After 24 years since the iconic story of vengeance, Gladiator II continues the story of Rome after the former general turned slave, Maximus Desmond Meridius, who shook the empire. Gladiator (2000) was a blockbuster back then, with lead actor Russel Crowe winning an Oscar for his performance as a man who had fallen from grace. That film ended with Maximus dying from a fatal wound and questions about who would lead the empire as the new Emperor. . .
The context for Gladiator II:
This new film does not have Rusell Crowe returning to play Maximus (He’s dead after all) and it takes place roughly 16-20 years after the events of the first film.
Synopsis:
Rome is run with corruption at the hands of two twin Emperors Geta and Caracalla after the death of Maximus in the Colosseum. Meanwhile, in the African Kingdom of Numidia, Hanno prepares to face a Roman army led by General Acacius alongside his beloved wife Arishat. Whilst in the battle to defend his home, his wife is killed under the direct orders of Acacius while he is captured. Forced into slavery and bought by Marcinius (a stable master), Hanno must return to a familiar but forgotten Rome he once remembered as a boy to fight for his life. Filled with vengeance, Hanno swears to kill the man who stole his wife, Acacius, but little does he know that there is more hidden than what is seen in Rome.
Reviews so far:
As of now, the film has scored 72% on Tomatometer and 82% on Popcornmeter on Rotton Tomatoes, 6.9/10 on IMDb, and 83% on Fandango. The film itself has grossed over 369 million dollars while having a domestic opening of $55 million.
Overall:
Gladiator II is a must-see movie with iconic performances by Paul Mescal, Pedro Pascal, Denzel Washington, and so many others. The cinematography is outstanding with such impactful scenes that depict a Rome that is slowly crumbling down. The story itself is heartbreaking but stays true to the plot and story of what the first film set out to make. Ridley Scott has made another iconic movie overall and this continuation of this story has been one of the top movies this year.
