Gladiator II – Film Review

Cast: Paul Mescal, Pedro Pascal, Joseph Quinn, Fred Hechinger, Lior Raz, Derek Jacobi, Connie Nielsen, Denzel Washington, Yuval Gonen, Matt Lucas, Tim McInnerny

Director: Ridley Scott

Synopsis: After his home is invaded and conquered by the Roman army, Lucius Verus is forced to follow in the footsteps of the legendary Maximus and become a gladiator…

Review: “What is your Roman Empire?” is a question you may have noticed has popped up a lot in interviews recently, thanks to a trend on social media in which men are asked how often they think about the Roman Empire. If one were to put this question to Sir Ridley Scott, the answer would probably be a fair bit due to the fact among the legendary director’s distinguished filmography, many could point to 2000’s Gladiator as his magnum opus, and for good reason. The story of a Roman General who is betrayed and sees his family murdered on the orders of a corrupt emperor, then becomes a gladiator to seek vengeance, in this life or the next, has stood the test of time for its epic scope, an incredible array of characters, enthralling action sequences, and one of maestro Hans Zimmer’s greatest scores of all time. After nearly a quarter of a century, the Roman Empire evidently wasn’t far from Scott’s mind because, like a triumphant gladiator, he returns to the Colosseum, in thrilling style.

Sixteen years after the death of Maximus in the arena following a personal bout with his uncle Commodus, Lucius Verus, going by the alias “Hanno”, lives in the Roman province Numida with his wife Arishat, a far cry from his early life by his mother Lucilla’s side in preparation for a very regal future. In the years since, Lucius’s grandfather Marcus Aurelius’s dream that was Rome is a distant memory, with the twin Emperors Geta (Quinn) and Carcella (Hechinger) presiding over corruption and political turmoil.  This has left some in the Roman army, such as General Acacius (Pascal) increasingly disillusioned with their rule. When his home is conquered by the Roman army, Lucius follows in the footsteps of Maxiums and becomes a gladiator after being sold into slavery. He soon comes to the attention of former slave Macrinus (Washington) who senses Lucius’s rage and looks to offer him a path to satisfy the rage he has against those who invaded his homeland and murdered his family.

It’s remarkable that even at 86 years old, Ridley Scott shows no signs of slowing down and continues delivering spectacular films, particularly in the swords-and-sandals and historical epic genres, in a way few directors can match. However, creating a sequel to such a beloved and iconic masterpiece is undoubtedly a daunting and risky endeavour for this legendary director. Reteaming with his Napoleon screenwriter, David Scarpa’s screenplay wisely chooses to follow the narrative beats of the original. In this continuation, the protagonist experiences a significant loss, which drives him to channel his grief and intense rage against those responsible for inflicting great pain, for the loss of those he held dear and for those who cost He takes his vengeance to the Great Colosseum of Rome, where he must fight in several bloody battles to the death, while trying to convince anyone who will listen of his grandfather’s dream. However, as Lucius will soon find out, the depravity that went on while his uncle held the throne is nothing compared to what has been allowed to unfold in the nearly two decades since under the reign of the two men who sit on the throne that by all rights, should have been his.

Like a fatal blow in the Colosseum, the film’s powerful central message – that will strike deep and echo in eternity – lies in its damning indictment of modern-day politics. In recent years, the world has seen numerous figures rise to power on the back of populist rhetoric. When these charlatans rise to power, with their unchecked egos demanding loyalty from anyone and everyone while never giving anything in return, they leave considerable damage in their wake and show little to no thought or consideration for the harm they have inflicted with their arrogance and pomposity. It serves as a damning reminder of what can happen when such dangerous and unqualified demagogues are allowed to assume positions of power.

Such political chaos and turmoil allow for some savvy and cunning figures to exploit the corruption to get ahead, and this is where Macrinus thrives. Washington, the legend that he is, is clearly having a ball with this role and he captivates every time he’s on screen, so much so it matters not that he is speaking with his natural accent. Filling Maximum’s armour is a tough ask, but Lucius’s arc makes for a compelling one, and Mescal gives a suitably wounded and gritty performance, his anger and fury with those in power never too far from the surface. Meanwhile, Quinn and Hechinger are suitably deranged and loathsome as the maniacal emperors, channelling Commodus’s wickedness and being accompanied by a pet monkey, as you do.

Some of the action scenes in the original could very easily lay claim to some of the best action of Scott’s long and glittering career as a director. So how does the octogenarian director top what he accomplished 24 years ago, by putting the history book to the sword and refusing to give a damn whether or not the events depicted in the Colosseum have any foundation in historical fact. Battles with manic baboons, and rhinos, and filling the Colosseum with water to recreating a great naval battle. It’s all utterly bonkers and wild, how can you not be entertained and give a thumbs up and watch the carnage and bloody battles unfold on screen in all their bloody glory. Yet, given the film’s exorbitant $250m budget, some of the VFX looks lacklustre and merits a thumbs down. Matching the lofty standards set by the first film was always going to be a tall order, but with Scott committed to delivering swords to the wall action and the political machinations that are all too relevant today, gives this sequel the strength and honour it needs for the audience to say: We who love Gladiator salute you, Sir Ridley.

It could have been an almighty risk to return to the Colosseum 24 years after Gladiator conquered everything before it, but with a scathing critique of modern-day politics and a memorable Denzel Washington performance, this sequel will leave you more than entertained.