My family and I were incredibly lucky to snag last-minute tickets from canceled bookings at Schwack cinema in Hulhumale for last night's Maldives premiere of Gladiator 2.
This film is such a cinematic spectacle that its sheer scale justifies its existence, even if it feels somewhat like a remake of Gladiator. It's technically so well-crafted that it demands to be experienced in a cinema - definitely more than once. The cinematography, score, and sound, along with other elements like production design and makeup, were exceptional. Watching it on the big screen with Dolby 7.1 surround sound was an experience I wouldn’t have missed for anything.
This time, the saccharine factor was a bit more subdued, though certain scenes required a touch of sentimentality. After all, this is a pseudo-remake of Gladiator, and some beloved characters are doomed to die, which is key to the story's emotional resonance.
A notable difference this time is the decision to depict explicit violence. Gladiator combat is inherently bloody, but Scott could have avoided showing gore, as he did in the original. This choice made me wonder if the filmmakers were aiming to ensure Gladiator 2 resonates commercially, learning from the lesson that critical acclaim doesn’t always guarantee box-office success — much like what happened with Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga.
It was also fascinating to see Scott’s commentary on Trump-era politics woven into the narrative. I’d feel disappointed if Trump supporters chose to boycott the film for this reason because it’s a masterwork that no one should miss. Cinematically and viscerally, it’s a remarkable film, despite some glaring historical inaccuracies. For instance, while it’s true that the Rome's Colosseum’s arena could be flooded, adding sharks seemed a bit over the top.
The introduction of mutated dogs and rhinos was thrilling, though I missed the tiger, which we only see briefly in its cage — a nostalgic nod, a throwback memory to the original.
As I left the cinema, I couldn’t help but recall Maximus’ iconic words from Gladiator: “Are you not entertained?” To which I must answer: Yes, absolutely! Gladiator 2 is one hell of an entertaining movie!
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