This is Sparta

Rating: 8/10 (15 June 2008)

Recap: Sparta, an ancient Greek state where the highest glory is to die for land and country. So from the day they are born Spartan boys are raised as warriors, producing the finest army ever seen. But now Sparta is threatened by a mightier foe than ever, Xerxes and the Persians. Xerxes has assembled the greatest army ever seen and now turns his attention to Greece. But Xerxes long arm has already reached Sparta with the promise of gold, wealth and women and a few Spartan do not support their king Leonidas anymore. So Leonidas is forced to bring only his bodyguard, 300 of the best warriors in Sparta and with them try to repel Xerxes. But above all they will abide by Spartan law. Never retreat, never surrender.
Comments: This is Sparta, and there will be blood. A lot of it. Actually it will be abusive amounts of blood spilled in this movie, so if you don't like blood, choose something else to watch. What makes this move so good (but also its major weakness ironically) is the monumental sense of wonder. Nothing is done half-hearted, every thrust with the spear, every stroke with the sword every line delivered is done so to the fullest. This makes it a great movie to unwind to, to relax to. To get caught in this fabricated sense of heroism and glory. It is easy, and it is very enjoying.
But to have everything yelled, every line delivered as their entire fate depended on each syllable, makes the move very monotone. There is no levels, no subtleties. Everything is brutal. This is in part due to be honest to the story, as it is told that there is no room for any softness, any weakness. But to raise the level of the movie even further you really need to be able to handle all aspects.
There are a lot of special effects, and they are really good. The action is massive and each and every adrenalin full moment is well choreographed and full of blood. You see this for the action, and it never disappoints.
And there is an interesting question, a hint at a more complex thought beyond the action. The Spartans, the good guys, are all perfect. Even the slightest flaw and you're discarded. On the other hand, the tyrant Xerxes is very accepting of flaws and disfigurement, unintentional or intentional. But he is also very obviously evil. But the accepting stance is mostly associated with good, although not here. Something to think about? I don't know...
Still, and all in all. This is a very entertaining movie.
8/10