Gladiator 2: 15 Best Quotes, Ranked

Warning: Contains SPOILERS for Gladiator II​​ Gladiator II is a cinematic epic and a gripping exploration of power, corruption, and the enduring human spirit. Gladiator II‘s record-breaking box office owes much to the movie’s exploration of themes such as moral infection, violence, hope, defiance, legacy, and the cyclical nature of power. These themes resonate with modern audiences, offering a timely critique of societal ills and a timeless message of hope in Gladiator II’s ending.

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The characters’ struggles against tyranny and their pursuit of justice and redemption offer a sense of hope and inspiration. As audiences grapple with the complexities of the modern world, Gladiator II provides a powerful reminder of the power of individual choices and the importance of fighting for what is right. The dialogue in the movie cements these ideas. It comes from a range of well-developed characters, with some returning characters from Gladiator. With so many rousing and resonant speeches, it’s unsurprising that Gladiator II has some truly memorable quotes

15 “This City Infects Everything It Touches.”

Lucius (Paul Mescal)

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Lucius refers to ancient Rome as an infection, which encapsulates the message of both Gladiator and Gladiator II. Maximus and Lucius both have their family and freedom taken away, having their lives endangered for entertainment, and the sickness of this is brought to light. The visuals of the movie also support this attitude; Lucius is having his wound tended to prevent infection, which arguably reflects Lucius not letting the imperial disease infect his character. Rather than chasing power, which is portrayed as a mental disease in Caracalla’s case, Lucius is chasing his grandfather Marcus Aurelius’ “dream of Rome”.

An infection also spreads, which is shown in the opening of the movie with Acacius leading his men to claim another territory in the name of Rome. Geta and Caracalla’s response to this is hunger to claim yet more territories. They prioritize this overfeeding Rome’s subjects, claiming, “They can eat war.” This further reinforces the image of sickness despite the opulent veneer of Rome’s elite. The film’s exploration of themes such as power, sacrifice, and redemption is ultimately a critique of a system that values spectacle over substance and perpetuates a cycle of violence and oppression.

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14 “Violence Is The Universal Language.”

Macrinus (Denzel Washington)

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Macrinus has learned the hard way that power is acquired through brute force, as he highlights in this quote. This connects Gladiator II to its historical setting. Violence was deeply ingrained in Roman identity, permeating every aspect of their culture. Roman myths and history are rife with tales of brutality, from fratricidal struggles to acts of rape and war. This pervasive theme of violence is reflected in a wide range of artistic and architectural expressions, both public and private. According to Cambridge University Press, “Violent images were a means of visualising power in the Roman world.”

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These images served as potent reminders of the hierarchical structure of Roman society, where citizens held dominion over non-citizens, men over women, and the emperor over his subjects. Macrinus highlights this structure which is dramatized in the gladiator arena. It also connects to his plight; Macrinus was once a slave, owned by Marcus Aurelius, so he has a different idea of what the idealized “dream of Rome” really is. For Macrinus, the only way to overcome being owned is to own others. This makes him one of the most compelling villains of the franchise.

13 “The People Have Not Seen Hope In A Long Time.”

Lucilla (Connie Nielsen)

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Lucilla’s quote highlights an important theme in Gladiator II and draws attention to how long it has been since Gladiator. The original Gladiator, as a cinematic experience, cannot be overstated. The film is heartfelt. It is highly rewatchable – Maximus reuniting with his family in Elysium remains a tearjerker. Arguably, Lucilla’s quote shows how long the wait has been for this kind of grand storytelling to return to screens. Ridley Scott’s familiar message of hope in Gladiator II may seem too nostalgic for some but is brilliant precisely because it remains heartfelt. It retains the spirit of the original.

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Hope returning to Rome is underscored by the setting of the sequel. Two decades on, Rome’s once-glorious past has devolved into a decaying husk, a society consumed by its own corruption. The twin Emperors, with their madness and cruelty, have accelerated this decline. Lucilla highlights that hope has not disappeared, but has not been visible for a long time – Lucius is the embodiment of hope and a reminder of Maximus as a symbol. His underdog dialogue, such as, “the odds are always against me”, further highlights the theme of hope and defiance in the face of a corrupt empire.

12 “Torture Me If You Want, But Do Not Lecture Me.”

Acacius (Pedro Pascal)

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This sardonic quote from General Acacius is one of Pascal’s greatest lines in Gladiator II. Speaking about Acacius’ motivations with Vanity Fair, Ridley Scott revealed that he is “a man in deep regret with his life and doesn’t know where to go with it.” At this point in the movie, Acacius has finally gone against the Emperors by plotting to help Lucius escape and reclaim the Roman throne. His line addressed to the Emperors emphasizes that he has accepted whatever consequences they want to throw at him, highlighting his defiance.

