Gladiator II

Lucius: Is this how Rome treats its heroes?

This is a movie about a gladiator, so naturally, there are MANY fight scenes. But they are well done.

Let it be noted that I went to this movie, not for myself, but for my husband. The original Gladiator is one of his favorite movies. He likes it so much, I swear we have DVD of it for each room with a TV. Maybe more!

I like the classics, but not watching violence. However, criticizing a movie about gladiators for having too much violence is unfair. Many of the scenes were spectacular – again the point – and they worked hard to make sure each fight scene was different and unexpected. It begins with the people of Numidia – including Hanno (aka Lucius) preparing to be attacked by Rome. It’s a sea attack, led by General Acacius, with an impressive approach for the Romans can get over the walls of the city. I grew immediately suspicious as I had mild warm fuzzy feelings toward both Lucius and General Acacius. These two may be enemies, but both are good men.

Of course, the Numidians lose, because how else could Lucius become a slave and then a gladiator? But our protagonist won’t lose many fights after that (although he does not always achieve his goal). The fighting scenes run the gamut, from one-on-one, to some really well done CGI animals, to fights in the Colosseum with nobility and emperors watching. There's even an uprising. Heck, why not?

Our protagonist, the grandson of Marcus Aurelius, is also the son of Lucilla and her lover, Maximus (apparently her husband at the time preferred males). One thing I appreciated was how the movie did not drag out their recognition of each other. Of course, Lucius knows his mother’s name – he was about twelve when he fled into exile – and that she would have a high rank in Rome. How is it possible he did not know the name of her current husband?

Rome has been infested with corruption. Some is managed by the competent, such as Macrinus, others by the less so: Thrax, and the two brother emperors. The creators had fun with the brothers, who are epitomes of debauchery. Caracalla and Geta were real, and one did kill the other. Perhaps Macrinus is more capable because he is not actually from Rome.

I could tell that the movie-watching experience improved, at least for me, when I stopped checking my watch. Now I did that many times during the first 45 minutes, because those 45 were nothing but previews (and a few ads). My watch-checking was every five minutes for the initial fight scenes. When at last they got to Lucilla and General Acacius the watch-checking slowed down considerably.

I liked the characters, although except for their names, little about them in the movie is true. Again, we should not be judging on the basis of expecting much historical accuracy. Does the movie entertain? Yes, especially if you like fights.

Macrinus, played by Denzel Washington, is extremely crafty. He chooses Lucius (Hanno) because he is full of rage. He asks Lucius whose head he wants. Lucius wants the entire Roman army, but Macrinus says that’s too much. Then Lucius asks for the head of a general.

People fondly remember Marcus Aurelius, the good emperor, and the great general Maximus (protagonist of Gladiator). Many long for an empire/Rome that is less corrupt, and in the end, the plot takes a few steps in that direction. I’d like more of that, but that’s a different movie for a different audience. Gladiator II, in the end, has a deep message, but it is presented shallowly. On the other hand, I was glad that it was presented at all.

I saw the film in an IMAX theater. The experience was amazing. In fact, it was so overwhelming that I did something that I have never done before: I took off my glasses so that my experience would be less intense. I do not need super high definition giants performing before me.

Title musings. Gladiator II is the title of the movie as it’s a sequel to the original gladiator. Nothing to say here. I wonder if they can cobble together enough plot for a Gladiator III.

Bits and pieces

Derek Jacobi plays a senator, a tribute to his role as Claudius in I, Claudius, so many years ago. How frail he looks! At least they did not make him stammer.

Little in the movie reflects actual history. Some of the names were correct. Macrinus, who was really never a senator – they got that bit right – never went to Rome, so he wasn’t pitting the brother emperors against each other.

The other gladiators mock Lucius by making monkey noises. I’m glad he takes the ribbing good-naturedly.

My problem with the IMAX is probably my own. I also hate clutter and crowded shopping malls; I easily suffers from sensory overload.

Quotes

Lucius (quoting Virgil): The gates of hell are open night and day; Smooth the descent, and easy is the way: But to come back from hell and view the cheerful skies, In this the task and mighty labor lies.

Lucius: I've become well versed in losing the things I love.

Macrinus: I choose rage. The crowd loves blood and they love those who love blood as much as they do. And you, my friend, rage pours out of you like – like milk. You'll be quite the fighter.
Lucius: Not for you.
Macrinus: You're right. You do not fight for me. I put you in the ring, you fight or you die. The choice is yours. But whose head could I give you, that would satisfy this fury?
Lucius: The entire Roman armies.
Macrinus: Too much.
Lucius: The general will do.
Macrinus: General?
Lucius: General Acacius.

Overall rating

It may be unfair for me to rate this, because this is not my type of movie. Nevertheless, I’m glad I went because it made my husband happy, and I don’t even want the time back. Two out of four movie previews.

Victoria Grossack loves math, birds, Greek mythology, Jane Austen and great storytelling in many forms.

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