Based on Frank Miller’s graphic novel, “300” concerns the 480 B.C. Battle of Thermopylae, where the King of Sparta led his army against the advancing Persians; the battle is said to have inspired all of Greece to band together against the Persians, and helped usher in the world’s first democracy
Ah this is about the only movie I’ve really really wanted to watch for quite some time, partially due to loving Frank Miller’s work, liking Sin City a lot and having endless people telling me how great it is.
Gerard Butler was really good as King Leonides, the fury in his experience, the power in his voice and the violence in his movement.
He’s da man!
The whole movie was colour-toned, slightly desaturated and very grainy (like shot with available light and high ISO).
It gave it a very interesting and gritty feel, the camera work was also very dramatic and artistic, many of the scenes from the movie would make beautiful still shots.
The fight scenes were frenetic and breathtaking, with a beautiful mix of CG and live action, virtually flawlessly blended.
I have to say it’s a visual treat, powerful and strong.
Lena Headey was gorgeous, strong yet susceptible as the Queen of the Spartans.
I definietely recommend watching this movie, I won’t say watch it for the glorious script and fantastic plot as there isn’t any.
But do watch it for the finely choreographed action and beautifully shot film.
I give it a bone crunching 9/10
This has got to be one of the movies of the years. The CGI and effects were fantastic. The take of the spear was breathtaking. Great show great show 🙂
Yah!!I agree with u good movie. Pity the ending no so good. Have a nice day.
How do you expect the ending to be?
In real life Xerxes kept Leonidas’ body, beheaded him, and do all sorts of weird tortures on the dead body, and only returned the body to Sparta some 40 years later (by Xerxes’ son, Xerxes II)
I say the ending was very good considering real history.
Damn… now I got no choice but to watch it.
I’ve heard an awful lot of hype concerning this movie. I don’t blame people for saying it’s a great movie to watch and all, but I’m laughing my ass [that’s a donkey I believe] off over some of the reviews I’ve read. [Don’t worry, not yours ST].
One on TV claimed it was HISTORICAL [like, I’m sure Xerxes was really eleven foot tall and had giant Elephants and Rhinos Pttttth!] and one the other day claimed EVERYONE IN SPARTA WAS FREE, WHILST THE PERSIANS WERE ALL SLAVES. I laughed myself silly when I heard that one, as Spartas economy was supported by their Helots [slaves], and they were extremely brutal to anyone [both slave and ‘free person’] who stepped outside the norms. So I find it a little funny that a lot of the reviews are claiming it is a FREEDOM verses SLAVERY type issue that occurred historically.
It’s funny the quote you’ve chosen from the review [or from the movies blurbs or whatever], as the Athenian Democracy’s foundations had been laid by Solon and others back in the 500’s, well before the war against Xerxes and most of Greece actually did what was called Medising [ie took the side of the Medes … another name for the Persians at the time]. It was really Sparta, Athens and a few smaller Greek Polis that stood up to Persia. So Greece never actually united against Persia, it was actually split in it’s loyalties [of course, Greece didn’t actually exist as a country at the time either].
So, I hope most people who go to watch the movie don’t go expecting to see anything historical. Action, Blood, etc – Yes, Historical accuracy – No. lol
In one of the reviews on TV they were on the set and apparently it was all shot in front of Green Screens. It was funny to watch as there was no scenery to speak of. Just guys in costumes jumping around in front of green screens with spears and stuff. 🙂
great movie..i can’t wait for the sequel, ” 30 or less”
haha. i actually managed to watch this movie during the premiere night. Just so happens to be a friend’s birthday, and it was a spur of the moment thing. Best spur of moment thing in years. ^_^
Can’t say much about the plot or anything – expect none of those highly intellectually challenging stuff. But that said, this film is a good watch for anyone who loves action and highly stylised visuals.
Jonathan: Well it’s early in the year, but yes I definitely think it will be one of the best movies this year. Judging by the quality of movies in 2006, if this year is the same as last…it won’t be hard to stand out.
HORNY ANG MOH: I found the ending fine.
Chewxy: Yah historically speaking it may not be perfect, but I find the ending fine anyway.
Azmeen: Don’t miss out!
Dabido (Teflon): There has been a lot of fluff written about it, no doubt. But yeah definitely wasn’t expecting anything historically perfect.
terenceg: Or 3000 vs 1 billion? Nowdays everything is bigger wot..
kianbung: Yah I agree, that’s a good summary of the movie.
Dabido is posting for Shaolintiger.com too!
I saw a much more balanced movie review of 300 last night. Probably because it was by Australias two best movie reviewers. At least they knew it wasn’t Historical.
I heard an interesting story about Iran having protests an everything over the movie, as they see it as a ‘Iran gets butt kicked by the West’ movie.
As one reviewer said, it’s doubtful most movie watchers even know where ancient Persia was, let alone equate it to modern day Iran.
But still, the Iranians are protesting the movie.
KY – It’s not a post, it’s just a normal Dabido comment … that goes fro longer than the actual post. 🙂 You know I have to keep my quota up, else people worry I’ve fallen ill or died. 🙂