From the very beginning, it is evident the sequel's entire existence relies on Gladiator nostalgia — from the recap-esque opening credits to multiple flashbacks throughout the story, recycled quotes and items like Maximus' armour and Marcus Aurelius' ring, and a pointed use of Hans Zimmer's iconic soundtrack.

Rome teeters on the brink in Ridley Scott’s “Gladiator II.” Its fall is said to be imminent. The dream it once symbolized is dead. The once high-minded ideals of the Roman Empire have deteriorated across a venal land now ruled by a pale-faced emperor.

Denzel Washington and Pedro Pascal also star in the sequel that brings superb spectacle and storytelling in equal measure.

David Scarpa, Peter Craig, David Franzoni Starring: Paul Mescal, Pedro Pascal, Connie Nielsen, Denzel Washington, Joseph Quinn, Fred Hechinger Rating: R for strong bloody violence Runtime: 148 minutes There has been a path paved for him to the world of the sword-and-sandal epic with Gladiator II.

GLADIATOR II .review-block-star --review-block-star--empty-color: #585858; --review-block-star--fill-color: #000; .review-block-star --review-block-star--empty-color: #585858; --review-block-star--fill-color: #000;

Ridley Scott’s 2000 sword and sandal epic “Gladiator” closed on a memorable shot that became an indelible image associated with the film: star Russell Crowe’s hands, callused and battle-worn, softly caressing strands of wheat,