Shot almost entirely indoors, the Zack Snyder’s film adaptation of Frank Miller’s graphic novel “300” brings memory of “Sin City”, the Quentin Tarantino (well, alongside Frank Miller and Robert Rodriguez) film adaptation of the graphic novel of the same; hip and visually remarkable. Artistic in its noir-ish quality, it’s truly a visual feast for the eyes. Fighting scenes are superb making all other action/war movies look like girls’ catfights (now that’s sexist). Never has an epic war movie been this violent, brutal, enthralling and eye-popping.Yes it lacks character depth yet that’s something not expected of a movie like this anyway. This testosterone-charged flick gets you off your seats in intense excitement. Kickass fighting, fighting and more fighting is what this movie is all about. Though it may offer not much story to tell, its spectacle deserves awe and appreciation.
Based on fictionalized history, this ballsy film accounts the glorious and tragic battles of the 300 Spartans led by King Leonidas in the point of view of the Spartan soldier, Dilios, during the time Persian King Xerxes demands tribute and submission of all kingdoms. A Persian messenger heads to Sparta to relay the message. Outraged, Leonidas kicks the messenger down into the chasm alongside his men. Anticipating retaliation from Persia, Leonidas devices a battle plan he introduces to the priests who in turn consult the Oracle about it. The Oracle disapproves of the march against Persia but Leonidas dismisses this and prepares his men even without the council’s sanction. Thus marking the start of the many battles the nervy Spartans won mostly. Impressed by the Spartans’ victories by far, Xerxes approaches Leonidas personally promising affluence and power if only Leonidas will surrender. At home, Leonidas’ wife, Queen Gorgo, gathers support for Sparta to send reinforcements.
Violence here is massive in the stylized battles. Heads, limbs cut off, bodies pierced by spears and raining arrows and blood squirting immeasurably are all shown unrestrictedly and excessively as if it won’t be at the mercy of censorship.
Based on fictionalized history, this ballsy film accounts the glorious and tragic battles of the 300 Spartans led by King Leonidas in the point of view of the Spartan soldier, Dilios, during the time Persian King Xerxes demands tribute and submission of all kingdoms. A Persian messenger heads to Sparta to relay the message. Outraged, Leonidas kicks the messenger down into the chasm alongside his men. Anticipating retaliation from Persia, Leonidas devices a battle plan he introduces to the priests who in turn consult the Oracle about it. The Oracle disapproves of the march against Persia but Leonidas dismisses this and prepares his men even without the council’s sanction. Thus marking the start of the many battles the nervy Spartans won mostly. Impressed by the Spartans’ victories by far, Xerxes approaches Leonidas personally promising affluence and power if only Leonidas will surrender. At home, Leonidas’ wife, Queen Gorgo, gathers support for Sparta to send reinforcements.
Violence here is massive in the stylized battles. Heads, limbs cut off, bodies pierced by spears and raining arrows and blood squirting immeasurably are all shown unrestrictedly and excessively as if it won’t be at the mercy of censorship.
Spartans here are depicted as the perfect warriors being very well-trained, fierce and fearless taught never to retreat or to surrender and dyed-in-the-wool to combat.
Growing up, Frank Miller first came across the Spartans when he saw the film “300 Spartans”. His subsequent research brought him to the clashes between Xerxes and the Greeks. His graphic novel “300” is mainly about the Battle of Thermopylae adorned with fictitious events and creatures/characters. The Persian King Xerxes is interestingly portrayed as an obscure individual with streamlined eye brows, longer nails, even wearing make-up different from what History books make us picture him.
Growing up, Frank Miller first came across the Spartans when he saw the film “300 Spartans”. His subsequent research brought him to the clashes between Xerxes and the Greeks. His graphic novel “300” is mainly about the Battle of Thermopylae adorned with fictitious events and creatures/characters. The Persian King Xerxes is interestingly portrayed as an obscure individual with streamlined eye brows, longer nails, even wearing make-up different from what History books make us picture him.
The movie, more than just a battle, talks about sacrifice. Leonidas and his men are on a suicide mission. Knowing his 300 men can’t overthrow the Persian army, he still presses on knowing they will achieve something. Something that will soon unite and ignite the whole country.
The movie is also about giving the audience the chance to experience something different—the battles, the landscape, the feel. I don’t know how much of the film has been faithful to Miller’s “300” but the film looks handsome a compilation of meticulously accomplished images joined together to create a film.
The movie is also about giving the audience the chance to experience something different—the battles, the landscape, the feel. I don’t know how much of the film has been faithful to Miller’s “300” but the film looks handsome a compilation of meticulously accomplished images joined together to create a film.
Reminiscent of “Sin City,” this film with its excessive, never-before-seen, exquisite violence, aside from its noir-ish look, ear-breaching musical score and vainglorious, kick-ass turns of phrase, is a must-see. Daym yeah!
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