Acacius' speech after the opening battle scene inGladiator IIis very important to understanding his character. Furthermore, comparing Acacius' speech to Maximus' speech after the opening battle in the firstGladiatormovie brings to light some interesting differences between the two characters. After the release of the firstGladiatorfilm in 2000, Russell Crowe’s Maximus Decimus Meridius became one of the most iconic movie characters of all time. Since Maximus died at theend ofGladiator, Crowe does not appear inGladiator II, but several characters in the sequel mirror the iconic Roman general.
Pedro Pascal joined thecast ofGladiator IIas Acacius, an accomplished Roman general. Since Crowe’s character was also a Roman general at the beginning of the first film, there are many similarities between Acacius and Maximus. However, the beginning ofGladiator IIpresents Acacius as a villain, rather than a Roman hero. EvenGladiator II’smain character,Maximus' son Lucius, seeks revenge against Acacius. Whilethe opening battle inGladiator IIportrays Acacius as a villain, he is actually a prominent member of the rebellion against Emperors Geta and Caracalla.
Acacius Says “Vae Victis” After The Opening Battle Scene; Maximus Says “Roma Victor” In His Parallel Scene
Acacius Is Not Happy After The Battle Of Numidia In Gladiator 2
Gladiator IIportrays theBattle of Numidiafrom Lucius' perspective, who fights against the Roman conquerors. Since Lucius is presented as the hero of the movie, viewers are meant to view General Acacius as a villain. Acacius leads the Roman army to victory over the Numidians. After winning the battle,Acacius says “vae victis,” which in Latin translates to “woe to the defeated.“Later scenes inGladiator IIreveal that Acacius doesn’t want to lead Rome’s conquests anymore, and wants to overthrow the current Emperors.
While Maximus focuses on another great Roman victory, Acacius' words prove that he feels sorry for the conquered Numidians.
In contrast, Maximus was completely loyal to Roman Emperor Marcus Aurelius at the beginning of the firstGladiatorfilm. When he led the Roman victory against the Germanic barbarians at the beginning of the movie,Maximus said “Roma victor,” which translates to “victory for Rome.“While Maximus focuses on another great Roman victory, Acacius' words prove that he feels sorry for the conquered Numidians.
Gladiator & Gladiator 2 Take Different Approaches To Rome’s Conquests
Rome’s Conquests Are Glorified At The Beginning Of Gladiator
In the opening battle of the firstGladiatormovie, the Romans are presented as a force of good. Showing the battle against the Germanic barbarians from the perspective of Maximus and other Romans makes viewers automatically root for a Roman victory. Maximus even celebrates Rome’s conquests at the start of the first movie. However,the Battle of Numidia flips the perspective of the first film’s opening battle by portraying the Roman army as an evil force.
Why Lucius Doesn’t Kill Acacius In The Arena In Gladiator 2
After seeking revenge against him for most of the movie, Lucius decides not to kill Acacius when they finally face each other in Gladiator 2.
Gladiator II’sopening battle proves that the Roman army invaded other cities just for the sake of it. Lucius, his wife, and the other Numidians are happy at the beginning ofGladiator II, but Acacius and the Roman army, under the orders of Emperors Geta and Caracalla, disrupt their peace. Unlike in the firstGladiatorfilm, where Maximus is fully committed to the conquests of Rome,there are clues throughoutGladiator II’sopening battle that Acacius does not want to attack Numidia. That’s why Acacius takes the time to honor the dead after the battle is won.
How Acacius & Maximus Are Fundamentally Different Characters
Acacius & Maximus Are Both Complex Characters
A major reason why Acacius and Maximus are vastly different characters is because they served as Roman generals under different Emperors. Maximus was a general when Rome was at the height of its power. Marcus Aurelius was a loved and respected Emperor, so Maximus had every reason to be loyal to him. However,the Roman people were much more unhappy during the reign of Emperors Geta and Caracalla. The Roman Empire was in decline, and Acacius recognized that there needed to be a change.
Maximus stood by Marcus Aurelius' side until he was eventually betrayed, whereas Acacius was the one actively plotting against Emperors Geta and Caracalla.
From certain perspectives,both Acacius and Maximus could be viewed as villains. However, bothGladiatormovies show that they were men who loved their families and wanted what was best for Rome. Maximus stood by Marcus Aurelius' side until he was eventually betrayed, whereas Acacius was the one actively plotting against Emperors Geta and Caracalla. Acacius was a very different type of Roman general compared to Maximus, and made for one of the most interesting characters inGladiator II.
Gladiator II
Cast
Gladiator 2 is the follow-up to Ridley Scott’s award-winning film Gladiator from 2000. Scott returns to direct the sequel, with Paul Mescal staring as Lucius, alongside Denzel Washington and Joseph Quinn as the villain Emperor Geta. Gladiator 2 had been stuck in development hell for years before a script written by David Scarpa finally moved forward.
