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To preface this, it will be a spoiler-free review
With The Penguin and Agatha TV shows taking over TV at the time of writing, Ridley Scott's Gladiator sequel brings us a film that in my opinion, has no right to be as good as it is.
Paul Mescal in Gladiator 2 (2024).
The power of the original story which was this pathos-filled, historical drama rooted in history the Ridley Scott way, which means a healthy dose of 'artistic expression'. Ill save my spiel on that topic for another article, but the point I'm driving to, is that no one expected a Gladiator 2.
That being said, I am pleasantly surprised at how well this film convinced me of the viability of its story. It may reach a little far at times, but the sheer spectacle of the action sequences and the gladiatorial sequences alongside the blend of surrealism and pathos in this film's lore makes this film compelling, to say the least.
Pedro Pascal in Gladiator 2 (2024).
This film offers this almost theatrical sense of tragedy and with the addition of Paul Mescal, a pensiveness that permeates the entire film via his performance. This offers a different type of spectacle that our typical superhero fare won't be able to render most of the time.
Pathos and its blend with reality work well in historical dramas, partly because they can be rooted in our world no matter how far they stray artistically. Gladiator 2 is as compelling and as emotional as any of your favourite superhero films and mind you this is not a film for the history buffs but its a film for everyone.
There is no mistaking how this film incorporates a variety of storytelling tropes that help even the most unfamiliar audiences feel in control and rooted in the narrative that picks up after a lengthy time skip in both the real world and the world of the film.
I guess what I'm saying is, go watch Gladiator 2 and have a great time. Don't let any preconceived notions stop you. I'll dive deeper into this film when it's done its run in the cinemas but till then, cheers!
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