My Thoughts on Gladiator II

Last week, I decided to watch Gladiator II through Amazon Prime rental, and it was an interesting experience. I enjoy movies set in historical periods, and gladiator stories fascinate me—especially their mental strength, strategies, focus, speed, and power needed to survive and win.

A Visually Impressive but Unexpected Approach

Ridley Scott’s direction was excellent, but some scenes felt a bit long, particularly the behind-the-scenes power struggles between rulers. There were also moments that leaned towards fantasy, which I didn’t expect—like when they flooded the Colosseum arena, turning it into a naval battle with sharks. It pulled me out of the story, making it feel like a completely different movie.

Strong Performances and Memorable Characters

On the other hand, the performances by Pedro Pascal (as General Acacius) and Paul Mescal (as Gladiator Lucius) were fantastic. As for Denzel Washington, his character reminded me of Jack Sparrow—a laid-back yet clever figure in a violent world. But instead of pirate fights, here he recruits gladiators for the emperor.

Final Verdict: Does It Live Up to the Original?

I’d recommend it if you’re looking for something different, but for me, the true magic is still in the first Gladiator movie. It remains my favorite—the undisputed champion.

– Patty K.

Picture by paramountplus.com