Question #5: I AM BETTER

a. Is Marcus really prideful because he is Roman? In what ways doe he or does he not show that?

b. Do a little research. What was Rome doing in England? Was Rome really just a nation that was conquering all others? Did Rome have a right to be in England?

c. Is the United States like Rome? Are Americans prideful? Are we as a nation doing anything similar to Rome by being involved in wars with other nations (Iraq & Afghanistan)?

d. How does Esca educate/inform Marcus that he needs to see things from another point of view?

Question #4: Honor

a. Some reviewers of the film feel that Marcus and Esca are both honorable men/characters. What exactly is honor? Do you think that Marcus and Esca are honorable characters? How do they show honor and how do they do not? Is honor a Biblical concept? Where do we find it?

b. Is Marcus' honor really a form of idolatry? How might Esca really be the one that understands honor? Give examples.

Question #3: Outward Appearances

a. Man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart. How do the characters make judgments/decisions based upon the outward appearances of things and other characters? Are these judgments/decisions fair and right? Are all judgments we make wrong? Does the LORD ever want us to make judgments?

b. Simply by observing the characters in the film, we do not know their hearts; but at the same time, by their actions and words, we get clues about their motivations and beliefs.Giving actual examples from the film, discuss specific characters and what drives them to do what they are doing. Considering these motivations/actions (both good and bad), how do we see similar motivations/actions in our culture (either in general or specifically in our school)?

Question #2: Themes

Give a major theme/idea/message of the film. Discuss what you think the film’s point was (in relation to this theme) – and then comment on whether or not you think Scripture agrees with the way the theme was presented. Employ at least 1 Bible verse to make your point. Remember to use the Scripture in context. Again, feel free to comment on and disagree with other peoples’ ideas; and if you see someone else use Scripture that you think is out of context, please look it up and report back on your findings. Feel free to explore other themes than the ones mentioned already.

Question #1: What's Wrong and Right?

a. Using at least one specific example, how was “sin” treated within this film? Was it glamorized/glorified, or did it receive more of a biblical treatment (redemption, justice, mercy, grace, forgiveness, reconciliation, resolution, etc. etc.) Try to use different examples than the ones mentioned in previous posts. Feel free to disagree with other peoples’ ideas.

b. God says we should put nothing “worthless” in front of our eyes. What is good, excellent, redemptive about this film? What was worthwhile? Was anything worthless about it? Can you wholeheartedly recommend this film? To anyone? A pastor? A friend? A sibling? Teacher? Why? Why not? Who would this film NOT be appropriate for and why? Biblically explain and draw your conclusions.