By rejecting their moralizing, he asserts his own moral compass and challenges their authority. This defiant stance underscores the depth of his disillusionment with the corrupt empire and his unwavering commitment to a just future for Rome. Acacius’ connection to the first movie, as explained by details about Pedro Pascal’s character in Gladiator II, is related to Maximus. He served under him as a junior officer before his death. Maximus’ honorable character is undoubtedly an influence in his character arc, exemplified by his bravery and rebellion in this scene.

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11 “I Will Never Be Your Instrument – In This Life, Or The Next.”

Lucius (Paul Mescal)

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This quote by Lucius is great because of its obvious connection to the original Gladiator. The phrase “in this life or the next” is similar to Maximus’ iconic quote, “I will have my vengeance, in this life or the next.” It is also interesting because of the way the word “instrument” is used in the movie. Macrinus wants to make Lucius his “instrument” to help him climb to success.

In this way, Lucius and his rage is a weapon. Weapons are used symbolically throughout the movie to connote power; Lucius consistently shows a disregard for this. When he is taunted with the wooden sword that represents his potential freedom if he does what he is told, he uses it to stab his captor, saying, “a point is still a point”. Even against the odds, the strength of his resolve trumps any material disadvantage.

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By stating “I will never be your instrument”, Lucius asserts himself as a free man with his own motives, despite his gladiator status. By mirroring Maximus’ reference to the afterlife, he reinforces the philosophy at the core of the Gladiator franchise; what we do in this life has a bearing on our spirit and legacy.

10 “What We Do In Life Echoes In Eternity.”

Lucius (Paul Mescal)

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Lucius referencing the afterlife mirrors Gladiator, since Maximus says this exact phrase in the first movie. It also highlights the importance of the afterlife to ancient Romans. For example, in Gladiator, Maximus goes to the Elysian Fields when he dies. Elysium was a concept in ancient Roman religion derived from the ancient Greek concept of paradise. In Homer’s Odyssey, “No snow is there, nor heavy storm, nor ever rain, but ever does Ocean send up blasts of the shrill-blowing West Wind that they may give cooling to men.” This is shown by the gentle breeze in Gladiator’s Elysium.

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To achieve a mild, peaceful afterlife like this, ancient Romans believed in living a righteous life to achieve it. According to Pindar’s Odes:

“The good receive a life free from toil, not scraping with the strength of their arms the earth, nor the water of the sea, for the sake of a poor sustenance. But in the presence of the honored gods, those who gladly kept their oaths enjoy a life without tears, while the others undergo a toil that is unbearable to look at.”

–
via

Pindar

Lucius’ quote reflects this belief in direct consequences in the afterlife, which is a message of hope in itself. Lucius goes through much toil in Gladiator II, but his faith is an important part of his moral code.

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9 “I Was Owned. Now I Will Control An Empire.”

Macrinus (Denzel Washington)

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Denzel Washington’s performance as Macrinus is one of the most critically acclaimed aspects of Gladiator II. This quote is a good summary of the character’s backstory and motivations. He is portrayed as a savvy businessman who has figured out how to ascend in the brutal world around him. He is also designed to offset Lucius. Lucius’ desire to restore Rome’s ideals wins out over his rage. However, Macrinus’ rage remains the center of his ambitions, ultimately seeking to continue the cycle of violence. Despite this, he is a well-developed, sympathetic villain in the movie.

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Gladiator II’s Macrinus is based on a real historical figure. The historical Macrinus did indeed ascend to the Roman throne. A trusted confidant of Emperor Caracalla, Macrinus served as a praetorian prefect, a position of significant authority. As a commander of the elite Praetorian Guard, he was deeply involved in Rome’s civil affairs. However, fearing for his own life under the notoriously ruthless Caracalla, Macrinus orchestrated the assassination of the Emperor. This was during a military campaign against the Parthians in modern-day Iran.

8 “I Will Not Waste Another Generation Of Young Men For Their Vanity.”

Acacius (Pedro Pascal)

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This quote by General Acacius exemplifies the conflict of personal values versus the Emperors’ tyrannical authority in Gladiator II. It is particularly powerful because he does not refer to those working under him as soldiers – he calls them a generation of young men, humanizing them. This stands out in an environment prioritizing military conquest. It is also emphasized by the word “vanity”, showing the impact this petty emotion has on those who serve Rome. This firmly establishes Acacius’ potential as an honorable, redeemable character. Consequently, Pascal as Acacius is one of the best performances in Gladiator II.

