A Beautiful, Cinematographical Masterpiece

Rating: 10/10 (9 March 2007)

Forget Braveheart. Forget Troy. Forget Gladiator. These films do not hold a candle to the amazing piece of artwork that is 300. Frank Miller with Robert Rodriguez delivered a breakthrough film with Sin City. Miller amazes us once a gain with Zak Snyder with 300, the epic story of Sparta and it's king Leonidas at the battle of Thermopylae. The Battle of Thermopylae is a well known tale, and Miller takes away nothing from historical accuracy (save for the part of the Athenians actions by sea against the Persians) of Spartan life. Gerard Butler's performance is one to be modeled by; his emotional performance as the fearless, and battle-tested leader of the mighty Spartan nation transcends even the scenes in which he is not present. The bond of brotherhood and passion for his fellow man is affluent in this film and every person in the theater will feel that bond in their own bones. What makes 300 standout is that each scene brings a very unique look, from the rustling of the wheat grains while the sun pierces the cloud-covered sky, to Snyder's amazing ability to use human skin as a palate of contrast to the colors around it. Snyder, it seems, never uses the same camera angle twice, and the combination of color and shading makes for an absolute beautiful vision. Much thought had also been put into the music, and sound effects chosen by the director. Powerful choirs set the tone for pre-battle, and the orchestra sings the hearts out of these Spartans. An Epic film, 300 is not. It doesn't even come close. It exceeds "epic". "Stratospheric" would be better fitting for Zak Snyder and Frank Miller's 300. People will be talking about this film for a long time.