In all of antiquity, few stories inspire courage and awe as the story of the 300 Spartans at Thermopylae. A small band of warriors from the ultimate warrior society take on an enemy force that outnumbers them more than 50 to one; and to the dismay of the world hold back the enemy. For more than a week the battle raged, and 300 Spartans were able to kill close to 20,000 Persians before meeting their inevitable defeat.
A historical retelling of the now legendary battle was first told in 1962s The 300 Spartans, a well made and historically accurate film. Zack Snyder wasnt content with simply retelling this old tale; he instead remained fiercely loyal to Frank Millers original graphic novel 300 instead of the history books. If you are a history buff the inaccuracies in the film will be almost overwhelming, but if that doesnt bother you than 300 is one of the most exciting war epics to come out in many years.
Frank Miller has a way of creating whole new worlds while keeping them familiar to his audience. His signature style is fully realized by Zack Snyder, 300 has a look in the same vain as Sin City but remains acutely distinct. The washed out colors and heavy use of CG work perfectly. Films with real actors that rely heavily on CG usually look other-worldly and alien, in most films this would be a hindrance, while in 300 it works beautifully. Never has ancient warfare looked so beautiful.
So much can be said about the stylized approach to the story that its almost easy to forget the rest of the film, but fear not, all the ingredients taste just as good as the visuals. The story only vaguely resembles the true account of the battle, but this allows for a much more unique and a surprisingly old fashioned approach to warfare.
300 lacks the self-indulgent, post-modernist approach to war now typical of the genre and doesnt utilize the clich anti-war themes of almost any war film of the last 30 years. It portrays the Spartans as heroes who died for their beliefs; defending their country, families, and democracy itself from the evil Persian Emperor Xerxes who wishes to declare himself the God King of Greece. The film has already received criticism for espousing fascist ideals, but rest assured these allegations are pure nonsense.
Acting wise Gerard Butler does a very fine job as King Leonidas, the films only real lead character. He has the calm, quiet dignity of a seasoned and wise leader, and yet is also able to portray the Kings fierce warrior instinct without making these attributes appear conflicting. The other actors all do well with the screen time they are given, especially Lena Headey as Queen Gorgo who is able to express her characters complicated motivations, torn between loyalty to her husband and loyalty to Sparta.
But the real star of this film is of course the action, the visceral, fierce, bloody, beautiful action. Here is where 300 truly shines, from the first Persian charge on the Spartan front lines to the final hail of arrows that exterminates them (if I just ruined the ending for you its your fault for not paying attention in history class), the battles demand your constant attention. Each set piece is greater than the last, always throwing something new at you, never letting it get dull. Theres no getting around it, 300 is the total embodiment of good old-fashioned manhood; it absolutely oozes testosterone in every frame (not much here for the ladies).
Few movies capture your attention from beginning to end the way 300 does, and proves beyond a doubt that Sin Citys success was no fluke. With any luck well be seeing more adaptations of Frank Miller graphic novels in the coming years (I hear Ronin is already in the works), and if they manage to stave off greedy studio execs and keep true to the source material than well all be in for a treat. The visual style, acting, action as well as sound and costume design all add up to one of the most exciting films ever made about ancient warfare. If you can stand the violence and realize it is NOT a historical film, you will be amazed at the sheer spectacle before you.