I finally watched it last Monday; amidst all the hype, praise, critics, and bashing.
I was slightly impressed with the visuals, and the soundtrack, but what didn't really impress me was the storyline. Maybe it was due to the fact that I already read the comic book beforehand.
While I wasn't let down by the movie, I was quite disappointed by the fact that there were so many 'Lord of the Rings' style monsters. (From the hunchback, (*hint: Gollum) to the Immortals, to the giant/monster/Immortal, (*hint: Balrog) to Xerxes' tent. At times it seemed like the movie was more intent on showing deformities than to showing the story.
I am not here to criticize or bash the movie, but am just expressing my opinion on it.
Like someone said in the 18+ Netlinkup Forums, this movie isn't a 'Black or White' case, it has to be personal conviction. Just be prepared for lots of virtual blood.
I for one enjoyed it.
In a nutshell, it is an epic in all of its right.
From the visuals to the soundtrack, an epic story is told, albeit somewhat haltingly, honoring the sacrifice of 300 Spartans.
But what really makes me wonder is how come the Thespians who stayed alongside the Spartans receive so little recognition.
The Spartans had pledged themselves to fight to the death, while the (400) Thebans were held as hostage against their will. However, a contingent of about 700 Thespians, led by general Demophilus, the son of Diadromes, refused to leave with the other Greeks, but cast their lot with the Spartans. Unknown and unremembered by most, 900 Helots (Spartan slaves) died fighting alongside their masters in the last stand.
King Leonidas and the 300 Spartans have become synonymous with bravery and self-sacrifice, consquently, so should Demophilus and the 700 Thespians. They were ordered by King Leonidas to withdraw along with the remaining Greek warriors before their position at Thermopylae was surrounded. However, the Thespians refused to leave and it was during the fighting of those final hours that Herodotus praised the Thespian warrior Dithyrambus, son of Harmatides, who it was noted, excelled in this decisive battle.
Something which I thought was very interesting, was after researching a little bit into the background, I came across this info about the 'Immortals'. Along with a more 'realistic' costume/armor.
The Achaemenid Immortals (or Persian Immortals, or simply Immortals) were the Persian elite Imperial Guard regiment during the Greco-Persian Wars. Herodotus describes the Immortals as being heavy infantry led by Hydarnes that were kept constantly in strength of exactly 10,000 men — every killed, seriously wounded or sick member was immediately replaced with a new one, maintaining the cohesion of the unit.
I am going to steal someone else's list here of things from the movie 300. Just for a little comic relief.
11. It is possible for a historical epic's soundtrack to rock out, and rock out well.
10. Previously being best known for playing the gayest supervillain of all time should in noway hinder an actor from portraying an Ultimate Bad Ass.
9. The Persian Empire was vast. So vast, it included what was once known as the land of Mordor.
8. No matter how cool their ninja suits look, it is unwise to refer to your elite troops as Immortal unless they actually are.
7. Even in ancient times, couples having sex would be bathed in mysterious blue light.
6. Goats can play musical instruments.
5. Spartans really, really, really disliked messengers.
4. When noble men stare death in the face, they think of two things: Their wives, and wheat fields. See also: Gladiator.
3. Despite repeated challenges, the world-record for length of time that a decapitated head remains atop a body before falling off, set by Underworld, remains secure.
2. Spartan women were strong and proud...but really, really gullible.
1. Good kings must have beards. See also: Lord of the Rings, Troy, Robin Hood Prince of Thieves, Gladiator, Conan, Bible.
PS. For posters, click here, and here. Enjoy!
PPS. I was going to bombard you all with pictures, but I'll just give you a gallery to look at your own discretion.
Epitaph
Ὦ ξεῖν’, ἀγγέλλειν Λακεδαιμονίοις ὅτι τῇδε
κείμεθα, τοῖς κείνων πειθόμενοι νομίμοις.
Go tell the Spartans, passerby,
That here, by Spartan law, we lie
κείμεθα, τοῖς κείνων πειθόμενοι νομίμοις.
Go tell the Spartans, passerby,
That here, by Spartan law, we lie
geez, another movie I haven't watched... it's on my list of to-dos but I doubt I'll be seeing it at the movies...