It’s been 24 years since the Ridley Scott classic Gladiator came out, starring Russell Crowe as Maximus and Joaquin Phoenix as Emperor Commodus, the outstanding film received five Academy Awards, four BAFTA Awards, two Golden Globe awards along with plenty others which just shows how impressive the movie was.
Now set 15 years after Maximus’ death his son Lucius (played fantastically by Paul Mescal) carries on his Fathers legacy in rebuilding “the dream of Rome” and fighting his way to glory inside the colloseum.
Several other huge names star in Gladiator II as well, such as Pedro Pascal playing the victorious and well-received Roman General Acacius, along with Denzel Washington playing Macrinus the Gladiator owner, it truly is a must watch even if it is only to see the brilliant performance’s these world class actors put on.
In addition, for those who love action, just like the first in the franchise there are plenty of fight scenes both in and outside of the coliseum, furthermore I thought there were much larger and thrilling battles consistently throughout the film compared to the original, did you know they actually built a replica coliseum for the movie so they could go all out when it came to the filming of the battles, and on the big screen it truly is a joy to watch.
Overall I really loved the film, someone else who watched it, Liam Scott said the film was “great all round” and liked that it “contained references to the first film.”
The question is will the sequel do as well as the first regarding awards and through the box office, and will it become as classic and recognisable as the original.
I recommend you do go and watch it, however I would try not to compare it to the first and watch it with an open mind and enjoy the experience, especially if you watch it on the big screen.
