As it happens, I rather dislike gratuitous violence in films. In this sense, I will define "gratuitous" as meaning that the director uses it, because he (or she) can think of no other way of holding the viewer's attention. I am sick to death of car chases, shoot outs and explosions when they are the main substance of a film rather than a good story.
In some films graphic violence is unavoidable - as in Schindler's List or The Pianist. Without it, the danger faced by the main characters would be depicted inadequately. I have seen enough explosions and cliff top fights now though. Stunts are no substitute for a really dramatic climax. "Twelve Angry Men" has a superb climax, without needing a punch up, an explosion or a car chase.