"300" movie

Thursday I went to the movie theater and watched the movie, "300".

As my last theater experience was the "Lord of the Rings: Return of the King" movie a few years ago, you can say I seldom go to a movie theater. Nothing much grabs me that I can not wait to watch it on DVD. But "300" intrigued me and I thought seeing the graphics on a big screen would be worthwhile.

It was worth it. Over 90% of the film was shot before a blue screen. Most everything was digitally enhanced. This is similar to how the "Sin City" movie was filmed, and I loved the look of the "Sin City" movie. The look of "300" is fantastic and the effects superb.

The movie is based on the "300" graphic novel by Frank Miller. I haven't read the graphic novel but the movie's look appears to be based on Miller's drawings, just as "Sin City" was. Miller is an excellent artist, and when movies follow his drawings you know you are in for a visual treat.

For those of you who don't know, the movie is an imagining of how 300 Spartans fought and held off a numerically superior Persian army bent on conquering Greece. The story is told from the point of view of Sparta, and told in the manner of ancient legends, even though the story and some characters are based on true events. That is, heroic deeds, overwhelming odds, fantastical creatures, us = heroes = good, enemies = bad.

Much of the movie centers around the battle with the Persian army. Therefore lots of action. However instead of the usually mindless boring action scenes, this movie enhances the look of the action through color, images, and composition. It also plays with time as it speeds up or slows down the action for a greater impact. The battle is more than a simple single clash of arms. Various Persian tactics, warriors, and animals are used, and these mix up the action scenes and eliminates them from becoming repetitive.

However if you are queasy about violence and blood, this movie may not be for you. If you nit-pick about historical accuracy, this movie is not for you. If you like your heroes to be a mixture of both good and bad, and your villains to also be good and bad, then this movie is not for you. If you enjoy a story about men, honor, ideals, sacrifices, and fighting for one's ideals against overwhelming odds, see the movie.

Miller's graphic novel was released in 1998. Miller was inspired by a 1962 movie ("The 300 Spartans") about the Spartan battle. This is well before the Iraq War. The criticisms of the movie centers around perceived political implications and the belief the movie justifies the current Iraq War as the movie's theme is that freedom isn't free, sometimes sacrifices must be made to fight for freedom. The Iranians are upset because the depictions of the Persians and the Persian King as bad guys. The critics need to lighten up and get a life; sometimes a movie is just a movie, a fun-filled simple fantasy to enjoy and not take too seriously.

I would think this would be a "guys" movie, but it appears women are drawn to the story. Looking on imdb, the ratings by women are equal to or higher than the men's ratings. Of course, the movie is eye candy for women as the Spartans fight wearing helmets, shields and loin-cloths. The Spartans have incredible physiques and abs.

It doesn't hurt that the Spartan Queen is a very strong woman. Not strong of arms, but strong of character. There was none of the feminist "I can physically outfight any man" characterization. Instead the Queen's strength was conveyed through her actions and words. She was shown as an equal partner to the King. In the scene where the man is pushed into the pit, the King first looks at his Queen who nods slightly. Then with her approval he pushes the man. A more realistic and believable portrayal. The Queen was very impressive and I really enjoyed watching her. It didn't hurt that she was very beautiful also. The King and Queen's lovemaking scene was very sensual and very nice. Along with the stylized violence, this scene probably contributed to the movie's "R" rating.

I recommend the movie if you want some simple - though violent - fun and great visuals and don't get hung up on political implications and political correctness.




The Spartan Queen.