300

Year: 2007
Director: Zack Snyder
Cast: Gerard Butler, Lena Headey, David Wenham, Dominic West, Rodrigo Santoro, Vincent Regan, Michael Fassbender

THIS IS SPARTA!!!! I must have watched Gerard Butler say this line in the trailer a dozen times at least before I finally got a chance to see this film. If there was a word that I can use to describe it, it would be 'beautiful'. The story, style, special effects and acting are all beautifully done.

300, based on comicbook writer/artist Frank MIller's graphic novel, which in turn is based on a film called The 300 Spartans, tells the story of the Battle Of Thermopylae that took place in 480 B.C. Gerard Butler plays King Leonidas, the brave and capable ruler of Sparta. The film begins by charting Leonidas' journey from childhood, as Dilios, one of the 300, narrates how Spartans, at childbirth, are tested and trained till they become the fearsome warriors they are destined to be when they reach adulthood.

One day, the Persian army, under the rule of the arrogant self-proclaimed god King Xerxes, arrive at Sparta. They send a messenger to ask for Leonidas' submission to Xerxes. Leonidas refuses and sends the messenger to his death at the bottom of a well. Despite the objection of the Oracle, who advises him to not start a war with Persia at an inauspicious time, Leonidas prepares a plan, knowing the Persians will strike back. He gathers 300 of his best warriors and set out to greet the enemy as they march towards Sparta.

The Persian army may be massive and number in the millions, but they aren't as well prepared as the Spartans, who waste no time decimating them with ease. And as the battle rages on, Leonidas' queen, Gorgo tries to convince the Senate to rally for more troops to assist the 300, facing off against the corrupt Spartan politician Theron. Theron wants nothing more than control over the Senate in the king's absence, and will do anything to seize power.

I had been looking forward to this film ever since I saw the trailer, and thankfully it lived up to my expectations. The action comes fast, brutal and unrelenting. Picture the violence you see in Gladiator, and multiply that 5 times. Limbs and heads fly as the Spartans chop, slash and maim the Persians in bloody glory. The slow motion effect during the battle scenes used by director Zack Snyder, works well indeed. It's violent without being too gory, or cartoonish like the Kill Bill films. It's balletic and stylish and kinetic. Wonderful.

300 also uses the same CGI technology used by Sin City and Sky Captain & The World Of Tomorrow, by utilising green screens to create the backgrounds instead of building real sets and using real locations. Snyder colours the film with mostly gold, yellow and red, just like Miller did for his novel, and it comes off looking like it was lifted straight out of a comicbook fantasy. Needless to say, it does wonders for the look of the film.

But credit must also be given to the cast. Butler is intense, strong and heartfelt as Leonidas, who continuously rallies his men to victory. Lena Headey is equally commendable as the loyal Queen Gorgo, while Rodrigo Santoro hypes it up as Xerxes. Santoro gives a truly memorable, over the top, yet fun portrayal of a man who really believes he is a god. Not to be forgotten is David Wenham, who narrates the film as Dilios. His voice is the heart of the movie.

Admittedly, some lines seem quite corny. Some of Leonidas' dialogue, and Xerxes' too, sound hilarious. It's the kind of dialogue that should stay in a comicbook. But don't let that throw you. This film truly is a classic, and many will remember it after watching it. In fact, 300 is already causing controversy around the world, as some viewers have expressed disappointment in the way the Persians were portrayed, claiming that the film is Western propaganda against the Middle East. But I ask you, as a movie viewer, to think of 300 as a literary translation, and not a historical reenactment. Keep in mind that this is based on a graphic novel, so have fun with it. I certainly did. The guys will love the action, and the girls will love the Spartan warriors engaging the action.

Prepare for glory! (4.5/5)