Twenty-four years after the original, Ridley Scott’s ‘Gladiator II’ delivers a blood-soaked yet beautiful, politically charged epic

Warning: Spoilers ahead

When the promotional materials of “Gladiator II” were first released with dashing cast members Paul Mescal, Pedro Pascal, and Denzel Washington, a running joke on the internet spread that “Gladiator II” was for the girls. 

But since its release, lead actor Mescal declared that “Gladiator II” is for everybody, saying, “I think this film is for the guys, the gays, the girls, the mums, the dads. The bros will love it as well, don’t get me wrong.”

Nearly 24 years after Ridley Scott’s original Oscar-winning 2011 film, the highly anticipated sequel continues to sweep audiences into the brutal world of Ancient Rome with a mix of historical drama, political commentary, and vicious, visceral action.

Epic echoes of “Gladiator I”

“Gladiator II” returns to the brutal world of the Roman Empire and follows Lucius Verus Aurelius (Paul Mescal), living in North Africa, who is forced by war to become a slave and practice in the gladiatorial arena. The narrative is very much like the first, if not a bit forcedly so, as Lucius, much like Maximus (Russell Crowe) in the first film, is stoically silent, mourning the death of his wife and proving to have superior fighting skills. 

General Acacius (Pedro Pascal) is also like Maximus, seemingly mimicking Crowe’s original character. He is a complex military leader separated from his wife who wants to go home to the recurring character Lucilla (Connie Nielsen), who we later find out is Lucius’ mother and remember as Maximus’ former lover and former Emperor Marcus Aurelius’ daughter.

Their paths intertwine under the oppressive rule of the ridiculous corrupt twin emperors Geta (Joseph Quinn) and Caracalla (Fred Hechinger). 

Meanwhile, Macrinus (Denzel Washington), a former slave, now gladiator owner, with ruthless ambitions to control Rome, keeps a stable of gladiators, including Lucius. He is unlike Maximus’ slave owner Proximo in the first film, who was a little more gentle.

Still, the film seems to deliberately mirror the first narrative structure, from an opening war to the protagonist’s brooding beginnings in a provincial gladiator arena (Are you not entertained?). Mescal channels the same stoic intensity that Crowe brought to Maximus, creating a character who is both a product of his brutal environment and a beacon of hope and resistance. 

Political commentary runs deep

Viewers will see the Senate portrayed as a puppet institution with a few good men. Fans of the first “Gladiator” can expect to see the return of Senator Gracchus (Sir Derek Jacobi), who was an ally to Maximus and Lucilla against Commodus in the first film.

Poverty and inequality persist as central themes with beggars (among the 500 extras) as well as the gladiators themselves pervade the city. These are contrasted by a few society parties that show the corruption of the rich. Throughout the story, the dream of Rome’s democracy continues yet its hindrances feel painfully true to life. 

Washington’s character Macrinus, for example,  fights back against systemic brutality—but with his own brand of cruelty. Scott described his complex character in “Gladiator II” as “pretty f***ing cruel.” 

My fiancé, deep in thought, seriously quoted Paulo Freire upon leaving the theater, reflecting on Macrinus in particular: “When education is not liberating, the dream of the oppressed is to become the oppressor.”

In “Gladiator II,” the echoes of Rome’s promise of democracy and its unattainability feel all too familiar and uncomfortably relevant.

A little more light and color

If “Gladiator” II were for the girlies, as earlier hypotheses said, I would say it wouldn’t be in the form of Pascal and Mescal, who were more focused on their battle scenes and cries for social justice. Unpopular opinion? I didn’t find Pedro nor Paul particularly sexy too—but that’s just me. 

Perhaps it would manifest more in the prettier sets and accompanying props. All throughout the film, there were lots of colors. The general’s house showed gorgeous indoor gardens and bright tropical flowers, accentuated with flitting butterflies and hummingbirds. Lucilla’s elegant saluki dogs that looked like they had their own trust fund lounged languidly.

There were more cultural layers that gave life to the cultural side of ancient Rome, too, as Lucius repeated poetry from Virgil. 

As a girlie who dozes off during fighting scenes, the games were more thrilling and cinematic, featuring water-filled colosseums that, according to my boyfriend (who thinks of the Roman empire daily), were really a thing

Filmed in Morocco and Malta, with a few scenes in London, the set was mesmerizing as it recreated Ancient Rome in an eight-kilometer-long area and featured a man-made replica of the Colosseum. 

I was also rapt watching the stunning opening credits, which showed watercolor-like renditions of the original Gladiator.

There were definitely more moments punctuated by humor and bits of banter than the original, from quips by Macrinus to toying with the pet monkey of one of the twin emperors. 

**

While “Gladiator II” is totally for the girlies, guys, and everyone in between, that viral trend where men were asked how often they think about the Roman Empire totally checks out. 

The movie answers to that Roman Empire trend in the most epic, blood-soaked cinematic form possible. The movie is definitely more graphic than the first. We’re talking mutant baboon fights, beheadings, and so many stabbings it’ll make your head spin.

Yet it is also artfully crafted, with more humor and cultural depth than its predecessor. 

While the plot closely mirrors the first movie, “Gladiator II” can’t completely stand on its own. Still, the performances keep audiences on their feet, as the acting is stunning across the board, especially by Mescal, Pascal, Washington, and Nielsen.

Besides the spectacular cinematic experience, the film is packed with political commentary that’ll make you think about current life and history long after you’ve left the theater.

Just like “Wicked,” “Gladiator II” is wildly entertaining and impossible to look away from, even at a whopping two-and-a-half hours. Strength and honor, indeed.

“Gladiator II” opens in PH cinemas Dec. 4, 2024. Rated R-16.

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