Suppose you’re a sucker for blood, gory battles, and insatiable emperors. If so, you will love Ridley Scott’s sequel to his iconic, Oscar-winning film ‘Gladiator’ which graced the cinemas on the 15th of November in the UK.
It was my dad who first introduced me to Russell Crowe’s legendary performance as Maximus in the original ‘Gladiator’ and whilst I was apprehensive that I would enjoy it, my dad was adamant that I had to watch it.
On paper, this film is not something I would normally enjoy but it is impossible not to be entranced by Ridley Scott’s harsh world of a gladiator.
‘Gladiator II’ follows Lucius [Paul Mescal] years after the death of Maximus as he’s forced to enter the Colosseum after General Marcus Acacius [Pedro Pascal] leads the Roman Empire to conquer his home.
Rome’s twin emperors Caracalla [Fred Hechinger] and Geta [Joseph Quinn] prove to be unstable, enamoured by the violence that fills the Colosseum – they must be overthrown.
Denzel Washington’s character Macrinus is a former slave who sees an opportunity to rule Rome by manipulating the twins.
Whilst I was apprehensive of this sequel, I thoroughly enjoyed the film.
Albeit it is nowhere near as iconic as the first film, I thought the story was interesting and Ridley Scott did a great job at honouring the first film.
I thought everyone's performances were astounding, especially Denzel's.
He captured the power-hungry, ruthless nature of Macrinus which reminded me of Joaquin Phoenix’s portrayal of Commodus in the original film.
Additionally, I thought the movie was a great way to see how much SFX and CGI have advanced.
For example, when the Colosseum was filled with water to allow the gladiators to battle on boats or just how much more gruesome the battles were in comparison to the first film.
‘Gladiator II’ is a film that you must see in the cinema.
It is intense, emotional at times, and captivating.
The experience you will have watching it in the theatre will make you love Ridley Scott’s World of the Gladiators so much more.
