The films titled Ben Hur and Gladiator depict Rome as a state and an empire. Whether Roman characters and Rome itself are portrayed in a negative or positive light depends on several different things. Both films are believed to portray Rome and the Romans in a neutral light, where the positive light comes into play regarding their attitudes of perseverance and constant adherence to their morals, values ​​and beliefs; they both work hand in hand. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”? Get an original essay This can be examined with the disagreement earlier in the Ben Hur film between Judah who believes in freedom and Messala who believes in power. This disagreement caused the two who were once very close friends to become like enemies. This disagreement also causes Messala's hostility in the horse race to ensure that he wins against Judah. This is where the negative aspects come into play because their beliefs drive them to hatred and ensure perseverance in the demise of the individuals they hate. This can also be found in Gladiator with how Maximus also treats other characters such as Commodus in the film. Maximus can be seen as a character whose beliefs and values ​​fall between Judah and Messala because he possesses the qualities of both characters. Judah can be seen as the figure of positivity among the Romans, while Messala can be seen as the figure of negativity. He imprisoned women until they were plagued by leprosy, all because he wanted to use them as an example to demonstrate his power. Messala threatens Judah that if he reveals that Messala knows the truth behind this accident and tries to kill him, he will force Judah to witness the crucifixion of his mother and sister. There seems to be a pattern emerging, with Messala's threats and only his interests in mind, and the Romans are represented by this selfish antagonist. The lower class citizens all sat closer to the arena, as the risk of being sprayed with blood was common. Gladiator also demonstrated a fair amount of realism when it came to the games' violence. However, they were even more gruesome than what was depicted on those films. The Romans were masters of torture and weaponry and were very advanced for their time. Gladiator highlights Rome through the emperor who wants the best for his state and chooses Maximus as his son's successor. Maximus, martyr of the Roman Empire, devotes his life to avenging the death of his loved ones and restores the Roman dream, as the emperor wanted. Even the undefeated gladiator lost to Maximus. Although the Romans were portrayed as powerful and victorious, when they chose to be, they could be merciful. They are undefeated, powerful and heroic. Maximus, however, does not seem to support these bloody battles; he and the late emperor shared similar thoughts in that Marcus had forbidden such fights. While Ben-Hur describes the Romans as a controlling and governing state and empire that caused the inhabitants to assimilate to their way of life and beliefs, such as when Messala chose his empire and controlled the rebellion of Judea in because of his friendship with Judah. He declared war on his childhood friend after Judah hesitated to reveal strong Jewish figures behind the rebellion, with Messala asking Judah to betray his people. Keep in mind: this is just a sample. Get a personalized article from our expert writers now. Get a personalized essay..