After twenty-four long years, Gladiator 2 will finally hit theaters. Ridley Scott continues its epic run after two decades of trying to get the project off the ground. He does this through the eyes of a new protagonist. Piketo whom he gives life Paul Mescal take up the baton Spencer Treat Clark. The film is one of the most anticipated of the year, and despite fears of another failure tarnishing the legacy of the original, it seems the director has pulled it off this time.
Story Gladiator 2 Set years after the end of the first, with the death Maximum tenth meridium and the evil emperor Comfortable. Now, Pike became a man and lives in Numidia under the name Hanno. But one day the troops of Rome arrive at this place to enslave its inhabitants, conquering and killing on the orders of the general. Marco Acasio. Forced to a life of slavery Pike will cry for vengeance. To do this, he puts himself under guardianship Macrinusowner of the gladiators. Thus, the young protagonist becomes involved in a complex plot to liberate Rome, seeking to destroy all the evil that is ravaging his people.
Gladiator 2
After years of trying to find the right story, Ridley Scott finally the premiere Gladiator 2the sequel to his superb epic film set in the Roman Empire. The director returns to his best form with a delightful, action-packed, epic film with a cast that does its best to retain the spirit of the original.
Overwhelming action and epic
From the first minute of the film Ridley Scott It completely introduces us to the realm of historical epic. Gladiator 2 It all begins with a brutal battle in which the director once again demonstrates that he is one of the most virtuoso directors to ever create such scenes. With almost no time for presentation, as was the case in the first of them with the Battle of Germany, viewers find themselves in the middle of an impressive battle with explosions, ships, swords and flowing blood.
Start Gladiator 2 This is quite a declaration of intent, which would be atypical for the 86-year-old director if his name were not mentioned. Ridley Scott. Because from this moment it becomes clear what the film will consist of. The original film had great action scenes that energized the deeply transcendental drama. Maximum tenth meridium and the reconstruction of the dream of Rome. And now the director decided to increase this factor.
Gladiator 2 It is much more wild, cruel and harsh than the previous one. The action scenes both inside and outside the Colosseum arena are even more numerous and bloody. And this is largely justified by the goals of its protagonist. Maximum He was a distinctly political and strategic man. Pike / Hanno He just wants to see the world burn. Or at least those powerful people who corrupt the system. His revenge is much more sadistic and cruel than that of his predecessor.
Some ups and downs
Exponential growth of ambition Scott When it comes to offering more of an epic feel, they also result in the film’s storytelling not being as polished as the first one. If this were a piece of jewelry where everything fit together perfectly, Gladiator 2 He suffers from many other ups and downs. He is more earthly, rough, much less solemn. And it shows. Sometimes the pace is so fast that there is no time to enjoy what is happening on the screen. And in other cases, especially in the second act, the pauses are too long, and several scenes are followed by dialogue that is too explicit or repetitive and does not advance the plot.
One of the aspects that hurts the narrative’s impact the most is the soundtrack. This time, Ridley Scott does without Hans Zimmerwho was the first to leave behind one of the most impressive and memorable works in the history of cinema. So the soundtrack Gladiator 2 it’s the least memorable thing that could have made it onto the screen. It only stands out when it follows the chords of the great themes of the original, basically the legendary song. Now we are free.
As for digital effects, there is also something to comment on. All in all, Gladiator 2 It’s dazzling, stunning. The recreation of the setting of Rome and other historical sites is simply exquisite. The Colosseum, the Forum… Everything is impeccably realistic and beautifully attractive. It makes you blush that it looks so good compared to most of today’s blockbusters, where the quality, with rare exceptions, has noticeably decreased. However, the CGI fails to do justice to these creatures, especially some of the much talked about monkeys and sharks. In any case, these are specific points that hardly overshadow the overall good result.
