‘Gladiator’ or ‘Gladiator II’: who will take the victory?

BY ANNABETH JOHNSON

Multimedia Journalist

Amongst all of the newly released movies in 2024, film director Ridley Scott had everyone shocked with the release of the sequel to “Gladiator.”

“Gladiator II” has been on screens across the world since Nov. 22, 2024.

While the new sequel collected a gross income of $210 million, “Gladiator” ranked second for the highest-grossing film of 2000 with a net income of $460 million. 

“Gladiator,” which received over 29 movie awards, set the bar high between the two movies, but which movie is better?

After having seen both movies myself, the first one triumphs; however, “Gladiator II” has some admirable elements as well. 

“Gladiator” takes the gold for the plot, musical score and cinematography.

“Gladiator II” is to be acknowledged for its fighting scenes, costume designs, plot twists and characters. 

“Gladiator” leans more toward giving emotional and feel-good scenes for the audience while its sequel can be noted as more political. 

The first installment stars Russell Crowe as Maximus Decimus Meridius, a Roman general who is betrayed by his own people. He is faithful to the Emperor of the time, Marcus Aurelius, who becomes a father figure to Maximus. 

Marcus Aurelius chooses Maximus to be the next emperor of Rome. 

This decision infuriates Commodus, the emperor’s son, who is never good enough for his father as he is no man like Maximus. 

Commodus’ rage and jealousy drive him to kill his father and take revenge on Maximus.

Maximus’ family is murdered and his home is destroyed. Then, he is captured, sold into slavery and forced to fight as a gladiator. 

A former gladiator who now works as a trainer, Proximo, takes a liking to Maximus and teaches him all he needs to know to survive and earn his freedom. 

Out of hatred for Commodus after murdering his family, Maximus excels in the ranks and becomes a famous gladiator referred to as “The Spaniard.” 

In the end, Maximus kills Commodus but succumbs to his own wounds. 

This film focuses on honor, courage and revenge.

“Gladiator II” takes a more political approach but also includes the idea of revenge and honor.  

The movie focuses on Lucius Verus Aurelius, played by Paul Mescal, who also loses his wife and home to the Romans. 

As a prisoner of war, Lucius must also fight for his freedom in the Colosseum. 

The fight scenes in Gladiator II were very entertaining and rather unexpected as compared to those of the first movie.

Lucius is under the ownership by Macrinus, who promises to get Lucius close to the men who killed his wife so that he may avenge her death.

I liked how the movies had a parallel through the loss of the main character’s family and homes creating a connection between Maximus and Lucius.

Lucius climbs the ranks and is soon recognized by his mother, Lucilla, who is the daughter of the late emperor Marcus Aurelius from the first movie. 

Later in the movie, it is uncovered that Lucius is the son of Maximus and is then given the responsibility to restore the “Dream of Rome” and give the power back to the people.

This movie was far more political than the first. 

At times it felt as if the whole plot of the movie was about restoring the glory of Rome back to the people. 

The political scenes were executed well but made parts of the movie rather boring.

Lucius avenges his family and home, and the film ends with a tribute to the first movie – in which he drags his fingers through the wheatfield, just as his father Maximus did in the “afterlife” after his death in the Colosseum.

Repeating the same end scene as “Gladiator” was a very beautiful way to end the movie. 

The cinematography, the music and the color palette made the end of “Gladiator II” very emotional.

Both movies should be watched. From the cinematography to the notable political corruption, they are movies that truly touch the heart. 

“Gladiator” will always sit at first rank, but its sequel should also be added to your watchlist.