The films titled Ben Hur and Gladiator portray Rome as a state and an empire. The portrayal of Roman characters and Rome itself in a negative or positive light depends on a few 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 respect for their morals, values ​​and beliefs; both work side by side. We say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an Original Essay This can be examined with the earlier disagreement in the Ben Hur movie 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 provokes Messala's hostility in the horse race to secure victory against Judah. This is where the negative aspects come into play because their beliefs drive them to hate and ensure perseverance in the death of the individual they hate. This can also be found in Gladiator in how Maximus also treats other characters such as Commodus in the film. Maximus can be seen as a figure whose beliefs and values ​​lie between Judas and Messala because he has the qualities of both characters. Judas 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 afflicted with 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 incident and tries to kill him, he would force Judah to witness the crucifixion of his mother and sister. There seems to be a trend happening, with Messala's threats and only his interests in mind, and the Romans are represented by this selfish antagonist. The lower class citizens were all seated closer to the arena, as the risk of being sprayed with blood was a common occurrence. Gladiator also showed a good amount of realism in how violent the games could be. However, they were even more gruesome than depicted in these films. The Romans were masters of torture and weapons and were very advanced for their time. Gladiator highlights Rome through the emperor wanting the best for his state and choosing Maximus as his successor over his son. Maximus, in some ways a martyr for the Roman Empire, dedicates his life to avenging the deaths of his loved ones and restoring the Roman Dream, as the Emperor wanted. The undefeated gladiator also lost to Maximus. Although the Romans were portrayed as powerful and victorious, when they choose to be, they can be merciful. They are undefeated, powerful and heroic. However, Maximus does not seem to support these bloody battles; he and the late emperor shared similar thoughts as Marcus had banned such fighting. While Ben-Hur depicts the Romans as those who control and govern the state and empire who make the inhabitants assimilate to their lifestyle and beliefs, such as when Messala chooses his empire and controls the Judean rebellion on his friendship with Judas. He declared war on his childhood friend after Judah hesitates to reveal strong Jewish figures behind the rebellion, as Messala was calling for Judah to essentially betray his people. Please note: this is just an example. Get a custom paper from our expert writers now. Get a Custom Essay In conclusion, Ben Hur was considered a more ruthless and unjust person than the Gladiator. The Gladiator will be based more..