GLADIIATOR
By Ridley Scott (2024)
* This review will contains spoilers *
The gates of hell are open night and day; smooth the descent and easy is the way: but to return and view the cheerful skies, in this task mighty labour lies. - Virgil, The Aeneid
Plot and Characters:
Gladiator II does an incredible job as a sequel. It keeps everything we liked from the first one; the gore, the fights and the honour, and then it adds more. More gore, more (AND MORE EPIC) fights and more honour.
Paul Mescal plays Lucious, or as we know him at the beginning of the film Hanno, the lost son of Lucilla and Maximus, Marcus Aurelius's grandchild and the Roman Empire's heir. I found myself wondering who had trained Mescal in fighting or if he had any previous experience. His moves looked natural like he was not performing choreographies but rather moving on instinct, making the fight scenes much more believable.
Much like when Russell Crowe played Maximus Decimus Meridius, Lucious invokes the same sense of camaraderie and loyalty in those around him. He speaks of a dream and people around him cannot help but dream with him. Although I must admit the way in which they bridge the plot between the first film and this sequel, is… interesting.
In the first Gladiator, Maximus Decimus embarks on a journey to avenge the murder of his family, WHO WE LOVES VERY MUCH! But in this sequel, it’s revealed that Maximus unknowingly had a son with Lucilla (Marcus Aurelius daughter), which could have happened before both Maximus and Lucilla got married to their spouses, but, personally, I feel like this revelation undermines his affection and loyalty to his family.
Do not unsheath me without reason. Do not wield me without valor. - phrase often engraved in swords
Cinematography:
This film is beautiful and for the most part, kinda historically accurate, as far as I can tell. I loved the costumes, especially the contrast between the twin emperors Geta and Caracalla and the rest of the characters. Due to their royal/ political position, they are often draped in white and gold, their skin is pale and they are always adorned with jewellery. Their movement is slow and relaxed. This is contrasted with everyone else’s tanned glowy skin, much less regal clothing and tense movements that often showcase a more muscular physic. The only time we see someone visually getting closer to the emperor’s style is when General Acacious ( Pedro Pascal) is celebrated by Rome upon his return. In this scene Acacious does wear white and gold armour, subsequently, this scene also starts the emperor’s wariness of Acacious and what power he might wield through the adoration and gratitude of the masses.
I really enjoyed this film, 4 * ( out of 5). I wished some of the personal relationships were not so rushed, but that’s a big ask for a film that is already 3 hours.