A Colosseum Reborn: Ridley Scott’s “Gladiator II” Revives the Glory of Rome

Twenty-four years is quite the time to wait for the sequel to a film that succeeded both at the box office and the Academy Awards. “Gladiator,” released in 2000,” will forever be remembered as one of the greatest historical films of its time, and  “Gladiator II” is following closely in its footsteps.

In this film, audiences are thrust back into the brutality and grandeur of Ancient Rome- a city where might is right and weakness warrants death. Taking a step away from the first film’s hero, Maximus (Russel Crowe), the sequel focuses on his son, Hanno (later known as Prince Lucius Verus Aurelius), as he essentially walks in the footpath of his father by becoming a Gladiator in the Roman empire.

Hanno (Paul Mescal) is introduced as a simple man living with his wife outside Rome. They are a happy couple till their hometown is invaded by the Roman army under the leadership of General Acacius (Pedro Pascal). Hanno’s wife is killed, and he is captured along with other young men as Roman slaves. At the time of capture, the Roman Empire was governed by two chaotic and corrupt brothers- Geta (Joseph Quinn) and Caracalla (Fred Hechinger).

Hanno becomes a popular figure at the Roman Colosseum due to his prowess in battle. Man or beast, he skillfully takes them down and makes progress as a Gladiator. In Rome, he reunites with his mother, Lucilla (Connie Nielsen), who is now married to Acacius. She explains to Hanno that his real name is Lucius, and she had to send him away from Rome after Maximus’ death to protect him from those who wish to harm him for his birthright.

Meanwhile, Macrinus (Denzel Washington), a flamboyant merchant who has made a name for himself in Rome despite being a former slave, mentors Lucius for selfish reasons. His agenda is to be Emperor, but the odds are against him because he isn’t a Roman citizen by birth. To circumvent this problem, he spends the majority of the film as the villain, manipulating the other Gladiators, scheming with citizens and senators, turning the twin Emperors against each other, and eventually becoming the only Senator in Rome on Caracalla’s instructions.

The film comes to its climax when Lucius and Macrinus face off in the ultimate Gladiator showdown following the death of Lucilla (Macrinus kills Lucilla with an arrow). Lucius ends up victorious, and the people of Rome enter a new era of leadership.

“Gladiator II” is praised for taking on a new life of its own despite being birthed by Oscar royalty. It didn’t rely heavily on the source material; Lucius isn’t crafted to be a carbon copy of his father. He’s his own person and makes a name for himself in Rome despite his royal lineage. As a hero, he is vigorous, bold, and vulnerable. His vulnerability is the most captivating to watch as he reveals that part of himself during the death of his wife and mother. Mescal’s portrayal of this outstanding hero is both nuanced and visceral, bringing a brooding intensity to a young man who lives to honor the legacy of his father and grandfather, Marcus—great men who dreamed of a free and better Rome, a Rome where all men are seen as equals.

The story is given further complexity through the phenomenal performance of Washington as Macrinus, a man who never shows his cards until the end of the game. The great thing about this character is he isn’t a very obvious villain. He has the charm, charisma, and flamboyance of a Roman elite that loves life. He subtly manipulates the other characters to do what he wants and then withdraws when things get heated. He cajoles Caracalla to kill Geta, gets his position as Senator, and then runs away when Lucius attacks Rome with an army at the Colosseum.

Washington’s performance stands out as one to be graced with an Academy Award nomination because no one could’ve pulled off Macrinus quite like the Hollywood veteran. His scenes steal the show, often from the lead Mescal, and it’s hard not to be captivated by his commanding presence. Whether delivering hard-hitting words of wisdom or floating through Roman society with flare, Washington embodies the resilience and intelligence of a man forged from Roman cruelty.

Quinn and Hechinger may have played supporting roles, but they’ll forever be memorable. Quinn as Geta is a feast for the eyes as he shapeshifts from his “boy next door” looks to a power-hungry Roman emperor whose only desires are pleasure and bloodshed. His role contributes to the film’s central theme of power and the sacrifices made in its pursuit. His scenes are often laced with tension, serving as pivotal moments that raise the stakes.

Hechinger as Caracalla—the timid yet calculating co-emperor who is the polar opposite of his brother—also drives the narrative forward by highlighting the rivalry between them. Caracalla longs to be free of his brother’s control, thus it’s no wonder he is easily manipulated by Macrinus. Geta and Caracalla’s relationship (and how it shatters apart) also thematically captures the fractured pillars of the Roman Empire. As mighty as they were at that period, it was so easy for them to fall.

Director Ridley Scott hasn’t missed a beat since the first “Gladiator” film. If anything, he used the twenty-four-year hiatus to bounce back bigger and better. His set transports audiences to ancient Rome (literally) as they witness the splendor, madness, and downright debauchery of the city filled with pain and pleasure. The rebirth of the legendary Colosseum is the set highlight as, like in the previous film, it was built entirely from scratch. Scott pivots away from the modern-day over-reliance on digital effects and creates a real-life structure soaked in blood and sand, heightening the audience’s experience.

Scott’s direction ensures that the battles are as much about storytelling as they are about spectacle. The gladiatorial combats aren’t mere displays of violence, they carry emotional weight interspersed with moments of silence and dread that allow audiences to breathe the sheer scale of the combat. Cinematographer John Mathieson paints the town in gold and crimson hues, evoking the Colloseum’s majesty and brutality.

If “Gladiator II” is to have any flaws, then it’s Scott’s decision not to bring back Maximus. Understandably, the film is bordered on Lucius’s path to glory, but much of his decisions are motivated by his father. It would’ve been nice to see an older Crowe make a cameo appearance; the odd flashbacks of him from “Gladiator” barely scratch the surface.

Also, while the film’s deliberate rhythm mirrors the slow burn of political intrigue, some scenes feel overly drawn out, delaying the climatic payoff.

“Gladiator II” is a worthy successor of its predecessor and a testament to Scott’s prowess as a critically acclaimed filmmaker. It honors the legacy of the first film while charting its own course as a piece of historical pie that’ll be talked about for years to come.

With a stellar cast, intriguing characters, breathtaking visuals, and a narrative that “stirs the proverbial pot,” the film is a reinvention-one that ensures that the sands of the great Colosseum will forever be bathed in blood, sweat, and glory.

“Gladiator II” is showing in cinemas.

Release Date: November 15, 2024

Runtime: 2 hours, 28 minutes, and 9 seconds

Streaming Service: None. Cinematic Release

Director: Ridley Scott

Cast: Paul Mescal, Pedro Pascal, Denzel Washington, Joseph Quinn, Fred Hechinger, Lior Raz, Derek Jacobi, and Connie Nielsen