300 Spartans Submit A History Lesson
Director Zack Snyder's new film 300 is a man-size modern classic filled with raw testosterone and originality.
The ancient battle of Thermopylae comes to life in this new-fashioned version of an esteemed epic. Much like the first time I watched Braveheart, I walked out of the cinema today profoundly moved and deeply inspired. I found myself completely mesmerized by the enormous intensity of this movie based on Frank Miller’s (of Sin City fame) illustrated novelette. The battle sequences were orchestrated like a stylishly muscular ballet carved out in several acts.
The timeless themes of loyalty, courage, sacrifice and unflinching fear were not muddled by the films turbulent pace. It was refreshing to see Spartan women equally portrayed as courageous rather than cliche weeping flowers. The relentless determination of King Leonidas became infectious for me, promting shouting outloud in the theater several times during the onslaught from the Persian army.
300 left me with an overwhelming desire to read the historical accounts of this epic battle at Thermopylae by an elite force of 300 Spartans under King Leonidas
of Sparta. You need not be a fan of graphic novels to appreciate the
spirit of this rousing achievement. See this movie while it's still on
the big screen accepting that it's overtly graphic in it's depiction of
violence. I left the theater wondering to myself if I would be willing
to die on my feet rather than to live on my knees under tyranny.
"Snyder directs "300" as the tallest of tall tales -- a vivid dream. You want realism and devotion to the hard facts, watch the History Channel. You want to experience the Battle of Thermopylae as a nonstop thrill ride, here's your ticket. " Richard Roeper
I sure did enjoy this movie!
Posted by: Nanyaar? | March 12, 2007 at 04:35 PM
I haven't seen it yet but plan to soon. In the meantime, the trailer looks like the most homoerotic spectacle I've seen since the special features on my "Brokeback Mountain" dvd. Kind of hawwwt, actually!
Posted by: katrina | March 12, 2007 at 08:43 PM
300 was great! I just saw it the other day and thoroughly enjoyed every minute of it. ...Your description of the battle scenes being a "stylishly muscular ballet" is spot on :)
They did something with camera speeds in one of the fight scenes that was amazing... mixing different elements in the shot at different speeds or something, obviously over the top on blood splatters, but despite this I'm definitely going to see it again when its out on dvd :)
And the historical context was actually really interesting, no matter how much "artistic license" has been used. Like you, I am curious to read more on the subject!
Posted by: katsai | April 04, 2007 at 02:05 PM