War Horse

I really enjoyed watching War Horse. The incredibly strong bond between Albert and Joey was what pulled me into the movie. When Joey was taken away from Albert, who had trained and raised him, he was devastated. He was especially upset knowing that he there is a possibility Joey could not make it out of the war alive. The ending was remarkable though. It was so well drawn out, how Albert was unable to see with a rage over his eyes from the poison gas, and how Joey knew the sound of his voice. Through everything, and despite the chaos of the war, Joey and Albert were able to make it back to each other.

What really touched me in the movie was how the horses were treated in the war. They were not regarded as animals as they were treated like property. The soldiers claimed them, and then failed to actually care for them. The horses were forced to pull items of extremely heavy weights, and were worn out from their treks. They were not treated properly for their fatigue and injuries, and often died in travel. I felt terrible for the horses, and now understand why there were so many casualties among them.

Glory

I absolutely loved the movie Glory. I felt the whole story line was enthralling. To create an army of all African American soldiers was unthinkable to most at the time of the Civil War. Colonel Robert Gould Shaw actually having the courage to implement one was inspiring. He risked his life and his personal reputation because he believed in the Union. Matthew Broderick played a great Colonel Shaw as he accurately portrayed his character as very serious and determined. The only part of the movie that I did not care for was the ending. It was very upsetting to work myself up thinking that the 54th Massachusetts Regimen would be successful in taking Fort Wagner. When most of the soldiers ended up dying I was taken aback and sad.

I think people are willing to die for their country because they feel it is honorable and courageous to be able to protect and defend their nation and the ideals in which it stands for. I felt that the 54th Massachusetts regimen and Shaw were all heroes. The regimen and Shaw stood up for their country and what they believed what was right for it, thus making them heroes. They even died for their cause.

The significance of the story in Glory was that people of the time the movie was set in felt that African Americans were inferior and incapable. The 54th Massachusetts regimen proved everyone wrong as it was extremely disciplined and determined. All of the African Americans in the regimen risked their lives for America, and it eventually brought justice to African Americans.

Braveheart

I was not very fond of Braveheart. I found it very difficult to follow being that the battle scenes did not particularly capture my attention. They seemed to drag on and were extremely gory. Though, it was very interesting to learn about the Scots attempting to gain freedom from the English. We have not covered this time period in any history class I have been in so I was unaware of the Scottish War of Independence. Also, I thought Mel Gibson playing the part of William Wallace was perfect. He is a great actor to play the role of such a strong leader.

I really love the quote, "Every man dies. Not every man really lives." In regard to the movie, Wallace saying it meant that everyone can go through the motions of life without purpose. Though, if you truly want to live, you must live fighting for something or doing something that means a lot to you. In his case, it was fighting for Scottish independence and the freedom of the Scottish people. The same words can be applied to my life in the fact that I should live with a purpose, doing what means the most to me.

The Gladiator

The Gladiator was filmed with such vivid scenery and costumes that watching it made you feel like you were actually within the Roman Empire. I was very fond of that aspect of it, the producers really made the scenery come to life. The costumes especially were very realistic, with the fancy wear of Commodus, to the gladiator apparel of Maximus. The story was also portrayed in a way that would come alive to the viewers. From the beginning, I was enthralled with Maximus's character, and wanted so badly for him to succeed. Commodus on the other hand creeped me out, and ignited a hatred in me for him. The only part of the movie that I really did not care for was the ending. I had anticipated Maximus becoming the emperor of Rome making for a cliche happy ending. This was not the case though as he died, both upsetting me and cheering me given that he ended up with his family at last.

The theme of The Gladiator would definitely be something along the lines of "never give up no matter what you go through." I think this is so because no matter what hurdles he had to overcome, Maximus was always on his toes ready to take them on. Even when his family perished, he did not let it bring him down, he knew he must fight to survive. When he had to face Commodus, who thought he was dead, at the Coliseum, Maximus bravely unmasked himself and remained calm. Maximus displayed great strength and compassion in everything he took part in.