Twenty-four years after the release of five-time Academy Award winner “Gladiator,” director Ridley Scott invites audiences back to the ancient Roman Colosseum for a sequel in “Gladiator II.” But was a sequel necessary?
The story takes place 16 years after the death of Maximus, the protagonist played by Russel Crowe in the original film. In the opening scene, we are reintroduced to an older version of Lucius, played by Paul Mescal, who we believe is a fatherless young boy and nephew to Commodus, the emperor of Rome, in “Gladiator.” But, as hinted at by the sequel’s previews, we learn that Lucius is actually the son of Maximus.
Since his father’s death, Lucius has been living in exile in the North African kingdom of Numidia for several years after being sent away for his protection. But at the films’ start, a battle occurs as Lucius and his wife engage in warfare. Roman General Marcus Acacius (Pedro Pascal) and his army legions attack Numidia and conquer its people, killing Lucius’s wife in their wake. As a result of his capture, a distraught Lucius is forced to fight as a gladiator, following in his father’s footsteps. And thus, the cycle continues.
“Gladiator” is one of my favorite films for its beautiful cinematography, iconic film score, well-developed characters, and heart-wrenching storyline. So naturally, I was hesitant when I learned there would be a sequel. I feared it wouldn’t live up to the original or, worse, would taint its legacy as a film masterpiece. However, I was pleasantly surprised.
The plot points are similar to the original, but I was still entertained. “Gladiator II” is epic and brutal, yet contains emotional depth that makes the story enthralling. Stars Paul Mescal and Pedro Pascal are both very strong in their roles, convincing the audience that they are true ancient Romans. Additionally, many film critics predict that Denzel Washington’s performance as Macrinus, the ambitious villain, could be nominated for an Oscar for Best Supporting Actor. His character has a strong arc as he develops throughout the film. This film’s casting was excellent, and the storyline is compelling.
The set is impressive as well, as Scott and his crew opted to build a full-scale replica of the Roman Colosseum on set in Malta. This evokes memories of an older Hollywood, where it was more common to rely on real, handmade sets rather than CGI. Aside from the great storyline, the film is worth a watch just for the aesthetically pleasing vast Italian landscapes, the luxurious Roman architecture and the intricate costume design.
The film’s score by composer Harry Gregson-Williams is masterfully orchestrated and adds to the epic feel of the storyline. The soundtrack includes the original version of “Now We Are Free” by Lisa Gerrard from the original film, and new compositions that fit into the new characters and their endeavors in the sequel.
Nonetheless, I still prefer the 2000 original to the 2024 sequel. For one, the original movie’s comparatively simpler design has an element of charm to it that is sometimes lost in the sequel. Additionally, “Gladiator’s” storyline was completely original and captivated audiences, while the storyline in“Gladiator II” was predictable and recycled from the original film.We are not worse off with a sequel, but it wasn’t necessary, either. The original film’s beautifully profound and tear-jerking ending makes it challenging to raise the bar any higher.
I recommend “Gladiator II” to anyone who enjoyed the original, especially in theaters, for the optimal viewing experience. But it’s best to go into it knowing that it’s difficult to compare to the original.