 Synopsis: 300 is set in
480BC. At that time, the Persian empire
was rapidly taking over much of the known world.
Many of their "battles" consisted primarily of
white flags being raised. Their numbers
were incredible and no one dare to challenge
them. They did, however, find resistance
from a small group of Spartan soldiers.
History knows them as the 300.
 During a routine attempt
at capturing more territory, a Persian
ambassador turns patronizing in tone towards
King Leonidas of Sparta. Anger erupts from
the King. Following a brief but effective
destruction of the ambassador, the King rallies
his soldiers together to take up a cause
resulting in certain death, to wage battle upon
the Persian empire.
The battle of Thermopylae
is a story still told as an inspiration to
soldiers in battle. 300 soldiers stood
their ground against forces outnumbering them by
more than 20 to 1 and fought heroically despite
all opposition. It is a tale of staggering
odds, a David vs Goliath style true story.
The Freak's
Rating: B- : 300
was adapted from a graphic novel by Frank
Miller. Miller produces graphic novels
ranging from slaughterhouse style action romps
like 300 to complex multi-faceted
character-driven pieces like Sin City. If
you have never read one of his novels, pick one
up. Graphic novels are one of the last
true art forms available and Millers are top
notch.
In
the days this film is set in, men were men and
women were women. When men wanted sex,
they took their women. I doubt there was
much courting going on back then. However,
the filmmakers have probably the most tasteful
scene (relative to how it would have really
been) that I've seen done. Leonidas' queen
is one of the best characters in the film and
her scenes are memorable.
300 is excessively gory and has
an extremely laughable script. Many of the
lines caused me to chuckle a tad. However,
it is as entertaining a film as you'll find.
It also has such an amazing style to it that you
can't help but lock in on the screen.
Visual effects have never looked this nice. I
can't imagine anyone getting up to use the
restroom in the middle of this one. The
film is pretty much non stop action and though I
would have preferred to have seen the ending
handled differently (historically it ended much
better than in the film), it stays incredibly
true to Frank Miller's vision of the battle and
is therefore a well made film. Graphic
novels are some of my favorite literature and
Miller is one of the best in the field.
For entertainment value
alone 300 gets a recommendation. Also, to
those Blu Ray owners out there, this one is
worth having for a visual reference disc.
Brian's Rating: B :
It is just plain cool to "watch" a comic book. Not a story based on a
comic book ala X-men, but an actual graphic novel style built into a film. If
it wasn't for way too many close up shots of steroid filled body-builder male
actors I would have given it an A. I do realize this is in line with the comic
book aspect, but unless I am a chick, enough is enough.
Nate's Rating: A :
Blatant disregard for all things historical, one-sided bias in favor of
a single-minded city state that acted more like nazi germany than the
freedom-loving underdog it's portrayed to be, and Lena Headey. What's not to
love?
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