Gladiator II

 

“I was owned. Now I will control an empire.”

Epic, grand and gritty, Gladiator II is a behemoth of a film filled with mighty battles, powerful political plays, a stacked ensemble and a legendary legacy, that whilst unable to fully match the heights and depths of its predecessor, should still most certainly leave you entertained. 

Discussion Points:

Wow! I want to say first up - no it’s not as good as the original Gladiator, but that was always going to be a Herculean feat. Instead, Gladiator II is a worthy successor that still functions albeit in its predecessors shadow much like its emperors. At 86 years old, Ridley Scott still manages to capture the scale and scope of Rome as Gladiator II feels just as grand and epic as the first. The huge sets, stunning costumes, and impressive fight choreography all create a truly massive experience (with some noticeable VFX work - not bad just noticeable). It doesn’t quite match the firsts narrative depth, or climactic emotional heights, and it does at times feel derivative - especially regarding character motivations. But in contrast it has some very distinct characterisations. Paul Mescal genuinely surprised me. After the commanding general that was Maximus, a man known to people and able to make his presence felt, Mescal plays Lucius, a man whose whole life has been lived unknown and in the shadows so as to not draw attention, creating a new dynamic for the gladiatorial lead to explore - a reserved reticence versus a powerful defiance. Connie Nielsen is poised, developed as more than just a love interest and provides the films beating heart, whilst Denzel Washington is absolutely fascinating as a power hungry manipulator whose aspirations are his undoing - an undoing that felt anticlimactic but that actually reflected how weak and pathetic he really was versus the powerful control he sought to project. Pedro Pascal, Joseph Quinn and Fred Hechinger are all also well utilised. Ultimately, I was entertained! And would be open to a III to see the results of a Rome in the aftermath of rebellion.