Ridley Scott's 'Gladiator 2' dazzles but lacks emotional edge
Few believed it could succeed. When Ridley Scott announced that he was returning to the iconic "Gladiator" after more than 20 years, many doubted the success of this mission. Meanwhile, "Gladiator 2" returns in the best style, filled with action, excellent acting, spectacular scenes, and skillful references to the first part. This perfect picture is missing just one thing.
The beginning of the plot is not and cannot be a surprise. Sixteen years after Marcus Aurelius's death, Rome is ruled by twin emperors who have mastered tyranny. They conquer new lands and treat prisoners of war as "cannon fodder," as showcased in the arena games.
The production's main character is Hano (played by Paul Mescal), who, like Maximus (Russell Crowe) 20 years earlier, loses everything he loved and valued in one day. He is captured and then becomes a gladiator. He has only one goal: revenge on those who took away his happy life. His tools in battle are strength and honour. However, it quickly becomes apparent that lofty slogans and ideals are hard to come by where money and violence rule.
A spectacle like we haven't seen in a long time
"Gladiator 2" starts with a big battle and... doesn't slow down momentarily. Ridley Scott has packed the film with effects and spectacular battle scenes. If the lions in the arena impressed you in the first part, you'll experience much more now. Even the animals in "Gladiator 2" seem to be on steroids. Despite the movie lasting two and a half hours, it's impossible to get bored.
There are war battles, clashes of gladiator groups in the arena, and duels between individual characters. It must be said clearly: blood flows abundantly and often in "Gladiator 2". However, this doesn't mean that the production relies solely on scenes of spectacular violence. The screenplay certainly wasn't lacking. David Scarpa skilfully connects Hano's story with events that took place in the first "Gladiator." Fans of the movie with Russell Crowe will be satisfied because although the actor did not feature in the sequel (his character was killed in "Gladiator" in 2000), he appears on screen, and these are genuinely moving moments.
Superb acting is the film's strength
After the first worldwide screenings of Gladiator 2, critics noted the excellent acting. There was even talk of Denzel Washington's (who plays Macrinus) chances of another Oscar. These are not exaggerated speculations. Whenever he appears on screen, the actor captures all the attention. He is cunning, magnetic, and unpredictable.
Pedro Pascal, who plays General Marcus Acacius, does not fall behind. The acting in "Gladiator 2" is top-notch and certainly saves the production from being pigeonholed as just an ordinary action movie.
A flaw in the glass
Although "Gladiator 2" does not lack complex history and plot twists, it's hard to feel the chills from emotions, which were abundant in the first part of the movie. The director and writer wanted to guide the viewer too quickly through the main character's transformation process.
From the rebellious and vengeful Hano, there's nothing left in a few minutes. In one scene, the character played by Mescal is full of hatred towards everyone currently around him, only to show mercy and heart a moment later. The justification for this crucial transformation in the narrative was missing, which stripped the production of a strong emotional charge.
This will be a hit of the autumn
However, this does not change the fact that "Gladiator 2" has the potential to become one of the highest-grossing productions of 2024. Fans of the first part will go to the cinema to reminisce about the iconic film from 20 years ago. Those who haven't seen "Gladiator" from 2000 will get a superbly realized production at the highest level. It will be hard to ignore it.
