Only the strongest will survive
Lead me to heaven when we die
I have a shadow on the wall
I'll be the one to save us all



•- Breaking Benjamin "Blow me Away"

Leonidas, Spartan king, vigorous lover, loyal soldier and hardened warmonger is facing a country set against him and an enemy stronger than any Grecian solider. The vast, unconquerable Persian army of Xerxes is descending upon them and against the oracle's divine reprimands, Leonidas seeks war over subservience. To save his people, his women, his children, from the atrocities of any enemy that claims divinity, Leonidas embarks on his last earthly journey taking 300 of his finest soldiers to the treacherous mountain pass of Thermopylae where they will await an army of millions. Sex, death, and treachery wait on that narrow pass as history is made. Together an army of 300 takes on the world. Based on the historic Battle of Thermopylae, 300 sings a hero's dirge and reveals the incredible feat of one small force against millions.


THIS IS SPARTA!

And so proclaiming, Leonidas enters into war. Now surrounded on all sides by foes and traitors, Leonidas and his handful of loyal soldiers show what it truly means to be a Spartan. Hardened warriors all, they are not intimidated by mortal wounds nor earthly pleasures, but by honor and valiance in the face of defeat and fear. Giving no ground, dying with a stoic determination, the cast of beleaguered heroes captures the viewers' hearts with their determination, revealing a virtue almost dead in the modern world and entertaining the imagination with incredible feats accomplished merely because it is the right thing to do, not the easy way out.

However, while the 300 are battle hardened and larger than life warriors with a Spartan stiff upper lip, they are not characterized as Mr. Spock without any emotion, desiring only victory in gore drenched battles. Rather, their stoicism and blood lust is implemented to lend insight into deeper emotions of familial love and love of Sparta, a hard place that is, none the less, their beloved home. Through interweaving harshness with the softer side of emotion, the film creates a cast of warriors that, while almost super human in their battle prowess, are strangely believable and empathetic, most especially Leonidas, whose love for his wife and for his country make his impending death even more emotional. His sacrifice is most certainly the most bittersweet moment of any climax, leaving the viewer with a sense of satisfaction in that his death was not for naught, yet a certain deep sadness as though a cherished friend had been lost.

The chosen actors namely Gerard Butler (Leonidas), Rodrigo Santoro (Xerxes),David Wenham, Michael Fassbender, Lena Headey, and Andrew Pleavin were not only extremely physically pleasing as buffed soldiers (love the Spartan outfits!) but excelled at relating the Spartan battle spirit and the suitable yet potent emotions of love and lost tomorrows. Their intonation, their battle cries, their hatred and blood lust, combined with their strategic battle prowess and masculine strength of character were expertly portrayed and their powerful rendition of soldiers captured the viewers and successfully drew them into a feral world of survival of the fittest. Well done.

Tonight We Dine in HELL!!!

And, in providing such larger than life heroes that were none the less empathetic and well characterized, the incredible battle scenes are given an added dimension. The fighting is epic overflowing with edge of the seat tension filled with unpredictable scenes of carnage and violence. Not for the faint of heart, the film reveals the Spartan's battle prowess as they mow through thousands of their enemies killing with precision and a total lack of mercy. Everything is at stake, home, family, honor and, untimely life, for upon entering the battlefield, all know that their lives are forfeit. This battle is their finest and last hour and so they fight their best presenting the viewer with a stunning vista of gore and clever tactics building the suspense and the emotion.

The incredible implementation of computer graphics and special effects, complimented with a dramatic soundtrack and a unique application of over loud sound effects proved invaluable in the creation of the most visually stunning masterpiece of ancient war yet to grace the big screen. For once, computer special effects actually appeared realistic and helped instead of hindered the movie.

Also, relating to special effects, the film employees a very unique use of an omnipotent narrator, with dramatic base tones who occasionally interjects, describing the characters' feelings and predicaments. This effectively captivates the viewer, adding an almost novel-like approach making the viewer feel as though an ancient Spartan is before him or her, relating a tale of past glories as though it is beginning anew.

Of course, the Spartans, while our personal heroes, are not the only concentration of the battle. Back at home, Leonidas's equally hardened, yet loving wife is plotting her own war, attempting to influence a society of men with her female charms so that she might convince them to aid her husband in war. Little does she know that there are those in her own empire who do not seek such honorable nationalism.

And then, we have Xerxes, king of kings, self proclaimed divine ruler. Haughty and uniquely adorned Xerxes is an enemy that the viewer will love to hate. Austere and suitably deep voiced, his plotting and scheming are a joy to participate in. And, his bizarre army of malformed creatures and cunning warriors will most certainly be a challenge to our beloved Spartans.

The battle is hard fought, the victory impossible, the betrayal shocking and in the very end, Leonidas is left with an unbelievable decision. The viewer will not be disappointed in the climatic and cinema graphic conclusion. Shocking, satisfying, emotionally trying, and unforgettable, Leonidas leaves his mark on history that even today is still praised. Although Sparta is long gone, Leonidas lives on in the hearts and minds of many as the ultimate warrior.


300 is truly one of the most epic, emotionally stimulating, and visually spectacular films ever produced. Of course, having nearly naked hunks fighting each other certainly doesn't hurt the film in a women's estimation. ;-0 The acting was superior, the cinematography was unstoppable, the drama and tension palpable, and the conclusion was emotionally rending. Like the battle it was based upon, 300 will never be forgotten.

Countess_Eva