An elderly man was trying to find a place to sit and observe the Olympic Games, as he went to each section. All the other Greeks laughed as he tried to make his way through. Some ignored him. Upon entering the Spartan section, all the Spartans stood and offered the elderly man their seats. Suddenly the entire stadium applauded. All the Greeks knew what the right thing to do was, but the Spartans were the only ones who did it. — Xenophon of Ephesus
It is roughly 2500 years ago and you are just a child sitting around an open campfire, listening to your elders tell war stories to entertain and educate you and those around you. Finally, one man begins to tell the story of how King Leonidas and only 300 of his personal bodyguard stood off half a million Persian warriors.
Imagine the awe you would feel; think about how impressed you would be as you saw in your mind these great warriors battle an army over a hundred times greater then they were and how they refused to surrender, or give quarter.
Today, that campfire is a modern theater with comfortable seats, a drink holder and central air and heat. You are with some friends and that 'elder' is a 40-foot screen in living and vivid color. Moreover, you can watch these 300 brought to life and brought from mythology in an epic that will be this generation's Ben Hur.
The movie is an adaptation of the Frank Miller and Lynn Varley graphic novel of the same name. The film is focused on what brought the war to Sparta and the political machinations that were going on in the local government. No the film is not history and anyone who uses a movie as history deserves the failing grade they are bound to receive. It is exaggerated in many places and there is a bit of political commentary that could be used today as well as then, but it is not exactly accurate in most places.
In fact, even the production comments say that the story is life a, "... half remembered dream one has when they awaken, able to remember only the emotion but not what exactly happened." I can deal with that. Because the true story, the reason behind the actions is still held strongly in the film.
There were excellent performances by all the leads in the film and some were downright amazing. Gerard Butler as King Leonidas and Lena Headey as Queen Gorgo are wonderful to watch. They work off and with each other like the seasoned and experienced actors they are, and the chemistry between them is great to watch. Therefore, they got along on set well or they are even better actors then I thought.
Article comments
1 - El Bicho
"One of us, one of us." Glad to see another cinema worshiper at the altar 0f 300. The only bad thing is that I have seen the best summer movie and it's only March.
How the hell can you be turned off by Audrey II? The original, sure, but the musical?
2 - RatherNotSay
This is another subliminal historically inaccurate brainwash movie to get us ready for another war that will only benefit enemies of our freedoms and way of life, internal & external. Looks like Greeks saw right through it - See what the real Greeks think about this bigoted spin on their history: "By ancient Persia, they refer to modern Iran whose soldiers are portrayed as bloodthirsty, underdeveloped zombies," he wrote. "They are stroking racist instincts in Europe and America."
Please don't subsidize bigotry.
3 - El Bicho
RNS, if you are going to link to an article, you should probably make sure it backs up your point.
I quote: "This is not a university lecture, it's a movie," [Panayiotis Timoyiannakis] wrote in the daily Eleftheros Typos. "It's an adaptation of a comic to the big screen, and that's only how it should be judged ... When seen this way, it gets high marks."
Please don't perpetuate ignorance.
4 - Larry Stanley
Hi RNS:
Sorry you missed the part of my review where I said "The movie is an adaptation of the Frank Miller and Lynn Varley graphic novel of the same name." and "No the film is not history and anyone who uses a movie as history deserves the failing grade they are bound to receive." as well as "It is exaggerated in many places and there is a bit of political commentary that could be used today as well as then, but it is not exactly accurate in most places."
I will try harder next time I do a review about a comic book movie to make sure everyone understands that it is an adaption and not real.
By the way, while this is a spoiler the dog in the upcoming film "Underdog" can't really fly; but I am still not sure about Superman not being real.
LWS
5 - Kaonashi
I suppose RNS would be horrified to find out that there was no rich girl and poor boy who fell in love on the Titanic. How terribly inaccurate of James Cameron!
6 - Mohjho
"Joey, do you like movies about gladiators?" - CAPTAIN OVEUR
I'm a fan of Frank Miller, looking forward to seeing the movie.
7 - marmar30three
I watched 300 last night in a packed theater. It was everything I had hoped to experience. Zack Snyder did an applaudable job. I felt like I was watching a moving painting, not computer enhanced cinematography. Also -- I agree with you El B, I do feel sad that it's only March and I've already seen the best of the summer hits.
8 - Matt
I do feel sad that it's only March and I've already seen the best of the summer hits.
No Spider-Man fans here, eh? (Although it comes out in May, so it's not strictly a summer flick.)