Pascal’s portrayal of Acacius is arguably the most compelling and unpredictable character arc in the film. It’s no surprise that Scott sought out an actor of Pascal’s caliber for this role. A less nuanced performance might have portrayed Acacius as a blindly loyal soldier. However, Pascal’s subtle yet powerful acting brings to life Acacius’s complex internal struggle and simmering resentment towards the Emperors. Known for his ability to embody honorable and self-sacrificial heroes, Pascal delivers a masterful performance, capturing the essence of Acacius with his characteristic depth and nuance.

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7 “The Gates Of Hell Are Open Night And Day; Smooth The Descent And Easy Is The Way.”

Lucius (Paul Mescal)

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This brilliant quote is Lucius reciting a poem in Gladiator II. The choice of lines also reflects Lucius’ core belief that decisions in life pave the way to one’s fate in the afterlife. By reciting these lines to the two Emperors Geta and Caracalla, he is saying to their face that the “gates of hell” are always open, waiting for them. It is a quote from The Aeneid by Publius Vergilius Maro, a.k.a. Virgil.

This scene in Gladiator II is clever. Firstly, this is because it betrays a noble education, which Lucius, going by “Hanno”, plays off as poetry learned from traveling far and wide. Secondly, the context of the poem points to what Lucius is telling the two Emperors. Virgil goes on to state, “But to return, and view the cheerful skies, In this the task and mighty labor lies.” By appropriating the poem, Lucius is telling them that their heinous acts will be very difficult to atone for. In contrast, Lucius’ honorable acts in life will pave the way for an idyllic afterlife.

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6 “The Greatest Temple Rome Ever Built. The Colosseum. Because This Is What They Believe In. Power.”

Macrinus (Denzel Washington)

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Macrinus has some of the most thought-provoking lines in Gladiator II. In this quote, he refers to the Colosseum as a religious building. This is particularly impactful given the importance of the polytheistic religion in Rome, with offerings to deities being a part of life as Roman citizens. By stating this, Macrinus exposes the corruption not only of Geta and Caracalla’s reign, but the Roman empire in general. His using this arena to further his ambition is all part of Macrinus’ plan in Gladiator II.

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By equating this arena of bloodshed and suffering with a sacred temple, he exposes the true nature of the Roman Empire. It is a place where power, not piety, reigns supreme. The Colosseum, once a symbol of Roman grandeur and engineering prowess, has been perverted into a grotesque spectacle, a testament to the empire’s obsession with violence and domination. Macrinus’ words highlight the emptiness of such a society, one that has forsaken its spiritual values in pursuit of material wealth and military might.

5 “Rage. That Rage Is Your Gift.”

Macrinus (Denzel Washington)

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In this quote, Macrinus reveals the emotion he believes will allow Lucius to achieve his goals. This does become partly true, given Lucius’ prowess in the arena, but it says more about Macrinus’ motivations than it does about Lucius. As T he Hollywood Reporter has identified, Marcinus can be compared to another Ridley Scott villain, David from Prometheus and Covenant in his Alien franchise. Just as David believes humanity does not deserve a second chance, Macrinus’ rage about the nature of others informs his worldview.

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The foundation of power and oppression remains intact, and the past cannot be easily erased.

Both characters are defined by a detached, almost clinical observation of human behavior. They are calculating and strategic, yet beneath their impassive exteriors lies a simmering rage. These characters show that destruction is not a catalyst for change, but rather a perpetuation of the cycle of violence. Whether it’s the historical figure of Macrinus or the fictional character of David, both demonstrate that violence begets more violence. The foundation of power and oppression remains intact, and the past cannot be easily erased. Yet, amidst the ruins, a glimmer of hope persists, a testament to the enduring human spirit.

4 “Is This How Rome Treats Its Heroes?”

Lucius (Paul Mescal)

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In Gladiator II, one thing that borders on parody in the sequel is that the attitude of the audience changes like the tide throughout the movie. One example is the basis of this quote – the ease with which General Acacius, a beloved military figure, was debased in the eyes of the public. General Acacius is not based on a real person in Gladiator II; however, his fate is a reflection of very real power dynamics that happened in the gladiator arena.

Lucius’ quote reflects not necessarily only on the public’s moralization that is directed with ease by the Emperors, but Rome as a whole. This is made possible by the ancient Roman concept of “infamia”. This legal status, akin to social death, stripped individuals of their rights and privileges, effectively ostracizing them from Roman society. By associating gladiatorial combat with infamia, the elite discouraged free Roman citizens from entering the arena, ensuring that only those deemed socially inferior would participate in these spectacles. This is used to ruin Acacius’ reputation, despite all he has done in the name of Rome.

