How the Spartans Would Have Told It

Rating: 10/10 (15 November 2018)

A lot of people seem to miss the main point with 300. The framing device of the whole film is Dilios (David Wenham) telling the story of the 300 spartans around a campfire to fellow soldiers. Hence why the film features exaggerated, over the top depictions of the Spartans, Persian empire, and Ephialtes the betrayer.
Did the persian empire really have legions of demon-like super soldiers with sharp teeth? Of course not. But to an ancient Greek in 480 BC the Persians probably seemed like a scary evil empire fueled by dark forces. Its from the Greek point of view.
Was Ephialtes actually a deformed hunchback? No, but to a Greek telling the story, he was an ugly traitor. So the exaggeration fits. Of course a Spartan telling the story would use hyperbole, to make the victory of his country sound that much more great.
Did Leonidas really kill a 6 foot long dire wolf with just a wooden spear? I think you get the point by now.
Re watch with this in mind and it becomes such a fun film. Its just like being around the campfire with some Spartans, listening to the exaggerated claims of a glorious battle.
The build up and pacing was executed perfectly. The looming threat of Persia can be really be felt. Although I will say, the scene with the child whos village was burned down was a bit cheesy.
The blue screen shots create a surreal, dream like atmosphere, even though it tends to get overused now a days. The special effects were amazing, especially for 2006. Great action and all around story telling. Will always be a favorite of mine.