Spectacular and colorful version about Battle of Thermopylae between Leonidas and Xerxes

Rating: 8/10 (27 May 2009)

This is a splendid film written, produced , directed by Zack Snyder and based on sensational Frank Miller's comic book.Here are magnificently brought to life the heroics deeds about battle of Thermopylae, the only trail to arrive Athens . The events(480 B.C) are well developed, these are the following : King Leonidas(Gerard Butler) establishes an alliance with Greeks polis facing the invading Persian army.Leonidas leaves his wife Queen Gorgo(Lena Headey) and son , leading a small army formed by a captain(Vincent Regan), accompanied by his son(Fassbender), the tough Dilios(David Wenham), among others. The army called Falange is constituted by 300 Spartans named Hoplitas wielding the shield Heplon and long lances, plus 700 Thespians, while the soldiers Phocios sent by Leonidas to protect separated pass flee. The 300 hold off an immense Persian army commanded by king Xerxes(Rodrigo Santoro), over 100.000, though the famous historian Heredoto, possibly excessive, wrote they were 1.700.000. Meantime in Sparta are happening intrigues surrounding the Greek council whose protagonists are the Queen, Theron(Dominic West) and a loyalist(Stephen McHatti). A hunchbacked wanna-be warrior, actually a local shepherd, named Ephialtes(Andrew Tiernan) informed Persians of a hidden way that could utilize to besiege the Spartans. The impact of the battle was enormous , as the Hellens lost their fright for the Persians and led by Themistocles created their proper defense and allowing the Greek city states organize their own army and retain the fearful enemy. Ultimately the Persians are vanquished in the battles of Salamina, Platea and Mycala.
Violent movie blends historic events, drama and breathtaking fights .Every little scene has been given maximum detail, as gowns, environment and set design, adding too much computer generator backgrounds and lush frames. Colorist and glimmer cinematography by Larry Fong. Vibrating and shaking musical score by Tyler Bates. This excellent picture is stunningly directed by Zack Snyder who after made a similar experiment with Watchmen. Another adaptation about this historic tale are : the classic version ,the Lion of Sparta, by Rudolph Mate with Richard Egan as Leonidas and Ralph Richardson as Themistocles; and a phenomenal documentary, The Last stand of the 300, produced by History Channel which is totally necessary seeing it along with 300. The film will like to epic deeds enthusiastic and history lovers. Rating : Extraordinary and above average.