Very faithful to Frank Miller's material

Rating: 8/10 (18 March 2007)

I've been greatly anticipating this movie ever since they show the trailer for the first time last year. The very stylized cinematography really caught my attention. Also it is based on the graphic novel by Frank Miller, author of my favorite movie - Sin City.
After viewing the movie, I'm not disappointed. Forget about the story, it's so simple anybody can get it even without hearing the dialogue. It's about the valiant defense in Thermopylae of 300 Spartans against the rampaging Persian army.
This is epic battle movie at its finest. The battle scenes is so engrossing, It's on par with LOTR's. The beautifully rendered CGI backgrounds and well choreographed actors blends well that it really looked sweet. It's like a painting in motion. I checked the graphic novel where it's based on, and I'm pleasantly surprised that the movie meticulously captured the look and feel of the material, sometimes by frame.
Kudos to Gerard Butler, who played the brave Spartan King Leonidas, and Rodrigo Santoro who played the androgynous Persian King Xerxes. It's entertaining to watch those two whenever they're on a scene.
I have to say this film is so bloody, it will surely turn off those who are sensitive to those things. Also this movie mostly focus on battle scenes and eye candy, so if you're looking for a profound story, please avoid this movie.
Don't wait for this on the DVD. This is one movie I recommend watching in the cinemas. There are details that will be lost if viewed on even a widescreen television. If this ever be featured on IMAX, I'm going to watch this again... it's that good.