Best Easter Eggs in ‘Gladiator II’

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As a film enthusiast with a deep appreciation for historical epics, I find the Easter eggs and references in “Gladiator II” to be absolutely delightful. These subtle nods to the original movie not only serve as a testament to the filmmakers’ attention to detail but also enrich the viewing experience for fans who are well-versed in the franchise’s lore.

In “Gladiator II,” one could expect an abundance of elements that would delight fans immersed in the world of ancient Rome. The action sequences, particularly the combats, surpass even the epic Attack on Aqaba from “Lawrence of Arabia.” Notably, there’s a scene where sharks viciously attack those unfortunate enough to encounter water. Additionally, the film includes the expected political intrigues, with Denzel Washington’s character, Macrinus, being at the heart of most of the maneuvering. Rest assured, he receives his well-deserved retribution.

This new installment stands alone as a film you can appreciate without having seen the first one, yet it still honors long-time fans. Ridley Scott, along with writers Peter Craig and David Scarpa, have included subtle references called Easter eggs, most of which don’t drastically affect the plot but are delightful to spot. Keeping a sharp focus (or listening carefully)… or recalling details… might help you catch some of these hidden gems, but we’ve made things easier by limiting these Easter eggs specifically to this story’s universe.

7 The Hand in the Wheat Field

Just as captivating as “Gladiator” movie, it boasts an emotionally poignant finale where the main character meets his demise. In a particularly symbolic sequence, Maximus treads through a field of wheat, which seems to represent his transition into the afterlife, reuniting with his murdered spouse and child. This very same wheat field is briefly revisited in “Gladiator II,” hinting that Maximus continues to guard his son from the beyond.

A Solid Link to Roman Mythology

Charles King’s book, “The Ancient Roman Afterlife: Di Manes, Belief, and the Cult of the Dead“, sheds light on the ancient Roman belief that exceptional individuals, those with heroic qualities or strong moral compasses (like Maximus who fits both descriptions), would metamorphose into unique entities known as manes upon death. These manes would guard and shield their surviving kin from harm, which could account for the presence of a hand in wheat fields. Moreover, this belief may also explain why Lucius was able to endure even when the circumstances seemed utterly unfavorable.

6 Caged Tiger

An easy-to-miss Easter egg can be spotted in the final fight of Gladiator II. There is a caged tiger beneath the Colosseum, reminding us of the iconic tiger fight from the original movie, where Maximus was pitted against multiple tigers held down by chains. Lucius never gets to fight any tigers, but he takes on baboons and a rhino.

Tigers Were Never ‘First Choice’

The acknowledgement towards the tigers highlights the courage of both characters, Lucius and Maximus. Regardless if it’s a human or an animal they are dealing with, these two will stand their ground and complete the task at hand. It’s worth noting that in the initial film, tigers were not favored; Ridley Scott actually wanted rhinos initially. However, practical issues arose when considering rhinos, so he opted for tigers instead. In the subsequent movie, thanks to CGI technology, Scott’s vision of using rhinos was realized.

It’s not only Ridley Scott who didn’t invent fights; instead, we find evidence of such spectacles dating back to ancient Rome. In these times, severe offenders, referred to as “bestiarii,” were frequently forced into life-threatening confrontations with dangerous beasts within the Colosseum. Moreover, there was a common practice called “venatio” where skilled fighters would hunt and slay wild animals for amusement in the arena.

5 The Sands of Time

Just before engaging in combat within the Colosseum, Lucius touches the ground with his hands and smears the arena’s sand across his palms. This gesture readies him for battle, and when the fight ensues, he inflicts greater harm than anyone had expected he could. In fact, Maximus performs a similar act in the original Gladiator film.

