 Tagline: Pledged to crush! The epic graphic novel by Frank Miller (Sin City) assaults the screen with the blood, thunder and awe of its ferocious visual style faithfully recreated in an intense blend of live-action and CGI animation. Retelling the ancient Battle of Thermopylae, it depicts the titanic clash in which King Leonidas (Gerard Butler) and 300 Spartans fought to the death against Xerxes (Rodrigo Santoro) and his massive Persian army. Experience history at swordpoint. And moviemaking with a cutting edge. Storyline: In the Battle of Thermopylae of 480 BC an alliance of Greek city-states fought the invading Persian army in the mountain pass of Thermopylae. Vastly outnumbered, the Greeks held back the enemy in one of the most famous last stands of history. Persian King Xerxes lead a Army of well over 100,000 (Persian king Xerxes before war has about 170,000 army) men to Greece and was confronted by 300 Spartans, and several hundred Arcadians. Xerxes waited for 10 days for King Leonidas to surrender or withdraw left with no options he moved. The battle lasted for about 3 days and after which all 300 Spartans were killed. The Spartan defeat was not the one expected, as a local shepherd, named Ephialtes, defected to the Persians and informed Xerxes of a separate path through Thermopylae, which the Persians could use to outflank the Greeks. Written by cyberian2005 Reviewer's Note: Reviewed by Greg Maltz on August 2, 2007 -- In the midst of an intense battle, the screen snaps into slow motion with the gentle dexterity of a falcon poised in mid-flight. Blood erupts in a graceful arc from the neck of a Persian warrior. The stabbing instrument is a Spartan spear and gripping the handle is the bellowing King Leonidas, in a powerhouse performance by Gerard Butler. The action snaps back into full motion and the bloody violence rages on. The characters are superimposed over a washed out, apocalyptic backdrop. Distortion-laden guitar riffs surge under the clamor of battle. With amped-up intensity and enough adrenaline to rock a coliseum, 300 is a CGI-stylized thrill ride. The story takes place nearly 2500 years ago. The setting is Sparta and the dramatic cliffs of Thermopylae, where Leonidas leads a band of 300 skilled warriors against hundreds of thousands of Persian troops commanded by the emperor Xerxes. As the film begins, we learn the warrior's code and other trademarks of Spartan society. Suddenly we are thrust into a crisis that threatens the freedom of all of Greece. Those valuing freedom push for action while corrupt and philosophical politicians argue for inaction. Spartan life is fascinating in its overwhelming emphasis on martial training and excellence. Men and women empower each other in contrast to other ancient states where women were virtual slaves. The Spartan queen, played skillfully by Lena Headey, took a can-do attitude to try to save her people, even in the absence of her husband Leonidas. Based on the Frank Miller illustrated novel, 300 takes CGI filmmaking and postproduction to cartoonish levels, blurring the distinction between actors and animation. At one point, when Leonidas and his force of 300 men are setting foot on their journey from Sparta to Thermopylae, the illusion breaks down and we can clearly see that the actors are disconnected from the CGI-generated environment around them. The stylization only works because 300 does not pretend to be anything but what it is: an action film that brings illustration, animation and the battle of Thermopylae to life. Spear thrusts, battle cries and erupting blood become artwork in 300. What makes it fun to watch, beyond the technical prowess of the filmmaker, is the value placed on freedom and the way the testosterone is dedicated to fighting tyranny and slavery. Beyond that, 300 is about a real people and a real battle. It tells a story. It may not be for everyone, but 300 is a blockbuster like few others for those who enjoy CGI worlds, special effects, epic battles and graphic violence. It had elements of the slasher or goth genre and an overall dark, foreboding feel to it. When I first saw it, I thought for brief moments I was seeing a cheap imitation of Gladiator, with the same elements of honor, glory, battle skill, dedication and betrayal. But upon second viewing I realize 300 is a truly innovative film that stands on its own merits. The story is strong, the production values are impressive and the thrill ride is intense. (Based on Comic Book) [CSW] -3.7- Cast Notes: Gerard Butler (King Leonidas), Lena Headey (Queen Gorgo), Dominic West (Theron), David Wenham (Dilios), Vincent Regan (Captain), Michael Fassbender (Stelios), Tom Wisdom (Astinos), Andrew Pleavin (Daxos), Andrew Tiernan (Ephialtes), Rodrigo Santoro (Xerxes), Giovani Cimmino (Pleistarchos [as Giovani Antonio Cimmino]), Stephen McHattie (Loyalist), Greg Kramer (Ephor #1), Alex Ivanovici (Ephor #2), Kelly Craig (Oracle Girl). IMDb Rating (09/20/09): 7.8/10 from 212,936 users
 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
