Classic Greek Ideology

Rating: 9/10 (19 May 2009)

Superbly scripted and acted, 300 is a statement on modern political theory as much as an historical drama. The film stands firm in its defense of individual and collective liberty (currently unfashionable among academia's white wine set) in the face of the relentless onslaught of totalitarianism.
300's techno-wizardry and comic bookishness is bowled over by the solid integrity of its script and concept...rare in a movie these days. The special effects scream computer geek, while the muscular dialogue conveys old-school character and principle.
Freedom is never free, and if we've learned nothing else from the Greeks, including out-of-control public spending, it is that. It's amusing that some reviewers make irrelevant attacks the film's imaginary "homophobic" references...and miss the point. Survival in ancient times demanded that principle count for more than trendiness, and the Spartans recognized that the Athenians were more than mere philosophers and boy lovers. It's the same as today as the civilized world again confronts a Satanic Persian menace.
Update: Hollywood's slimy political correctness was again in evidence at the Golden Globes when emcee Ricky Gervais refused to acknowledge presenter Gerard Butler by name, introducing him only as "that guy from 300." Cheap shot.