when the show lights go out Gladiator II I attended, and it occurred to me that I didn’t remember much of what happened in the movie. I know I really enjoyed it, but the details are something I don’t remember. But this situation was quickly alleviated when the raw score exceeded Hans Zimmer and Lisa Gerard resounded throughout the theater. It also helps that a large portion of the characters reference the current legend of Maximus (Russell Crowe).
The story takes place 16 years after the original film, and things haven’t gotten better in Rome since Maximus’ death. In fact, it seems worse. Now led by a pair of incompetent and ill-tempered brothers Geta (joseph quin) and Caracalla (Fred Heckinger) and their loyalties to cabinet members are increasingly changing. Meanwhile, Macrinus (oh so cunning and wonderful Denzel Washington), a man who made a living by buying slaves and turning them into gladiators, had just found a new slave in Lucius (Paul Mescal). Lucius agrees to fight for him, but on one condition: he must kill the Roman general who murdered his wife, Marcus Acacius (Pedro Pascal).
Just like that, the gladiator battle begins! Massacre! confusion!
As always, director Ridley ScottThe fights and fighting performances are way above anyone else’s. Although his last film Napoleon This is one of his worst works, the fight scenes being the only saving grace. Here, these scenes are just another delicious layer on top of his and the writers’ delicious cake Peter Craig and photographer John Mattison Already cooked.
The mescal is a little understated here, but it works. Lucius pondered and calculated, feeling like he was always one step ahead of everyone else. And his friendship with Ravi (a wonderful friendship) Alexander Karim), a former gladiator and now a free man who works as a doctor for injured gladiators, which only helps him become more well-rounded.
Pascal’s Acacius puts him in a moral dilemma: does he continue to carry out the orders of his brother emperor, or does he try to take matters into his own hands and try to liberate Rome? Returns with his wife Lucilla Connie Nielsenwith him, this is not a difficult choice.
As emperors, Quinn and Hezinger can easily chew some of the scenery, and their characters allow the scenery to melt into them. They are both clowns and devils, and either one can spiral out of control at a whim.
But it was Washington who was most impressive. With Macrinus pulling the strings, you could tell there was a big bang going on in Washington. This reminds me of him training dayhe just eats up every line of dialogue and savors it as it comes out of his mouth. He does the same thing here, and then some.
This movie is so funny and violent that it’s definitely a worthy sequel.
