300

Reviewed By: Terence Dorman

Review Date: March 15th, 2007

Director: Zack Snyder

Written by: Zack Snyder, Kurt Johnstad, Frank Miller

Producers: Frank Miller, Deborah Snyder, Mark Canton, Bernie Goldman

Actors: Gerard Butler as King Leonidas
Lena Heady as Queen Gorgo
David Wenham as Dilios
Vincent Regan as Captain
Michael Fassbender as Stelios

Genre: Action/Adventure/Drama/History/War

Plot:           Based on the graphic novel by Frank Miller, 300 is focused around the Battle of Thermopylae in 480 B.C. After learning of King Xerxes’ quest to conquer the world, King Leonidas chooses to lead 300 of his finest Spartan warriors into battle against the thousands of Xerxes’ horde. Allying with the small Arcadian army, Leonidas marches his men north to meet the Persian naval assault. Back in Sparta Queen Gorgo, wife of Leonidas is wading through political muck in order to aid her husband with reinforcements. With all odds against him, Leonidas is determined to hold the Hot Gates; a strategic battlefield where the size of Xerxes’ army means nothing and only fighting skill will matter. Taught that a death in the battlefield is the greatest glory a man could achieve in his life, Leonidas and his 300 prepare for that glory, but not before taking down as many Persians as they can.

Critique:          

Whether they are comic fans or not, I do not think there was a male on the planet who wasn’t looking forward to 300. Being one of the most talked about movies of the past year it was almost impossible not to be excited about this action packed thriller. From amazing screen shots to stellar interviews and enthralling trailers the fans wanted blood and they wanted lots of it. After reading the original graphic novel only the night before, I too was expecting nothing short of an action masterpiece. Thankfully, Zack Snyder delivers on all accounts, giving not only the fans but the rest of the world an action flick that they will never forget. 300 thrusts you into the front rank of the action and never let’s go. From the first thunderclap of the opening credits to the final battle cry, you will be pinned to your seat in nothing short of unfathomable awe. This film, unlike dozens that have tried before it, prepares you for the glory that is the epic action movie.

            The greatest feature of the movie is clearly its action segments. Even the smallest of skirmishes is given the greatest amount of attention in regards to violence, realism, and pure entertainment. The film shies away from the modern method of quick cuts and rapid action and follows a rather linear approach. Most action sequences follow only one or two characters, slowing the fight down so that every swing and slash is seen as the warriors plow through the battlefield. The violence also strives for viewer attention, showing every battle wound the way they should be shown; slow, graphic, and in your face. It even tests your intestinal fortitude, getting progressively bloodier and bloodier as the film goes on. Combined with the stunning visual effects that Snyder implements, 300 gives you the action movie you wanted in films like Troy, Alexander, and Kingdom of Heaven but smashes through the graphic barriers that we have become accustomed to.

              Despite the fact that anyone with a high school diploma knows the outcome of the battle the plot still manages to grab and hold your attention. The film contains additional scenes that were not in the graphic novel that depict the political struggle back in Sparta. While it may seem to take away from the action this added plot actually benefits it, pacing the film in a manner that gives more importance to each battle. It also stresses the dire situation that Leonidas and his men are in, emphasizing the impossible odds that they face. Not only that, but it also gives some historical insight to the film as well as an interesting explanation behind the choices of the political leaders. The back story of Leonidas is also a fascinating element, clearly establishing him as the greatest Spartan and demonstrates his motivations throughout the movie. Ultimately, the plot manages to add depth to a fantastic action film without hindering it in the unfortunate ways we have seen in the past.

            Also, much to my surprise, the large no-name cast gives a memorable performance. Although far from Oscar-worthy, Gerard Butler as King Leonidas delivers what will be some of the most quoted lines of all time, including the over-advertised, “This is Sparta!” Even though everyone knew when it was coming that line certainly kicked off the action of the movie with its intensity. Lena Heady as Queen Gorgo, King Leonidas’ wife, adds grace to the plot added for the movie and even keeps fans of the graphic novel interested in the fluff story. My personal favorite character from the comic and film, Stelios, was given proper attention through the acting work of Michael Fassbender. He delivered all of my favorite lines with the proper balance of humor and seriousness and even added to the great action segments with speed and power. Finally, Dominic West takes the role of the traitorous Theron, giving you a character to truly hate and a great moment that I don’t want to spoil for those of you who are crazy enough to have not seen this movie yet.           

Ultimately, you will walk out of 300 feeling fully satisfied and possibly with the urge to start a fight. Through its fierce action, subtle dark humor, and rage inspiring dialogue you walk out feeling like the epitome of man. No movie since Die Hard has made you wish you were a tough guy like 300, and that is the sign of a truly entertaining movie. It generates feelings and no matter how you feel about it, the movie grabbed you and forced you to become involved. Of course, if you don’t feel like getting that deep, 300 certainly delivers on the simplistic action, blood, and gore level. Granted, it may not be entirely historically accurate, but are you really going to see 300 for a history lesson? I hope not, because then you are going to be missing out on one of the best action movies of the past ten years. And the best part is 300 is going to open the doors for all of the other non-mainstream comics we love to dive onto the big screen. The 300 may have thought they were fighting for honor and country, but little did they know they were fighting for each and every comic fan, the ones craving more comics-to-film that lead to fantastic pieces of cinema like this one.