"300"

Gerard Butler
Lena Headey
David Wenham
Dominic West
Vincent Regan
Michael Fassbender
Tom Wisdom
Andrew Pleavin
Andrew Tiernan
Rodrigo Santoro


R           106min           2007

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 mssive Persian army. Experience “300”, history at sword point and moviemaking with a cutting edge – from the back cover

Having only glanced the history behind the battle and never having read the graphic novel I watch this film with virgin knowledge. It grabbed me and held tight, having me watched it three times consecutively. It’s easily in my top ten. Even with the historical inaccuracies this is a battle beyond history and a film for the ages.

“300” has an unique visual style that lends itself to it’s source material. It thoroughly exciting with carnage that is in your face and unrelenting. This is one of those movies that changes the way you to see the genre of comic book action films in a different light.

This is a film that transcends the gender barrier. This is one of the first films that even appealed to my sister on a maniacal level. For weeks after watching this film she would quote lines from the films. Even now talking to her I can start one of the phrases and she will finish it.

If you missed it in the theatre then you really want to purchase this film immediate. You will never be able to use “300” for a report on the Battle of Thermopylae, but you will be able to watch an entertaining historical movie.

As this is only the single disc version it only has a commentary with Zack Snyder, Kurt Johnstan, and Larry Fong. It contains movie previews for “Trick R Treat”, “The Brave One”, “300: The Video Game” and “Superman: Doomsday”.

I give it 5/5 Gs.