Might Is Right
A subtle theme throughout the movie is the contrast of "might makes right" to the justice of Camelot. Although most violent acts have been sterilized or purged to maintain a PG-13 rating, the movie still attempts to grasp the nature of right and wrong. Even the validity of Camelot's laws are called into question by Malagant when he states, "Other men live by other laws, Arthur. Or is the law of Camelot to rule the entire world?" It is this questioning of motives, and the accompanying contrast of methodologies, which allows the audience to question which side, if any, is "right."
MP3 Arthur: You know the law we live by, and where is it written, "Beyond Camelot live lesser people, people too weak to protect themselves, let them die?" Malagant: Other people live by other laws, Arthur. Or is the law of Camlot to rule the entire world? Arthur: There are laws that enslave men, and laws that set them free. Either what we hold to be right and good and true is right and good and true, for all mankind, under God, or we're just another Robert Tripe!
Throughout the movie, Malagant embodies the idea that "might makes right." Through his acts of brutality, the audience is shown the contrast between the effects of force contrasted with the effects of justice. Malagant inspires loyalty through fear and power, while Arthur inspires it through love and honor. The manifestation of these ideologies can be seen in the men who follow Arthur and Malagant, and in the way in which they affect the subjects of the kingdom.
MP3 Malagant: You see, this is what Arthur doesn't understand. Men don't want brotherhood, they want leadership.