300
by: Average Joe 1 year, 8 months, 2 weeks, 6 days, 12 hours, 48 minutes ago
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Warner Bros.
Not only does 300 prove to be the first great film of 2007, but it also proves that director Zack Snyder is a true visionary, and a force to be reckoned with in Hollywood.
One thing a lot of people may not know about me is that aside from my love of films, and the World of comic books, I am a big history geek. It was always one of my favorite subjects in school, and it’s something I’ve continued to research even though I’ve been out of school for quite some time. One glimpse at my book collection and you’d know how much I enjoy the subject, and how much reading I’ve done on it.
If I had to pick one culture from history that has always fascinated me the most it would definitely be the Greeks. If you think about it, today’s comic book heroes take a lot from the heroes of ancient Greece. Superman would be like Hercules who was granted the power from the Gods. Batman would be like Odysseus who was known for his guile and resourcefulness. Even The Flash’s roots stem from Hermes the ancient messenger of the Gods, and do I even need to point out the similarities between Wonder Woman?
As fantastic and majestic as their mythology is, it’s actually the Greek’s real history that has always fascinated me the most. Tales of Athena, and Hector, and Achilies have always appealed to me in part due to their larger than life scale, and romantic overtones. However one historical Greek event has always stood out above the rest as my favorite tale of all time; The battle of Thermopylae in 480 B.C.
Why has this particular event stood out for me above the rest? Because it’s the very definition of the word epic.
About 6 years ago I can remember reading Frank Miller’s series 300 which was inspired by that very event, and thinking how cool it was that history and comic books could mesh together so well. I’m not sure if it’s the joining of the two, or Miller’s way of storytelling that had me instantly hooked, but either way I couldn’t get enough. In the tale King Leonidas (which means “lion’s son") defies the very laws he’s sword to uphold, and engages the Persian army of Emperor Xerxes with 300 of Sparta’s finest and bravest soldiers in one of the most brutal and epic battles in history.
Although Frank Miller’s series isn’t 100% based on fact, it does draw enough from history to warrant the “inspired by a true story” title we see on so many films today. For those of you that have seen the 1962 classic The 300 Spartans (the very film that inspired Miller to write 300 36 years later) you’ll notice the obvious differences between that and the film in question....and I’m not talking about the visual FX either.
Naturally in trying to incorporate the story of Thermopylae into a graphic novel, the writer must create certain elements of fiction, and exaggerate on others, and keep certain things factual which is exactly what makes this film so great. Right off the bat the mood of the film is set as we’re introduced to Leonidas before he becomes king; taking part in a ritual that will make him part of the legendary “warrior society” of Sparta. Once he becomes king, it’s made obvious very quickly that Leonidas is a no BS kind of guy, and the men of the Spartan army would follow him even if it meant their demise...this becomes a major point of the film throughout it’s 1hr 56min runtime.
The battle scenes in the film are worth the price of admission alone. While they’re not overdone and drawn out like in some movies (Troy comes to mind), they last just long enough to reinforce the fact that the Spartan army’s knowledge of combat, and of their surrounding terrain set them apart from any other army in the World. I’ve heard some people say that the scenes were “too brutal”, and to be honest I couldn’t disagree more. Sure they’re brutal, but no more so than what you’d see in films like Gladiator or even the previously mentioned Troy. The difference between the battle scenes in 300 and these films is that these scenes are very stylized scenes, complete with slo-mo (eat your heart out Matrix trilogy) camera work and digital blood splatter FX.....they aren’t brutal just for the sake of being brutal, they serve a purpose to the film and it’s overall tone.
One aspect of the film that I need to point out is the dialogue. Seriously, this film has some of the most well written dialogue I’ve heard in a long time. I mean with lines like "Enjoy your breakfast, for tonight we dine in hell!" or even king Leonidas’ thundering delivery of the word “Spartans!” throughout the film, I couldn’t help but get chills. The individual lines each character has, as well as the banter between opposing sides is simply fantastic.
Snyder is to be commended on his choice of actors, as he doesn’t rely on your typical Hollywood big names to carry the film. Instead he assembles a wide range of actors and actresses from all different backgrounds to recreate the world of ancient Sparta. Scottish-born Gerard Butler (Phantom of the Opera) gives a commanding performance as King Leonidas, and surely secures his place as a top level star in Hollywood. Brazilian-born actor Rodrigo Santoro (LOST) gives a chilling performance as Emperor Xerxes, and British actress Lena Headey makes her minimal screen time memorable as Leonidas’ wife and the Queen of Sparta.
Honesty, what can I say about this film that hasn’t already been said by the countless critics that have given it glowing reviews, or by the $70 million it made in it’s opening weekend? Halfway thru the film I already knew in my mind I wanted to see it again. The stunning visual FX are what most people are drawn to initially, but it’s the story and the solid performances by the film’s cast that will leave a lasting impression on you as you exit the theater.
Complete with amazing battle scenes, incredible acting, a strong story, and the most stunning visual FX I’ve seen to date, 300 is truly the first great film of 2007, and sets the new standard for storytelling. This movie is as close to a moving comic book as you’ve ever seen, and I couldn’t have loved it more. The women will come to see the chiseled physiques of the Spartan warriors, and the men will come for everything else...it really has something for everyone.
