Spirit of the times

Rating: 8/10 (16 August 2008)

This is not meant to be a textbook re-enactment of the Battle of Thermopylae but in all the main actions of the historical event it is actually accurate. What is interesting about the film is that it goes underneath the facts and creates a fascinating, atmospheric and claustrophobic narrative. It is a visually stunning, stylised piece of cinema. So why the vociferous critics? Well, for one thing the Spartans appeared to have forgotten their body armour and are fighting only with helmet, shield, spear and .. what appear to be loincloths. And Xerxes is portrayed as a sadistic S&M type. The style of the Spartan dress, or should I say undress, is lifted straight from ancient Greek art and while Xerxes was certainly no S&M club fan, as far as we know, his cruelty was legendary. What the film has achieved is to represent with such style the spirit of Thermopylae as well as that of the Spartans and their legendary status in the ancient world. The Persian army is, admittedly, an OTT portrayal yet, somehow works in this context.
This film is about feel, emotion and spirit. It is refreshing to see the cinema approaching history with the innovative eye one sees more often in the theatre. The actors all deliver good performances within the constraints of the film's style. I know that it may all sound rather weird but it works. If you want to compare this approach with a straight, earnest alternative then Hollywood made a version in the early 1960s. For me it doesn't compare with this vibrant interpretation.