Disappointing Movie

Rating: 5/10 (21 March 2007)

I didn't read anything about 300 before seeing it, only heard it was an enormous success in the States. So I went to the cinema without prejudice and with some expectation... At first, I want to say some positive things: the graphics are fine, the battles are nice, and the views from time to time impressive. I like the music, which is an important part of every film and definitely of an epic story. The acting was quite OK. BUT... As the film is clearly not historically correct (e.g. the armour of the soldiers, the monsters (they irritated me, the film could have done easily without 'em),...), I hoped to see an enjoyable story of brave man fighting epic battles which are graphically fantastic, and to feel some kind of bond with the main character... Nevertheless the graphics weren't as overwhelming as some tend to pretend. Besides the nice grim/costumes of the monsters, I didn't discover any special camera twists or anything innovative seen from the graphical point of view. The acting was OK, but definitely not of a price-winning standard. If I compare this with e.g. Gladiator, the acting of Russell Crowe as Maximus was much more impressive. There are similar scenes with wife and child(ren) in the wheat fields, but the ones in 300 never touched me as the scenes in Gladiator did. I consider an actor/actress talented if he/she can move me, if I can identify myself with him or her to some extent. I didn't had this feeling with 300. Some pretend this is a non-moralizing story. I think it is, in a way. The movie shows the Persians (Iranians), and other Asian tribes with them, are not untouchable, and from an Amerikan point of view, everyone can translate this to the present. Considering humour, the film was funny from time to time, not in the first place because of some kind of joke, but because some scenes are predictable/far-fetched or just ridiculous to some extent, and, hearing the comments and grins in the audience, I wasn't the only one with this opinion. Concluding: 300 is an overrated historically incorrect story of brave men fighting epic battles against a monstrous enemy, who outnumber them several times. The graphics are OK, but not innovating. The music is nice. The acting is moderate. A 'must see'? I don't think so. A deserved place in the top 250? As far as I'm concerned: No thanks. Voting this movie into the top is an offence towards great directors (such as Kubrick, Spielberg, Scorcese, Polanski...) who made masterpieces that deserve the spot 300 is taking at this moment.