A great example of mythic cinema: a story which echoes, bounces round, firing grappling hooks to draw things together.

The Imperial world is that of the Sun King, of Rome, of Brazil; the game arena is the world of Truman, of Theseus; the concept is Gladiator, Milgrams, Rollerbowl, even The Apprentice. And at the level of allegory it’s the animal survivor within us all, within civilisation, usually drugged with sport and games shows, here made more distinct. But it’s also a straightforward Star-Wars anti-Empire epic, the underdog against the establishment; who crumble under the threat to their televised sentiment presented by the heroes’ intent to commit suicide.