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3 “Rome Has Taken Everything From Me. But I Will Have My Vengeance.”

Lucius (Paul Mescal)

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This quote by Lucius is another example of how Gladiator II mirrors Gladiator. This powerful declaration by Lucius echoes the sentiments of Maximus Decimus Meridius in the original movie. Both characters are driven by a deep-seated desire for revenge, fueled by the loss of loved ones and the destruction of their lives. This thematic parallel underscores the cyclical nature of violence and the enduring human desire for justice.

Lucius’s declaration, “Rome has taken everything from me. But I will have my vengeance,” echoes the spirit of Maximus’s iconic line. In Gladiator, Maximus says, “My name is Maximus Decimus Meridius, commander of the Armies of the North, General of the Felix Legions, and loyal servant to the true emperor, Marcus Aurelius. Father to a murdered son, husband to a murdered wife. And I will have my vengeance, in this life or the next.“

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This is one of the ways Gladiator II openly repeats Gladiator. Lucius initially seeks vengeance against Acacius, believing him to be responsible for the death of his wife. However, as the story unfolds, Lucius comes to understand that Acacius’s actions were motivated by the harsh realities of war, rather than personal malice. This revelation leads Lucius to spare Acacius’s life, demonstrating a newfound understanding.

2 “Everything Is Forgotten In Time. Empires Fall. So Do Emperors.”

Acacius (Pedro Pascal)

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This quote is one of Acacius’ best moments in Gladiator II. Part of what makes it so great is the context. Acacius says this in response to being told, “You will be forgotten.” Acacius’ response, expressing the sentiment that everything turns to dust in the end, is incredibly powerful. It shows that ego matters less to Acacius than it does to Geta and Caracalla. It also boldly evens the playing field – he reduces the powerful Emperors to just another thing that will fade with time.

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This is especially powerful in the context of ancient Rome. While many Emperors inherited their status, they also asserted that their rule was divinely approved (“auctoritas”). The Roman imperial cult elevated emperors and their families to divine status, endowing them with the sacred authority of the Roman state. This cult, rooted in Greco-Roman traditions, emerged during the early Principate under Augustus and quickly spread across the vast Roman Empire. Acacius’ line shows that despite their claim, they are still only men, and will be forgotten, just like him.

1 “Strength And Honor.”

Lucius (Paul Mescal)

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The simple but effective “strength and honor” is another quote that directly reflects the first Gladiator. By invoking these ideals, Lucius aligns himself with the legacy of Maximus Decimus Meridius, further solidifying the thematic connection between the two films and characters. The way this is executed without becoming overly nostalgic or cheesy is the potential retcon that Maximus is Lucius’ father in Gladiator II. The simplicity of the phrase, echoed back to Lucius by the other gladiators, also gives the movie even more cinematic gravitas.

Legacy plays a pivotal role in
Gladiator II
, distinguishing figures like Maximus and Marcus Aurelius from tyrants like Commodus and the twin emperors.

Legacy plays a pivotal role in Gladiator II, distinguishing figures like Maximus and Marcus Aurelius from tyrants like Commodus and the twin emperors. Maximus embodies the idealized Roman hero, embodying strength, honor, and a deep sense of duty. Lucius’s journey is one of self-discovery, as he strives to live up to the legacy of his father and grandfather. His lineage, connecting him to both Maximus and Marcus Aurelius, imbues his story with a sense of destiny and purpose.

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Source: Cambridge University Press, PindarT he Hollywood Reporter

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8/10 107 7.5/10 Gladiator II

Director Ridley Scott Release Date November 22, 2024 Studio(s) Paramount Pictures , Universal Pictures , Scott Free Productions , Red Wagon Entertainment Cast Paul Mescal , Pedro Pascal , Denzel Washington , Connie Nielsen , Joseph Quinn , Fred Hechinger , Derek Jacobi , May Calamawy , Peter Mensah , Matt Lucas , Alexander Karim , Tim McInnerny , Lee Charles , Chidi Ajufo , Alfie Tempest , Riana Duce , Chi Lewis Parry , Paul Candelent , Hadrian Howard , Alexander Simkin , Mikhail Basmadjian , Matthew Charlery-Smith , Maxime Durand , Lior Raz Character(s) Lucius Verus , Marcus Acacius , Macrinus , Lucilla , Emperor Caracalla , Emperor Geta , Gracchus Runtime 148 minutes Main Genre Adventure Expand

Source: https://www.phonggdkrongpac.edu.vn
Category: Entertainment