Book I:1-32 The nature of the war
“I sing of a worse than civil war, of war fought between kinsmen
over Pharsalia’s plains, of wickedness deemed justice; of how
a powerful people turned their own right hands against themselves;
of strife within families; how, with the first Triumvirate broken,
the forces of the quivering globe contended in mutual sinfulness;
standard ranged against standard, eagle matched against eagle,
spear threatening spear. What madness, my countrymen, how wild…
…you chose instead to grant our enemies the sight of Roman strife,
waging a war that could win no triumphs!”
-Excerpt from Pharsalia, by Lucan (Roman Poet during Pompey’s defeat by Caesar)
Gladiator II is visually pleasing, stylistically ingenuitive, effective in its persistent vision, AND succeeds tenfold in recapturing the spirit of the original.
Ridley Scott knows how to craft epic cinematic experiences.
This film is an adrenaline fueled roller coaster; refusing to slow until the ride’s over and credits roll. Pedro Pascal and Paul Mescal lead an ensemble cast; including but not limited to: Denzel Washington (Macrinus), Connie Nielsen (Lucilla), Joseph Quinn (Emperor Geta), Fred Hechinger (Emperor Caracalla).
‘Gladiator II’ offers an unbelievably expansive view of Rome – complete with an intricately designed set, palpably authentic set-dressing and mise-en-scene, articulated wardrobe/costuming, highly realistic prop & weapon design, multitudes of extras expertly choreographed: in short ‘Gladiator II’ successfully executes and refines those elements that larger scale filmmaking requires. And a grand historical narrative is woven throughout the entertainment, edifying while entertaining and solidifying the appeal of traditionalist sensibilities in an ever changing industry.
It’s that Ridley Scott effect.
And I love it!
The dust caked Roman streets with sun rays beaming down glint upon patina of ancient pottery; merchants, peasants and warriors awash in the colosseum – every frame of this film is alive with colour and activity. Inventive fight scenes bring Gladiator II into the realm of modern action-blockbuster gold. From the outset we’re treated to a siege of Rome that is unlike any other: the camera’s POV follows General Acacius (Pedro Pascal) as he manually drops the drawbridge of an ancient naval vessel’s malfunctioning siege tower, barrels forward, breaching the barricades of Rome’s outerwall and enters the battle.
The sequence is filmed with mainly wide sweeping motions (dolly or drone) and some truly creative and unique shooting accentuates the florid choreography even further. With every battle; the action is heightened/elevated and works to keep the audience’s attention for the entire lengthy runtime (2hr 28m) which is no small feat in today’s climate of “second screen content” and streaming services over-saturation of dime-a-dozen bingeable series’.
The story of Gladiator II follows the abandoned offspring of Marcus Aurelis’s daughter: Lucius (Paul Mescal) and his progression as a combatant in the gladiatorial ring.
Denzel Washington deserves a special mention for his turn as the villainous “Macrinus”.
His impassioned portrayal really allows the character’s machinations to take center stage towards the climax of Gladiator II.
On that note:
all the acting is exceptional.
Rating:
9/10
