A great, entertaining film!

Rating: 10/10 (15 March 2007)

First up, as has been stated before, if you're going for a totally accurate tale of the 300 Spartans facing off against King Xerxes' Persian army of thousands, then you may be disappointed. This movie is based on Frank Miller's fine comic/graphic novel which was based on his childhood love of a film, "The 300 Spartans." Okay, that aside, this is a mind-blowing film, full of beautiful visuals, thrilling battles, beautiful women and fine acting. Gerard Butler plays King Leonidas, who, in defiance of his corrupt holy men advising him not to go to war, goes anyway, saying "He's going for a walk and taking 300 of his personal bodyguard with him." :) Leonidas is a classic movie hero who will not back down nor give an inch. He's got his mission and he's sticking to it. A bit refreshing that we don't have to see his flaws or weaknesses like many movie heroes these days.
Lena Headey is stunning as Queen Gorgo, Leonidas' wife, who tries to rally the council of Sparta to her husband's cause. Not a weak, stay-behind-and-worry-about-your-man type of woman at all. A very strong character and very easy on the eyes.
Dominic West is slimy as the member of the council who tries to manipulate things to his advantage as he butts heads with Gorgo.
David Wenham, Faramir from the second and third Lord of the Rings movies is Dilios, Leonidas' good friend, soldier, and master of storytelling, who narrates the whole proceedings.
Rodrigo Santoro is King Xerxes of Persia, who considers himself a god on earth. The filmmakers certainly make him imposing, looking ten-feet tall up against Leonidas. He is also made, despite his giant frame, to look somewhat effeminate with his eye makeup and jewelry.
Okay, now down to it. The battles are fantastic, with Leonidas using his brawn AND brain to overpower the massive hordes of Persians. The wall of bodies scene is super, as is the initial use of shields to thwart Persian arrows. The visuals, with ample use of CGI, are incredible. Blood spurts, limbs fly, heads rolls, bodies are impaled, and it's all done...artfully and is not sick-inducing.
The movie is almost all action, some fast-paced, some slow-mo, all great. By the end of the movie I was almost cheering, particularly the final scene.
See this movie on the big screen. Do NOT wait for DVD. I will buy it when it's released but I won't forget the big screen experience.