Director Ridley Scott returns to Rome in glorious form with “Gladiator II” (2024), crafting an action-packed and sophisticated film that looks at the corruption of power and the importance of legacy.
The film, a sequel to the 2001 Best Picture Winner “Gladiator” (2000), picks up almost twenty years after the first film left off. Viewers return to Rome and to follow a grown-up Lucius (Paul Mescal), who, after seeing his home conquered by the tyrannical emperors of Rome, is forced to fight as a gladiator for Macrinus (Denzel Washington), a former slave and gladiator who now looks for his way to the throne.
Through all this, Lucius seeks revenge for the death of his loved ones at the hands of Rome’s General Acacius (Pedro Pascal). The film also stars Connie Nielsen, reprising her role as Lucilla, a princess of Rome, and Joseph Quinn and Fred Hechinger as Emperors Geta and Caracalla, respectively.
Since the release of “Gladiator,” director Scott has had an up-and-down career. He has had commercial and critical successes like “Black Hawk Down” (2001), “Kingdom of Heaven: Director’s Cut” (2005) and “The Martian” (2015), but he has also had some financial and critical failures, such as “Exodus: Gods and Kings” (2014) and “House of Gucci” (2021). “Gladiator II” is luckily a part of the former, receiving both critical praise and performing well at the box office, earning $55 million at the North American box office.
Scott continues to prove he is one of the finest filmmakers of his generation, expertly weaving and balancing the superb action of the Colosseum and the turmoil of Roman politics. Speaking of action, “Gladiator II” does not disappoint, upping the carnage and brutality of the first film. The rhinoceros fight alone deserves to be seen on the largest screen possible.
“Gladiator II” has an ensemble cast, and no one is better than Washington, who steals every scene he’s in. He’s energetic and boisterous in the best way possible and does a fantastic job at keeping the audience guessing his allegiances.
Mescal, known previously for smaller independent films such as “Aftersun” (2022) and the hit limited-series “Normal People” (2020), steps into the action role perfectly. He doesn’t try to overshadow Russell Crowe’s Academy Award-winning performance from the first film, striking a perfect balance between emotionally vulnerable and highly stoic.
Pascal is also great as Acacius, convincingly playing a battle-worn and tired man. Furthermore, Nielsen, Quinn and Hechinger are all brilliant in their respective roles.
“Gladiator II” rivals some of Scott’s best in terms of sheer production value and design.
Production designer Arthur Maz gorgeously recreates Ancient Rome, building lavish and expansive sets that seamlessly transport viewers. Costume designers David Crossman and Janty Yates aid in this feeling. Cinematographer John Mathieson, who worked with Scott on the first “Gladiator,” continues his impressive work, masterfully framing and shooting the battle sequences.
Lastly, my one gripe with the film is that the screenplay by David Scarpa felt underwhelming at times, especially when compared to the first film.
Overall, Scott’s “Gladiator II” is a thought-provoking and gory historical epic that firmly cements itself as one of the best legacy sequels ever made.
Rating: ★★★★✯