Flawless Protagonist
A new point to celebrate Gladiator 2 huge selection and direction of actors Scott. To give life Pikethe British chose Paul Mescalone of the biggest young stars of recent years thanks to works such as the series Normal people or movies After-tan And Unknown. The decision couldn’t have been better. Mezcal He is colossal in his role. He is a monster on a physical level and an extraordinary miracle when it comes to conveying emotions to the viewer.
The only “problem” he has is that he always lives in the shadows Maximum from Russell Crowe. Something incomparable. But anyway, Mezcal He delivers a performance full of daring and bravery that once again cements him as one of the best actors of his generation. In addition, in Gladiator 2 He is lucky to be very well surrounded.
Very dedicated secondary
One of the most popular names during the production of the film was the name Pedro Pascal like a general Acacia. A priori, it was expected that he would simply act as a classic antagonist, the ultimate goal Pike to carry out his revenge. But thanks to a good letter, Pascal surprises with much more depth of character than expected, giving it a few more layers than expected. It feels like the movie could have even been perfect in bringing him into the limelight and it wouldn’t have disappointed either.
Also worth mentioning Joseph Quinn And Fred Hechinger like emperors Geta And Caracalla. His task was not easy, because just like Mezcal had to endure comparisons with Comfortable from Joaquin Phoenix. And although there are traces of that disturbing villain, Quinn And Hechinger They change register as they become even more debauched and theatrical. Unlike Machiavelli’s dark machinations Comfortablethese two emperors are just two spoiled children, idiots with zero intelligence, who for practical purposes provide a comic and absurd counterpoint to all the dramatic tension Gladiator 2.
On the other hand, there is Connie Nielsenwho returns to his role Lucillaex-lover Maximumemperor’s daughter Marcus Aurelius and mother Pike. She accounts for the film’s greatest nostalgia, as well as its most sensitive moments. Gladiator 2. Her few scenes don’t allow her to burst in with more force than she deserves, though it’s equally exciting to see her bring such a beloved character to life again.
But if there’s anyone who will come out of the film with a difference, it’s Denzel Washington. The veteran actor jumps right into the Oscar race with a superb performance that becomes more and more nuanced as the film progresses, culminating in a monumental third act. Yes, it is true that he has the most rewarding role of all. Gladiator 2 with a big difference. Scott He left him a privileged place in his epic, which allows him to shine with his own light. Plus, it’s clear that the performer is having an incredibly good time, Macrinus. His tone is very different from the others, which makes him stand out even more.
Tribute to the original
The brightest Gladiator 2 The thing is Ridley Scott He wanted to pay tribute to himself and the unique first film. The whole scenario revolves around legacy Maximumwhich is always present not only in Pike but also in other characters. The film again and again relentlessly insists on the same concepts of the dream of Rome that Marcus Aurelius and why Maximum gave his life.
Winks and mentions of the former are constant, be it objects, gestures, appearances of certain characters(Lucillawithout going any further), mythical phrases that still resonate in the collective imagination, or even plans going back to plans Gladiator this is original Scott – he answers shamelessly. Although, yes, it should be made clear that this tribute in no way drowns out the story Pike. It just adds extra value to make fans appreciate it and enjoy it more.
A clear example of the need for this director to (rightly) gloat about his great success is that the film’s narrative structure Gladiator 2 It’s almost an exact copy of the first film. The parallels in the plot are constant. A man stripped of everything by Rome and forced to fight for revenge in a war larger than himself. You can even clearly see how Scott repeat the same scenes at the same moments. Obviously, this has an undeniable consequence: the sense of originality and surprise fades away.
To sum it up, Gladiator 2 This is a worthy continuation of the myth. He does not reach the level of the first because achieving this level of perfection was an impossible task. But it has action and epic in abundance and the cast is very committed to the action and direction. Ridley Scott full of pulse and energy, remembering your best moments. Although a priori this may seem unnecessary, it quickly becomes clear that this is a logical and consistent continuation. Heritage Maximum tenth meridium lives twenty years later.
Gladiator 2 opens in theaters November 15th.
Source: Hiper Textual
