Based on the graphic novel Hercules: The Thracian Wars, Brett Rattner’s film Hercules is a fresh take on the legendary figure. Hercules differs from other versions of the demigod’s myth in that it focuses mainly on Hercules’ humanity.
I was surprised by how much I liked this film. It not only had a large amount of action, it also had a compelling story. As the film opened, I was instantly intrigued by the fact that it focuses more on Hercules’ humanity rather than on his mythical accomplishments.
The film’s bookending sequences play up this distinction quite effectively. A busy opening sequence (which was especially fun to watch in IMAX 3D) recounts Hercules’ legendary deeds as he completes the Twelve Labors and fights all sorts of mythical creatures. However, the tale is abruptly interrupted and the audience quickly learns that the legend of Hercules may not be much more than, well, legend. The end title sequence, styled like a graphic novel and animated, also depicts Hercules completing his Twelve Labors. This time, however, the audience is shown those events from a different perspective to reveal what really happened.
Duane Johnson proves perfectly fit for the role of Hercules. He used to make his living in the scripted, over-exaggerated world of professional wrestling as “The Rock,” and he has been proving through his increasing number of film roles that there is more to him than just this mythic persona. Likewise, in this film Hercules has been making his living as a mercenary by banking on the over-exaggerated myths about him. The audience soon sees that there is more to the man Hercules than those myths suggest.
While it is difficult to ascertain a single central theme in Hercules, there are several themes present that are worth mentioning. To begin with, Hercules explores how effectively a man can inspire others. While training an army to defend Thrace, Hercules is easily able to inspire men who believe in the legends about him, but he also has to discover how to inspire skeptical men who are not so easily impressed.
Hercules also explores the concept of fighting for a just cause. When Hercules and his friends learn a terrible truth partway through the film, they have a choice. They could turn away and go on with their lives while ignoring the plight of people who are unable to stand up for themselves, or they could attempt to overcome injustice by fighting for what is right. When they choose the latter, their course is set. They have accepted the call to be heroes.
Not surprisingly, the concept of strength is at the heart of Hercules. Hercules is forced to search deep within his own humanity to find more strength than he has ever used before. There is an underlying question in this film about what makes someone a hero. Hercules suggests that strength alone is not enough to make someone a hero. As Hercules ultimately discovers, heroes use whatever strength they have been given to fight for truth and justice, no matter the cost.
Heroes inspire others by fighting for just causes, yes, but more importantly, they do not turn away whenever they witness injustice happening. Christians are called to do the same thing, but do we always do it? Do we always stand up and advocate for those who do not have enough strength to do so on their own?
More than that, are we actively looking for instances of injustice around us, or do we turn a blind eye to people who are experiencing terrible injustice every day? What about those facing poverty? What about those being oppressed by violent power structures beyond their control? What about orphans? What about those caught up in human trafficking? What about immigrants? We are called to uphold justice, but injustice is always around us, and it is not always easy to recognize.
Hercules’ actions make him a hero. He sees a need and acts on it, abandoning his former life as a mercenary to fight for those who are not strong enough to resist on their own. That is what makes a hero – someone who takes the strength they have been given and uses it to fight for what is right. The question is, when you find out about injustice, will you do something truly heroic in response?
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