Like Father Like Son

In the movie, there’s no clear reason given for why Lucius performs this particular action. It could be a tactical maneuver to maintain control over his sword, or it could be a tribute to his deceased wife, whose essence seems tied to the sand. Given the film’s focus on revenge, both interpretations are plausible. It’s also important to note that Lucius was originally a farmer, and this action serves as a reminder of his true identity. Alternatively, he might be imitating his father in this action. Moreover, the “sand move” could subtly suggest to Lucilla that Lucius may not be just an ordinary gladiator, adding depth to the plot.

4 Hans Zimmer’s Musical Cues

The music in Gladiator II was composed by Harry Gregson-Williams (better known for Sinbad: Legend of the Seven Seas) who took over from Hans Zimmer and Lisa Gerrard, who had scored the first film.

Despite composing 100 minutes of unique music for the movie himself, Gregson-Williams surprisingly incorporates a distinctive cue reminiscent of Hans Zimmer’s work. As Lucius reenters the arena to honor Maximus, the tune “Now We Are Free” subtly plays in the background, linking back to the original film’s ending.

The Song Still Fits the Plot

In “Gladiator II,” it’s even more fitting that the phrase “Now We Are Free” resonates strongly because the main character has fully embodied freedom in every aspect. He is no longer a fugitive, nor a captive, and most significantly, he still lives. What makes it even more powerful is his unveiling of his true identity as the imperial heir and successfully persuading both Acacius’ and Macrinus’ forces to establish a united and progressive Rome under his leadership.

It’s worth noting that Zimmer chose not to rejoin the project as he felt there wasn’t much more he could contribute beyond what he did in the initial film. Consequently, the task fell to Gregson-Williams, who initially worked under Zimmer. Kudos to Gregson-Williams for maintaining the original essence of the work.

3 “Strength and honor”

In the film, both Lucius and his mother Lucilla frequently utter the phrase “strength and honor” to underscore the significance of resilience and integrity, a line originally spoken by Maximus before he led his soldiers into battle in the original Gladiator.

Latin Origins

The phrase “strength and honor” isn’t just a film reference but also has roots in genuine Roman culture. This phrase is adapted from the Latin expression “Virtūs et Honos“, where “Virtūs” signifies strength, courage, and excellence, while “et Honos” means “and Honor”. Scholars believe that soldiers would frequently utter this line prior to a battle, which explains why both Maximus and Lucius say it as they lead their troops.

In the film Strength and Honor: Crafting the Universe of ‘Gladiator’, it’s shared that Russell Crowe informed Ridley Scott of the saying. At first, he wasn’t aware of it, but upon hearing it, he was delighted to incorporate it.

2 Maximus Armor

Towards the end of the movie, Lucius stumbles upon a sanctuary beneath the Colosseum, dedicated to Maximus. Inside, he finds Maximus’ original suit of armor and sword. Just before his last battle in the Colosseum, he decides to don his father’s armor and emerge, eager to demonstrate his true mettle.

More Like a Superhero Costume

In the film, it seems as though the depiction of Maximus’ armor is intentionally designed to resemble a symbolic superhero costume. Given Rome’s history under various corrupt rulers, it’s rather improbable that Maximus’ gear would have been preserved for such a long time. This armor, if used by any new character in the series, might serve as a reminder that they embody the same values as their predecessors and are obligated to wield an identical weapon.

1 “What we do in life…”

Following his capture and sale to Macrinus in “Gladiator II”, Lucius befriends a doctor named Ravi who becomes a trusted confidant. During a chat, Ravi employs the saying “Actions in life resonate in eternity,” which prompts Lucius to acknowledge that he’s heard it before. In actuality, Maximus had uttered those exact words during the battle against the Germanic tribes near Vindobona.

Actions and Consequences

Maximus’ speech carries a sense of forewarning, emphasizing that each action sets off a chain reaction affecting many future actions. This theme is evident in both movies. For instance, Maximus’ rebellion prompts Lucilla to send young Lucius away for safety, where he eventually manages to return to Rome through military means. Similarly, Lucilla and Acacius also experience repercussions from their plan to overthrow the emperors.

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2024-12-01 03:32