Movie Review: Gladiator 2
Gladiator (2000), an historic epic helmed by Ridley Scott with Russell Crowe in the title role, was about the rise of a betrayed General as a Gladiator, to avenge the death of his family and the Roman Emperor whose over-ambitious son was the root cause of all the problems.
The film had bagged 5 Awards at the 73rd Academy Awards- Best-Picture, Actor, Costume Design, Visual & Sound Effects.
GLADIATOR 2 is set decades after the happenings of the 1st part, Lucius Verus (Paul Mescal), the son of Maximus from Gladiator,(Russel Crowe), becomes a gladiator after his wife is killed by the Roman army led by General Marcus Acacius (Pedro Pascal).
Now a slave, Lucius seeks revenge against Acacius (who killed his wife in the battle) and fights as a gladiator under the guidance of a former slave, Macrinus (Denzel Washington) who has his own agenda. But unbeknwnst to Lucius, fate seems to have other things in store.
Does Lucuis get his revenge ?
The expectations are naturally high given the huge success of the original. And the film does seem to live up to them too a large extent.
Paul Mescal as Lucius may not give off Russell Crowe vibes but he exudes an aura of controlled, confident and measured power with his body language, expressions and physique. He fits the bill as the grandson of the emperor with very different ideas for Rome's future. Be it the scenes with Macrinus, the emperor duo, in the arena fighting rhinos and baboons or his climax speech, he proves his mettle time and again.
Denzil Washington with his superb act as Macrinus succeeds in keeping up the intrigue and curiosity about his next move in the viewer. Joseph Quinn and Fred Hechinger deliver stellar acts as the Princes while Connie Nielson as Acacius' wife exudes the regality, grace and quiet grief required for her role.
The production design department has done a fine job especially with the grand facades, sets, palace interiors and the like while the costumes and interiors look resplendantly reflective of the times, adding to the visual experience.
Special mention to the sound design and background score which elevates the drama, emotions and visuals.
The arena fights have rivetting moments but are not overly long and have elements of suspense, action, emotion and high drama, along with political intrigue.
The film is not just action, but also engages you on the emotional front. There is spectacle and grandeur but also wit, light moments and gripping moments of political upheaval and palace intrigue with mind games and power games at the centre of it all, all in the backdrop of spectacular visuals.
Gladiotor 2 pulls you into its world and keeps you rivetted and engrossed right till the end.
Rating 4 / 5
CREDITS –
The cast includes Joseph Quinn as Emperor Geta, Fred Hechinger as Emperor Cara Calla, Derek Jacobi, Connie Nielsen and others
Cinematography- John Mathieson Music -Harry Gregson Williams
Directed by –Ridley Scott (The first part-(Gladiator), was also directed by him)
Release by Viacom 18 STUDIOS in English, Tamil, Telugu & Hindi on Nov.15th
