Gladiator II

Gladiator II

A Worthwhile Spectacle of Sharks, Rhinos, and Revenge

★★★☆☆

An action-packed follow-up that prioritizes "audacious spectacle" over the dramatic heights of the original.

Two decades after his Academy Award-winning original, director Ridley Scott returns to the arena with Gladiator II. The story centers on Lucius (Paul Mescal), a "retro-fitted" lead whose connection to Maximus serves as a functional, if somewhat unbelievable, anchor for this second chapter. While the narrative doesn't quite match the satisfaction of its predecessor, the film excels as a visual feast. Scott delivers "riveting action sequences" ranging from massive war battles to innovative Colosseum fights that defy traditional historical expectations. With Denzel Washington stealing every scene and Pedro Pascal providing grounded emotional stakes, it stands as a fun, high-octane period piece.

"Gladiator II works best when the action is flowing and the analytical side of the audience brain is turned off... From fighting frenzied baboons, runaway rhinos, and even including an epic water battle in an arena complete with Great White sharks swimming around."

— Ray Manukay

🎬 Cast & Crew

• Director: Ridley Scott
• Starring: Paul Mescal, Denzel Washington, Pedro Pascal, Connie Nielsen
• Music: Harry Gregson-Williams
• Cinematography: John Mathieson

The Vision

Ridley Scott’s vision for this sequel is one of massive scale and unbridled creativity, finally realizing a "rhino battle" he originally wanted for the 2000 film but couldn't achieve at the time. The production balances the "fan-favorite" world of Rome with "crazy coliseum fights" that lean more toward historical myth than strict accuracy. By casting Washington as the "menacing" Macrinus and Mescal as a "solid hero," Scott creates a performance-driven action extravaganza that encourages the audience to "just accept it for what it is and enjoy the spectacle."

🎬 Cinephile Fun Facts

• Water Battles: Staging naval battles, or naumachia, in the Colosseum did actually happen in real history, though the addition of Great White sharks is purely Scott's creative flair.
• Budget Balloon: Initially budgeted at $165 million, the production costs reportedly ballooned to nearly $310 million due to strike delays and the massive scale of the sets.
• Reunion: This film marks a major reunion between director Ridley Scott and Denzel Washington, who last worked together on 2007's American Gangster.
• Malta Sets: The production featured a record-breaking rebate in the EU for filming in Malta, where a massive Colosseum set was reconstructed for the shoot.

✅ Pros

• Denzel Washington's scene-stealing, "delightful" performance.
• Riveting and unique arena action sequences.
• Exceptional technical craftsmanship and production design.

❌ Cons

• The Lucius "Maximus' son" twist feels like an "awkward stretch."
• Fails to reach the "dramatic heights" of the first film.
• Historical inaccuracies might bother "analytical" viewers.

🏆 Final Verdict

A "lot of fun" and a "worthwhile follow-up" that prioritizes breathtaking spectacle over narrative depth. Whether this is the end of the road or a new beginning, it delivers exactly what Ridley Scott does best: scale.

View original review on Letterboxd