I’m going to be biased, and like everyone else when something goes wrong, I’m going to blame someone else, Denzel Washington. Star power, thanks to social media, is slowly becoming a thing of the past, but I was excited and went into this film solely because of him. So, let’s talk about Gladiator 2 and why I loved it.
There’s something magical about a movie that pulls you entirely out of your world and into another, reminding you of the sheer power of cinema and escapism.
And Gladiator 2 is a good example of that, thanks to Ridley Scott, who returns as the director, having worked on the first one more than two decades ago. Here, he’s at the top of his game. Every element, from cinematography to costumes, feels meticulously designed to transport you to ancient Rome.
The cinematography is stunning. Wide shots capture the scale and chaos of the gladiatorial arena, while competently composed mid and close-up shots are used during quieter moments of tension. Whether the camera is positioned above a roaring Colosseum or fixed on an intimate conversation, each shot feels deliberate, pulling you deeper into the story.
From a visual standpoint, the costume designers and makeup team are the MVPs of this movie. From the senators and Denzel’s robes and rings to the intricate armour of the gladiators and the gold armour of the emperors, everything feels like it belongs to a living, breathing world. These aren’t just outfits, they’re extensions of the characters.
This is further elevated by great performances from Paul Mescal, Connie Nielsen, Pedro Pascal, and, of course, Denzel Washington, all of whom help define who their characters are and what they represent.
Sound and music play a huge role in setting the tone from the opening title card. The new score is sometimes sweeping and, at other times, dynamic, shifting to reflect different locations and moods. Though Hans Zimmer’s absence is felt, the new composer rises to the challenge, delivering a soundtrack that complements the film’s epic scale.
The performances from the main actors to the extras combined with the costume design and visual effects create a sense of authenticity that’s hard to pull off. Rome feels tangible, from its dirty dusty streets and roads to its grand palaces.
The Colosseum battles are exhilarating, with roaring crowds and brutal fights that make you feel like you’re right there in the arena. The blend of practical and digital effects mostly works, though a few CGI moments are noticeable.
Ridley Scott’s direction ties it all together. The attention to detail in the world-building makes this film so engrossing. It makes you feel like you’re living in it from the politics to the people.
Flaws
As much as I enjoyed Gladiator 2, they dropped the ball in some places. The pacing is uneven, particularly in the second half, which takes an interesting direction compared to the first. The transition from setup to action feels abrupt at times, especially with the opening battle.
The story also leans on familiar beats from the original. While it’s clear the filmmakers wanted to honour Gladiator, some moments feel like retreads rather than fresh ideas.
The two emperors, key antagonists in the story, are underdeveloped. Their motivations are hinted at but never fully explored, leaving them feeling more like caricatures than fully realised characters. And while Pedro Pascal brings his signature charm to the film, his role feels underutilised, leaving you wondering why his character was included at all.
During the second act, there’s an over-reliance on exposition.
Conclusion
Look, I could go on about all the details of why I enjoyed this, but I’m going to keep it simple: I loved this film. It’s a crowd-pleaser and Denzel Washington is fantastic in the film. This time, Ridley Scott clearly went for spectacle, and it worked. Don’t go in expecting the same experience as the first film—save yourself. This take on the IP is pure escapism, with little to no historical accuracy.
If you’re going to watch this, see it on the biggest screen possible with great sound.
