Based on the epic graphic novel by Frank Miller, 300 is a ferocious retelling of the ancient Battle of Thermopylae in which King Leonidas (Gerard Butler) and 300 Spartans fought to the death against Xerxes and his massive Persian army. Facing insurmountable odds, their valor and sacrifice inspire all of Greece to unite against their Persian enemy, drawing a line in the sand for democracy. The film brings Miller's (Sin City) acclaimed graphic novel to life by combining live action with virtual backgrounds that capture his distinct vision of this ancient historic tale.
Updated: March 19, 2007
Saw the movie ... here are my thoughts ...
I saw Frank Miller's 300 last week. What a ride! The movie is based on the graphic novel by the same title, and was a no apologies live action rendition of the panels created by Frank Miller and Lynn Varley. The acting was superb, the story was a well crafted and the cinematography, simply out of this world. Greece from the movie was a Greece of the legends, when the gods walked amongst us mere humans. Make no mistake, this movie is not the stuff of the History Channel -- it's for the SciFi Channel.
The movie was rated 18A, and so it should. The violence -- and when isn't there violence when you have 300, well-buffed, mostly naked (except of the leotards and capes) men shouting, sweating and wielding long spears, arranged against a well armed, uncountable throng -- was unstoppable. Hordes of attackers from the Persian empire threw themselves at the spears, swords and grunts of the Spartan heroes. There were monsters, immortals (who died), giants, mutants and 7-8-9-ft. Persian king-god -- but none were out of reach of the Spartans. Lest you think the movie was just chock full of violence -- it was actually -- there was also politicking intrigue, with spineless schemers, selling their own freedom for gold. The Battle of Thermopylae never looked better!
Of course, they all die. As they must when you go to see a Frank Miller inspired movie. If you've seen Sin City - Unrated (Two-Disc Collector's Edition), you know what a treat you're in for. A visually stunning film, made to appreciated for what it is. Naturally, the critics have all panned the film. Which is a good thing. This film isn't for critics.
The movie was rated 18A, and so it should. The violence -- and when isn't there violence when you have 300, well-buffed, mostly naked (except of the leotards and capes) men shouting, sweating and wielding long spears, arranged against a well armed, uncountable throng -- was unstoppable. Hordes of attackers from the Persian empire threw themselves at the spears, swords and grunts of the Spartan heroes. There were monsters, immortals (who died), giants, mutants and 7-8-9-ft. Persian king-god -- but none were out of reach of the Spartans. Lest you think the movie was just chock full of violence -- it was actually -- there was also politicking intrigue, with spineless schemers, selling their own freedom for gold. The Battle of Thermopylae never looked better!
Of course, they all die. As they must when you go to see a Frank Miller inspired movie. If you've seen Sin City - Unrated (Two-Disc Collector's Edition), you know what a treat you're in for. A visually stunning film, made to appreciated for what it is. Naturally, the critics have all panned the film. Which is a good thing. This film isn't for critics.
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