Simply put... perfect

Rating: 10/10 (8 April 2007)

I've been using IMDb for as long as I can remember, but I've never posted a comment before. However, I just wouldn't be able to live with myself if I didn't say a few things about this movie...
First of all, this movie is perfect. Yes, I know that's a strong word, but acting, the special effects, the cinematography, the choreography, the color filters, the battle scenes, the use of slow motion, the dialog, the scenery, the costumes, the sound effects (including voice alterations), the music (from beautiful classic style to metal), everything... perfect. Leonidas is the perfect king, the perfect man, and he and the queen have the perfect relationship. The Spartans were perfect soldiers with perfect fighting skills.
It's a love story, it's a mini epic adventure, it's a gore fest, it's a war movie... It's a movie you can take a date to or invite your buddies over and get loaded and watch on the big screen.
As far as the acting goes, first rate all the way. Every character is believable and passionate about something. And although you are only with them for two hours, it is enough time for several characters to grow on you. By sight and sound, you are bathed in the omnipotent presence of Xerxes, you feel Leonidas' strength, you see the loyalty and courage in his eyes, and you witness the greatest camaraderie in history.
I could watch this one over and over simply for the battle scenes. Gladiator was revolutionary in its battle scenes, but 300 kicks the bar up a notch (or two). It doesn't go for total realism, it doesn't follow the emotions through the battle, what it does is it sucks you in and makes you feel like every swing of the sword is yours, every hit is a small victory, it's glorious eye candy for the medieval barbarian that's inside us all, hungry to get out. It's the most beautiful train wreck you'll ever have the honor of seeing. The next time you're really ticked off, just skip to the first battle scene with the Persians. Watching the Spartans kick butt is the next best thing to taking out the aggression yourself.
My new favorite movie of all time. 10 out of 10 (cause they won't let me do 11 hehe).
Just watch it. You'll thank me later.