300

Rating: 8/10 (16 April 2007)

From Frank Miller (Sin City), this is another perfect adaptation of one of his celebrated graphic novels, from Zack Snyder, director of the Dawn of the Dead remake. Recreating the Battle of Thermopylae in 480 BC, it is the simple story of King Leonidas (Gerard Butler) rallying 300 of his finest red-caped warriors from Sparta, all taught from childhood to have no fear and fight against the forces of the massive Persian army. The enemy includes men, immortals and creatures, all belonging to giant King Xerxes (Love Actually's Rodrigo Santoro). Dilios (The Lord of the Rings' David Wenham) is the one warrior who delivers the news to awaiting Queen Gorgo (Lena Headey), even the (for me) unexpected ending. Also starring Dominic West as Theron, Vincent Regan as Captain, Michael Fassbender as Stelios and Tom Wisdom as Astinos. The special effects are marvellous (especially the hunchback character), the sets, light and colour are lavish, and the use of bloody violence (including many be-headings) is fantastic, it could have been an 18 if you saw some guts and the blood spill on the floor. Very good!