gladiatorial

For all the history, glory, rags-to-riches stories, boxing is - at its very essence - a gladiatorial sport where one punch, hesitation or lapse of concentration can prove fatal.

It is gladiatorial – it is all Hardy knows.

Imagine the lavish banquets, gladiatorial bouts, use and abuse of young men and women for the pleasure of the rich, and so much more that characterized the later years of that empire.

These scenes — futuristic fascist rallies and gladiatorial stabbings — lift the whole of “Dune” into a realm of ominous stakes.

Hence the satisfaction of witnessing Lorraine’s steady shift from Mommy Dearest to vindictive she-dragon protecting what’s hers, including the two women she views as equals in gladiatorial terms if not financially.