300 Movie Review - Frank Miller's 300

Vital Statistics

Opening Date: March 9, 2007
Run Time: 117 Minutes
Director: Zack Snyder
Writers: Zack Snyder
Kurt Johnstad
Michael Gordon

Rating: R for graphic battle sequences throughout, some sexuality and nudity.

Based on: Frank Miller’s tale of the battle of Thermopylae in the comic book 300.

Published By: Dark Horse Comics.

From The Official Press Release:

“Based on the epic graphic novel by Frank Miller, “300” is a ferocious retelling of the ancient Battle of Thermopylae in which King Leonidas (Gerard Butler) and 300 Spartans fought to the death against Xerxes and his massive Persian army. Facing insurmountable odds, their valor and sacrifice inspire all of Greece to unite against their Persian enemy, drawing a line in the sand for democracy. The film brings Miller’s (Sin City) acclaimed graphic novel to life by combining live action with virtual backgrounds that capture his distinct vision of this ancient historic tale.”

The Story

300 is based upon the historical battle of Thermopylae as portrayed in the graphic novel 300, by Frank Miller. The King of Persia, the self proclaimed god-king named Xerxes, has brought his massive army to the land of Greece, proclaiming to finish what his father failed to do long ago at the battle of Marathon. He offers the Greek people an out however, to kneel before him and become part of his empire. Free king of Sparta Leonidas, however, refuses the offer and kills Xerxes messengers, an unthinkable thing in that time.

When the rest of Greece is unsure as to whether to go to war, King Leonidas takes 300 of his personal best to, “Go on a walk.” He takes them to the coast of Greece and the narrow pass of Thermopylae, known as the, “Hot Gates.”

While there he runs into other groups of the city states of Greece who heard that Sparta was on the warpath. They are dismayed when they see King Leonidas’ 300 soldiers. Regardless, Spartans never retreat and never surrender and make their stand at the Hot Gates, hoping to repel Xerxes from their land and soil by using superior fighting tactics and the narrow pass of Thermopylae, which will reduce the effectiveness of Xerxes’ numbers.

All the while King Leonidas fights, the city of Sparta boils in political trouble and turmoil. The Ephors, the holy men of Sparta that worship the old gods, renounce King Leonidas’ plan of battle, and political rival Theron maneuvers to allow Persia to take over Sparta and make him the new leader. Only the queen stands in his way.

What unfolds is a dramatic tale of boldness, treachery, honor, and the power of 300 soldiers who fight as one to repel an invader that will destroy all they have worked for towards freedom and democracy.

Review

300 will not be a movie for everyone. It is a highly stylized, ultra graphic, testosterone filled piece that I am sure will turn many off and delight countless more. As far as being a comic book adaptation movie, director Zack Snyder has done a marvelous job.

Frank Miller has taken a very romantic look at the battle of Thermopylae focusing more on heroics and lofty ideals rather than historical accuracy. It is the tale of what men will do to keep their freedom rather than kneel to a tyrant. The 300 movie, having stayed so close to the original story, very much follows that formula. The movie has been panned by some critics as having no plot or just being one long battle scene with no crescendo. While the movie does have a lot of action sequences that almost seem to run together into one bloody mess and overall plot is rather thin, especially when compared to other current films like “The Departed” or “The Queen,” both Oscar nominees for 2006, 300 really shines in how faithful it stayed to the vision of the comic book as well as being an extremely artistic and fluid action movie.

There were many times that it felt like the comic had just come alive in front of me time and time again. Seeing Leonidas in the rain, protected with his shield, seeing the Persian ships bashed against the rocks, the confrontation with the emissary and messengers, as well as Xerxes and Leonidas’ first conversation are all there and looked so striking similar. For me, 300 is one of the few films that I felt had truly captured the visual storytelling aspects of the comic.

There were some additions to the film, primarily in the role of Sparta’s Queen. In the comic book, she really has very few lines and after she tells Leonidas to, “Come back with his shield or on it,” she basically isn’t seen again. In the movie, the character had almost as much a hero role as King Leonidas himself. I imagine she was added to get a more balanced feel to the movie and to beef up the plot.

Another addition and one that I didn’t really like was the almost mystical elements of the Persian army. The Immortals champion, “The Uber Immortal,” the executioner with his almost crablike appendages, The Immortals almost demonic appearance, and the goat-man musician were a little too much for me.

Bottom Line

I realize this movie will not be for all. But as a comic book enthusiast who loved the 300 graphic novel, and is an admirer of Frank Miller’s work, I really liked this film. If you are a history buff interested in the integrity of the battle of Thermopylae, do not like violence, or are looking for a date flick, avoid 300.

This is a comic book movie, pure and simple. If you like Frank Miller’s work, the comic book 300, or over the top action, then you will surely like this movie. It is not for the faint of heart, as the gore, while done in an artistic manner, is plentiful. The journey however, in my opinion, is worth it.