Based on a Graphic Novel, stylish, glory bound drama
Movie Lover
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JUL
27
2007
300 —
I give this film 5 stars because it does exactly what it is intended to do and does it very well. I can't imagine how it could be done better. At the same time Irecognize that it is not a film that everyone wants to see or a message that resonates with everyone. 300 is based on a graphic novel that was in turn based loosely on history, two steps away from actual history at best. That is not particularly troubling because the film makes no attempt to teach history. There is enough epic fantasy and specatcle in the many animals and warriors from Xerxes' army for anyone to recognize the stylized departure from reality. This artistry does the graphic novel justice. My single criticism has to do with a bit of flash back at the begining. Because there were no familiar faces, and because characters have similar features, I had a little difficulty identifying and following the characters in the first 5 or 10 minutes of my first viewing.The film is well written with excellent dialog. There are some really great one liners and comebacks as well as clever banter between two of the younger Spartans. Some of that can be missed if one is overwhelmed by heads and arms flying across the screen. I am reminded of a line delivered by Rae Dawn Chong in a Schwarzenegger film "These guys eat too much red meat!" Only in this case they are all wearing capes, small briefs and sporting six packs. These guys trained for four hours a day to look like Spartan Warriors. There are two exotic, decadent, erotic scenes, and while it does not move into the x-rated category, neither does it leave anything to the imagination. There is also a farewell sex scene that is every which way you can.
This is a romantic vision of glory in battle and emphasizes the fight to defend freedom with a clear sense of right and wrong. In one scene King Leonidus looks to his wife for guidance. She counsels him not to make his choice of action based on what a King would do or what a subject would do, but what a free man would do. The importance of acting as free men is repeated in several places and strikes a chord with those who would serve their country to preserve freedom. These men go above an beyond in order to accomplish what can't be done and they sacrifice their lives proudly. The pre-show line up is where the Marine Corps should have placed their "Few Good Men" advertisements, because the warriors in this film are the personification of what it means to "have the metal". While it is much more, this could also be a very effective recruiting film.
I have seen this film both in IMAX and on the smaller screen. The special effects are easier to recognize and appreciate on the larger screen, but it is still good on both. The film is an artistic look at war, love and values.
Last edited on Jul 31, 2007
300 is recommended by Rainmaker
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