“This is Sparta!” —King Leonidas
Today’s quick review: 300. When Xerxes (Rodrigo Santoro), the ruler of the Persian Empire, demands that the city-states of Greece submit to his rule, King Leonidas (Gerard Butler) of Sparta defies him. In retaliation, Xerxes sends his armies to conquer Greece by force. Forbidden to march with a full army of his own, Leonidas assembles 300 elite soldiers to face Xerxes at Thermopylae and keep his armies from overrunning Greece.
300 is a violent, stylized action movie directed by Zack Snyder. Based on the comic by Frank Miller, 300 portrays the historical Battle of Thermopylae as a brutal, dramatic clash between Sparta’s finest warriors and the fiercest threats Persia has to offer. The movie has enough action to satisfy almost any fan of the action genre, while its striking atmosphere, capable writing, and strong directorial style elevate it above the typical action movie.
300 represents the action genre at its purest. The movie chronicles the exploits of King Leonidas and his finest warriors on their doomed but glorious mission to hold off the advancing Persian army. What plot there is serves only to heighten the action, while the script scrupulously avoids any details that would distract from the Spartan ethos, the march against Xerxes, or the circumstances leading to Leonidas’ undermanned last stand.
The focus on action pays off in spades. The Spartans show their martial prowess against wave after wave of fearsome Persian troops. The fight scenes are well-choreographed, visceral, and heavily stylized. The stunts rely heavily on special effects, including frequent use of slowdown and ample amounts of gore, but are impressive nonetheless. However, the extreme stylization may be a turn-off for those who prefer simpler, more credible stunts.
300 backs its action with a world to match. The setting is a skewed take on the ancient world that emphasizes its brutality and its absolute moral conflicts. Every character is larger than life, whether in terms of strength, loyalty, courage, deformity, or cowardice. The dialogue is stern and memorable, with its most iconic quotes taken from Greek history, and the superb narration of David Wenham gives the film much of its mythic quality.
300 is a must-see for fans of the intense, violent side of the action genre. Its craftsmanship, focus, and style make it a uniquely satisfying and memorable watch. Skip it if you’re sensitive to violence or want something with more plot. For a loosely historical action movie with polished writing set in Ancient Rome, check out Gladiator. For similar levels of violent action and a more twisted tone, check out Kill Bill.
7.7 out of 10 on IMDB. I give it a 7.5 to 8.0 for excellent action, writing, and atmosphere.