‘Gladiator II’: Come for the spectacle, stay for Denzel’s timeless screen presence

Headlining Gladiator II are Paul Mescal, who plays Hanno, a POW thrust into the life of a gladiator, and everyone’s favourite on-screen daddy, Pedro Pascal, as Lucilla’s husband Acacius, a reluctant general to Rome’s bloodthirsty twin emperors Geta and Caracalla.

The movie opens with an epic battle scene where Acacius’s army invades Hanno’s homeland. The latter’s wife is killed and his fellow soldiers are captured alongside him. They are eventually sold to Macrinus, played wonderfully by Denzel Washington—the true star of the film. Macrinus is a slave trader-slash-gladiator-groomer who fixates on Hanno and builds him up to fight in Rome’s biggest arena, the Colosseum. Hanno is driven only by the promise of revenge against the Romans, and on top of his list is no other than General Acacius himself.

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This film feels bigger and more epic than the first. Its production design, scoring, fight sequences, and set pieces make use of today’s technological advancements, creating a larger-than-life atmosphere for the characters to thrive in. It’s a simple story (echoing the 2000 film’s storyline) made complex by one or two plot twists and entangling narratives among the characters, all of whom are as eccentric as the politically twisted world they live in.

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That said, it may be easy to dismiss Gladiator II simply as a rehash or money grab, but for those who can put aside plot nitpicks or excuse the occasional heavy-handed acting (mostly from Paul Mescal), it’s a fun ride. In a time when more people are drawn to watch movies through streaming apps or devices, Gladiator II is well worth the travel to a cinema.

Without spoiling too much, the movie is thrilling and grand, yes. But its thrill comes mostly from the spectacle of fight scenes and gore. Additionally, the regurgitated plot is made special thanks to Denzel’s screen presence. Quite frankly, it’s Denzel playing Denzel more so than Macrinus; which is not to say his portrayal lacks depth or complexity. But there’s no denying the actor’s personal charm was the biggest vehicle that drew the dramatic narrative forward. Watching Macrinus was like watching Denzel in Training Day… but in ancient Rome. He was intense, mischievous, and intimidatingly alluring.

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Still, Mescal and Pascal served as strong leading men that made the film a dynamic watch. Both excellent actors, each battle they step into is believable and exciting to witness. There was no lack of literal blood, sweat, and tears between both. Interestingly enough, Lucilla was the only female character in the movie (save for a few concubines), which robs the film of a deeper warmth and dimension.

All in all, Gladiator II is worth the ticket. Take it for what it is which is an action period piece and you won’t be disappointed. Those looking for historical accuracy or philosophical musings may find themselves dissatisfied. It’s a movie best experienced through IMAX to fully appreciate the magnificence of its costume design, effects, and dramatic combat.

Come for Gladiator II’s grandeur, but you’ll probably find yourself more enamoured by Denzel’s performance and the inimitable humour he brings to the big screen.

By the time the credits roll and despite any misgivings one may find with the film, it’ll be hard to deny that you have, indeed, been thoroughly entertained.

Gladiator II is coming to Philippine cinemas on December 4. 

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