Utterly epic

Rating: 8/10 (15 March 2007)

Based on Frank Miller's graphic novel of the same title, 300 is a film, portraying the Spartans of the Battle at the Pass of Thermopylae's perspective. As such, it glorifies the Spartans, while vilifying the traitor, who showed the Persians to the Spartans' flank, as well as the Persian Empire's occupants.
Because it is based on a work of historical fiction, which, of course, contains some historical facts, it is not faithful to history. For instance, the Spartans and other Greeks are seen with out their brass cuirasses equipped, which runs contrary to history. The Spartans can also seen breaking their phalanx formation sooner than in reality, which would have, realistically, led to more losses than portrayed. There are several other liberties taken to history, for instance some monsters, and Xerxes's portrayal, though these are less significant than the above. Regardless of those facts, this movie IS NOT intended to be faithful to history, so the fuss over this (along with this film's supposed racism) is incredibly asinine. The Persians, after all, are not shown as totally impotent, but rather out-skilled, and out-witted by the Spartans and other Greeks present at Thermopylae.
The action is also not totally realistic, and some complain about the spears constantly piercing the enemy's chests. Quite frankly, this was how ancient warfare was waged; the Spartans would enter a phalanx formation, wherein they would create essentially a square, packed tightly, and raise their shields and spears. The enemy would clash with them, then the Spartans would repel them, and stab them with their spears. Furthermore, nearly all the units shown in the film (including, of course, the Immortals, and the Hoplites) existed in reality.
The special effects are, to say the least, spectacular, however, redeeming much of the above. There is an excess of blood, in some instances, but it is adequate, for the most part. The acting was also great - there was no forced or awkward dialog, though occasionally, the narrative seemed misplaced.
Why then, through my defense of this film, do I rate it only an 8? While the special effects are awesome, nearly the entire film is shot on a blue screen - the back drop is supplanted, rather than being a physical one. Also, some aspects were a bit too cartoony, among a few other (primarily minor) details.