Gladiator (2000) is one of my favorite films and holds a very special place in my life. This can cause a number of difficulties when reviewing a sequel that many would argue shouldn’t exist. Am I overly biased for a world I already love? Am I overly critical of where it does not live up to the original? Gladiator II is a tough one to write for both of these reasons, but in the interest of disclosure, my intent is to be as neutral in my reporting as possible.
Set sixteen years after the opening events of the original film, Lucius has created a new life in northern Africa with his wife and a kingdom he has grown to love and defend. When the Roman military comes to claim his home for the empire, he takes up arms to preserve his life and his freedom. Similar to Maximus of the first Gladiator, he is taken as a slave of Rome after the fallout of the battle. Now, Lucius must rely on the teachings of his youth and the skills of his new life to survive in the arena and among the vipers within the Roman government who would see him killed just for who he really is.
Ridley Scott shoots action and battle sequences better than any director alive and possibly anyone ever. Gladiator II is a testament to that in many scenes. His scene construction perfectly draws an audience into the emotion and anarchy of fighting while simplifying the rails on which to experience the actions exactly as he intends. Whether it be a naval battle, military standoff, or combat in the Colosseum, Ridley Scott grabs hold and delivers.
Not to be outdone, Peter Craig (Top Gun: Maverick) crafted an amazing narrative that both would make sense as an impressive standalone but connects the events of the original film seamlessly to this film. I really wish this were a mini-series as there was so much meat left on the bone that could have been explored through this Rome. Unfortunately, there is a lot of payoffs that feel brushed past in favor of other choices. Most notably, this happens with a couple main characters, and it might diminish the picture for some viewers.
Every actor brings an intensity that fills the two hour and twenty-eight-minute experience. Most importantly, Paul Mescal was phenomenal as our lead. I was concerned that he would fall short of the masterpiece Russell Crowe put to print in the original, but his acting was far from a problem…unlike his awkwardly modern hair and appearance. That would be the common thread of my nitpicking throughout the film. The most jarring of this is Denzel Washington. Yes, it hurts to type that. Every actor seems to struggle between accents and classic vs. modern delivery and it really hurts in areas, but Denzel Washington coming across as the most talented actor from a Los Angeles playhouse felt so disjointed. Even Connie Nielsen couldn’t keep her accent straight and she has embodied Lucilla since the first film.
Enough nitpicking! Gladiator II is beautifully shot and engaging beyond those points and definitely a favorite for the year. While I will maintain that this would be better as a longer bit of media (miniseries, multiple films, or an episodic series), it is because I very much enjoyed this and want more from Ridley Scott’s Rome…even if some signs were just randomly posted in English (ok last one!). Make sure to see Gladiator II in the grandest scale you can to experience the return to a dream that is Rome.
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