True to history or not: 300 is this generation's "Ben Hur"

Rating: 10/10 (7 March 2007)

Knowing Frank Miller's graphic novels - and owning "300" - I was excited to sit in at a pre-screening of "300". I was a little reluctant, about how a 2 hour movie would keep the tension and excitement going, when the whole plot can really be told in one sentence. So, there was initial disappointment after the first 10 minutes, since some of the initial scenes seemed somewhat cheesy and not so very professional (i.e. the "Wolf"-scene). Once the movie got rolling, the mood changed - and also the way the initial scenes were shot began to make more sense. There is a lot of action in this piece - which might seem a little surprising for a timepiece. Smart writing adds to the entertainment, as well as the very creative details; they are cruel and bloody, nonetheless creative. The imagery and soft coloring is incredible.
The main characters are well developed and King Leonidas (Gerard Butler) - while initially seemingly a cruel leader - turns out to be a true emperor who backs up his people with all he can give. I loved the special effects - and while I am not a huge fan of battlefield scenes, this movie really takes them to a new level. The effects aren't obvious, yet make the whole thing so much more enjoyable. Over some stretches, what is shown on the screen can be described as nothing else but a gore fest. Under normal circumstances I would not be in favor of such graphic violence, however, considering the background of what the movie is based on and also how well it is shot, I let that slide and got lost in the story.
Sometimes I wish that certain details were a little more believable (like some of the freaks), bottom line: "300" to me, is what "Ben Hur" must've been to our parents. Russel Crowe and "Gladiator" never could deliver this chill to me, but "300" certainly does.
9.5 out of 10 blood drenched battle spears