If you’re anything like me you’ll walk out of the movie with three things on your mind:
1) I need to go to the gym, NOW.
2) I feel like more of a man for simply having watched the movie.
3) If there is a God in Heaven, director Zack Snyder will be hired to direct the impending live action version of the God of War video game from whatever studio is smart enough to pick up the film rights first.....this is a long shot, but I can dream can’t I?
In a nutshell, I liked it....I really, really liked it.
I can’t say enough good things about this movie. This has got to be the most faithful (visual and storywise) adaption of a comic I’ve ever seen.
Amazing.
LoL. My friend is a history buff but he collects period armor and weapons. He liked the setting but was pissed that they didn’t stay more true to the period equipment.
Also, he loved the first battle scene except when they broke ranks and went willy-nilly. Ridiculous. They woulda been slaughtered
Also, what’s up with the non-essential porno at the beginning of the movie?
I would suggest that your friend be reminded that A) this is a movie, B) it’s a movie based on a COMIC BOOK, and C) it’s a comic book INSPIRED by a historical event.
If you seriously call that scene porno then you’re worse off than I ever imagined. It was a 30sec scene that wouldn’t even qualify for “softcore.”
I hate to break it to you, but people back in those days had sex....and they were naked. GASP!
LoL. ORLY! I didn’t know there was any other way....
I haven’t seen it so I am just quoting my friend. I don’t see movies anymore. If I really want to see it, then I’ll just wait for the DVD.
I’m sorry $10 just for a ticket is a bit ridiculous.
I agree, but there are always matinee prices. I’m totally against how much movie tickets cost nowadays, however when it comes to movies like “300” I’ll gladly spend $10...I might go see it again.
I want to sign up for the Spartan army now.
I have been waiting for someone to do the 300 review. I saw it opening weekend and man was I blown away. GREAT FREAKING MOVIE!! This maybe a day to remembered since I agree with your review all the way. I have been telling my film students to go and check this movie out and do a write up for it and get extra credit since I really want them to see a stylized film that is full of very interesting editing, cinematography, and mise-en-scene. Especially, when looking at the comic version which is almost storyboarded out perfectly in for the film.
Two things on my mind however:
First: I see that you are commenting on the sex scene. I didn’t care that there was a sex scene, especially since this made the parents on the left and right of me squirm since they brought their pre-teen kids with them...yeah I know another rant for later, any who I just didn’t think it had any real point or value to the film overall. It was fun, but if you took it out it does not change the film in anyway. So for me it seemed out of place.
Second:
I pose this question to my students and now to the Komikazee readers out there, *SPOILER* At the end of the movie as our hero throws the spear towards the “God-King”, did he miss or hit his mark?
<sk>
I didn’t say the sex scene was an integral part of the movie, but it didn’t hurt it either. The movie was great with or without it.
To answer your question, I would say Leonidas intended to hit Xerxes where he did. It’s like when he said to Ephilites (sp?) “I hope you live forever” which I took as him saying I hope you live forever with the knowledge that you betrayed your own people.
Simply scarring Xerxes gives him a permanent reminder that “few stood against many” and that he can be wounded like any other mortal. Xerxes considered himself a God, yet he was wounded like any other man....it’s more torturous for him to have to look at that scar as a reminder.
I believe historically Xerxes was killed by one of his own advisors which is sort of ironic...a God being killed by one of his own people, the very people he claimed to be so “generous” to.
I think I may see the film again tomorrow in IMAX.
I enjoed this movie alot to. Great performances, fantastic cinematography, great effects and more.
BUT I couldn’t help being left a bit dissapointed although dissapointed is not the right word. I wanted something more from the story I think. Don’t ask me to put my finger on it though
Definatly worth the trip to the theatre.
cheers,
Jeremy
Very interesting thoughts on my purposed question. A lot of my students who have turned in their papers already seem to be split on the issue. Some refer to the comment made about seeing a god bleed; others see that the king was too weary to truly give his best.
I am still forming my opinion on the ending since I am getting so many different takes on it that I am reevaluating my response to the movie. On a side not if and when everyone on sees it again, remember while watching the film had the battle not have taken place would have meant a complete overhaul of western civilization as we know it.
-sk-
The History Channel has a great program on the real history behind the battle the movie portrays. Great stuff and the truth will make someone want to see this movie even more.
They make a similar statement about the loss of democracy if the Spartans don’t continue to fight. Of course, they fought another 150 years too.
Funny you say that, I just got back from seeing it again. Do you remember the name of the show? I’d like to watch that. I’ve read books on it, but I’d love to see the History Channel’s take on it. Oh and Sidekick, after posing your question to several people that saw the film, we are all in agreement that Leonidas did what he originally said he would do during his first meeting with Xerxes, he proved that even a God King could bleed.
"Last Stand of The 300”, is the History channel program I mentioned. I am not sure when it will air again but I missed part of it so I will try to catch it in it’s entirety in the future.
I am a history buff but more of an American and Texas history guy. This historical story however crosses all cultural lines and stands out on its own merit.
It is amazing.
According to TV Guide the next airing will be Friday March 30th @ 5:00am for Direct TV subscribers. Can’t wait.