300

This movie is based on a graphic novel entitled 300. There is mention that it was inspired by another film, The 300 Spartans. According to Wikipedia, [Both the graphic novel and the film are fictionalized accounts of the Battle of Thermopylae in 480 BC.]

This is a history fantasy movie that just blew me away with its superior graphics and story-telling. I absolutely loved the slow motion sequence and the gory dismemberment that often took place throughout the movie. It revolves around Sparta resisting the invasion of Persia. It pits Spartan King Leonidas with his 300 Spartans against Persian God King Xerxes and his slave army of a million. My favorite scene has to be when Leonidas confronts the Persian messenger with the messenger’s back barely inches away from a deep pit. He withdraws his sword from the messenger’s throat as he utters, “Madness? This is Sparta” and kicks him into the pit. Fantastic!

Another one of my favorite scenes is during the first excursion between the two armies. The Spartans managed to hold off the first wave of attacks. With the remaining enemy soldiers, they corner the Persians onto a cliff and just start marching towards them. Either the Persians die by the sword or jump the cliff. The poster above shows the scene. The cinematography was excellent.

On the other hand, I was a bit disappointed with Gerard Butler who played King Leonidas. Many times during the course of the movie, he let his Scottish accent get the better of him. It was weird watching a Spartan King that sounded like he had just finished fighting along side William Wallace. I’m a bit surprise that nobody else noticed.

Another disappointment was the rather ugly 80’s looking movie posters. Had I based my desire to watch the movie based on the poster, I believe I wouldn’t have gone in. Should have been better.

I’ve always had a thing for movies with large legions of armies. The fighting scenes were fantastic. Troy and Alexander do not come close to this movie although Kingdom of Heaven does rival it in terms of the story. It is a must watch! If you haven’t seen it, run to your nearest movie theater right away!