people are willing to risk their lives for their country in times of need due to honor, valor, and selflessness. They know that if they don't step up, someone else will, and it is an honor to die for such a fantastic country. I think that both the men of the 54th and Shaw are immensely heroic. Shaw knew the potential consequences of his actions, he knew what could happen to him if he were caught. But he did it anyway, because it was what he truly believed in. As for the men of the 54th, wanting to fight for a country that had been so terrible to them is very brave, even though they knew they would gain their freedom if they won. I think this story is extremely significant because it tells the story of how African American men won their right to be in the US Military, how they sacrificed their lives for the White men that were so terrible to them, and how they fought for their freedom.

Braveheart

I love Braveheart. I saw the movie for the first time at the young age of nine, which is probably far too early for a film of that nature, but I've watched it every year or so since then. I love the story of William Wallace. Although not 100% accurate, his humble beginnings to his valiant end portray a fascinating story. I think Mel Gibson did a very good job at portraying such a character. Whenever I watch the movie, I am left in a certain mood. I kind of want to pick up a sword and fight for something, but the brave Americans of the 18th century already did that for me, so I don't really know what to do with myself. In addition to William Wallace, I really enjoy Hamish, his best friend. I think he adds some necessary comic relief to the movie, but also plays a key role in supporting Wallace. The quote "Every man dies. Not every man really lives" resinates deeply in me. I think that when Wallace says this, he is saying that regardless of what you do, you are going to die. No man lives forever. It's what you do while you live that counts. In context, he was telling the men that, yes, they could leave the battle and survive, but eventually the effect the English would have on Scotland would be immense, and surely their lives and wellbeing would be impacted by it. You can leave, and survive, or you can stay, and fight for the freedom of Scotland, and the infinite generations that will come. 

The Gladiator

I really liked The Gladiator. From beginning to end I was thoroughly intrigued and entertained. I thought that the action scenes were very well done and that Maximus's character was portrayed very well - the extravagant hero who dies for his country. Commodus was the only part of the movie I didn't like. He was weird. The movie made me feel kind of nostalgic - not really in a sense of me remembering similar events but more in the sense of me wanting life to be more like that. I'm really fascinated by the history of the Roman empire, and I really wish there was some way to go back in time and see what it was like. I really liked Maximus. I thought that throughout the film, he portrayed behavior consistent to his character, although I was angry that he didn't ever just proclaim that he was to be made leader after Commodus's fathers death. I realize that it's Hollywood and there would be no movie had he been given power, but it just made me mad. I think that this film is relevant to most people. Obviously it is a good film to watch for people who are into the Roman empire or into combat, but it is also a great story. If I had to attach a theme or moral to the film, I guess I would say that honor trumps all else. Maximus always displayed behavior that proved that he put honor first. He always believed in the glory of Rome. He never complained about the terrible situation he had been placed in, didn't try to kill Commodus when he was given the chance, but waited until it was okay in the eyes of Rome to do so. Essentially, although I have seen the film many times, I had a great time watching it again and would recommend it to anyone and everyone.