300 The Movie
I saw 300, the film adaptation of Frank Miller's graphic novel (read: long comic book), recently. For those of you who don't understand 'graphic novels', or their screen adaptations, you may not like it. A 'graphic novel' is, essentially, a long comic book; thus, a film adaptation will include some animation, as well as some peotic license. Frank Miller also wrote Sin City, adapted for the silver screen in 2005.
300 is the story of Leonidas, one of two Kings of Sparta, leading 300 Spartans into battle against roughly 100,000 Persians, led by King Xerxes I in 480 B.C. This epic battle took place at the Thermopylae Pass, also known as the "Hot Gates" (so named because of hot springs nearby). As is implied by the name, Thermopylae Pass was chosen for its geography: bound by the sea on the South and cliffs to the North. By choosing this place for battle, Leonidas reduced the effectiveness of Xerxes' much larger force. So much so, that the Spartans (and Greeks) were able to hold the Persians off for three days.
The reason behind the choice of Leonidas to go to war with only his personal force of 300 Spartans is thought to be twofold: Spartan religious custom did not allow mobilization of the army at the end of the fighting 'season' (warring usually was not undertaken at the onset of winter). Second, the Oracle at Delphi most likely prophesied that Sparta would be saved if the life of one of its kings was given. The history reads a little differently.
Anyway, on to the movie: I loved it on several levels. First, it is a cinematic epic on the scale of Braveheart, Saving Private Ryan, Gladiator, et al. Like those movies, the heroes are larger than life, their exploits are those of legend, and the thematic scope is vast. The key that sets this movie apart from others is that the battle at Thermopylae actually took place. Certainly, Frank Miller took some liberties by adding monsters; as well, the screenwriters exhibited some license. It is movies such as this for which the silver screen was created. The creators deserve a large canvas on which to paint their cinematic masterpiece. The breadth of the Persian hoard can best be felt displayed upon the theater screen.
300 is an ancient and epic tale of honor, bravery, sacrifice, and courage.
Massively outnumbered, 300 Spartan warriors marched, with roughly 10,000 Greeks, to meet the oncoming armies of Xerxes, the god-king of Persia. It's an underdog story. The script carried a perfect balance of action and plot/character devel0pment. The battle sequences were intense and bloody. In keeping with the graphic novel genre, the blood was a stylized anime; you knew it was bloody, but the gore factor was low.
I found the political and ideological messages underlying throughout the movie interesting. Freedom. Liberty. Honor. Fighting for what you believe in. Walking an unpopular path to follow your convictions. All of these were played out in the decisions of Leonidas, his wife, and the 300 Spartans. Did this come from Hollywood? I though to myself in the theater. Each one of these principles are in direct opposition of the Leftist Socialist Hollywood "Elite".
"SPAR-TAAAAA..."
300 is the story of Leonidas, one of two Kings of Sparta, leading 300 Spartans into battle against roughly 100,000 Persians, led by King Xerxes I in 480 B.C. This epic battle took place at the Thermopylae Pass, also known as the "Hot Gates" (so named because of hot springs nearby). As is implied by the name, Thermopylae Pass was chosen for its geography: bound by the sea on the South and cliffs to the North. By choosing this place for battle, Leonidas reduced the effectiveness of Xerxes' much larger force. So much so, that the Spartans (and Greeks) were able to hold the Persians off for three days.The reason behind the choice of Leonidas to go to war with only his personal force of 300 Spartans is thought to be twofold: Spartan religious custom did not allow mobilization of the army at the end of the fighting 'season' (warring usually was not undertaken at the onset of winter). Second, the Oracle at Delphi most likely prophesied that Sparta would be saved if the life of one of its kings was given. The history reads a little differently.
Anyway, on to the movie: I loved it on several levels. First, it is a cinematic epic on the scale of Braveheart, Saving Private Ryan, Gladiator, et al. Like those movies, the heroes are larger than life, their exploits are those of legend, and the thematic scope is vast. The key that sets this movie apart from others is that the battle at Thermopylae actually took place. Certainly, Frank Miller took some liberties by adding monsters; as well, the screenwriters exhibited some license. It is movies such as this for which the silver screen was created. The creators deserve a large canvas on which to paint their cinematic masterpiece. The breadth of the Persian hoard can best be felt displayed upon the theater screen.
300 is an ancient and epic tale of honor, bravery, sacrifice, and courage.
Massively outnumbered, 300 Spartan warriors marched, with roughly 10,000 Greeks, to meet the oncoming armies of Xerxes, the god-king of Persia. It's an underdog story. The script carried a perfect balance of action and plot/character devel0pment. The battle sequences were intense and bloody. In keeping with the graphic novel genre, the blood was a stylized anime; you knew it was bloody, but the gore factor was low.I found the political and ideological messages underlying throughout the movie interesting. Freedom. Liberty. Honor. Fighting for what you believe in. Walking an unpopular path to follow your convictions. All of these were played out in the decisions of Leonidas, his wife, and the 300 Spartans. Did this come from Hollywood? I though to myself in the theater. Each one of these principles are in direct opposition of the Leftist Socialist Hollywood "Elite".
"SPAR-TAAAAA..."
