Visually stunning: guts and glory equal guts and gory

Rating: 7/10 (19 March 2007)

This film was based on the Frank Miller graphic novel of the same name and visually it lived up to the hype. Exceptional cinematography and a strong performance by Gerard Butler make this an almost amazing film. Unfortunately, weak side stories and little character development hamper any true involvement by the audience.
This is not to say that it's not entertaining. The classic idea of a small force of free men defeating an enormous overwhelming opponent is stirring and inspiring especially because it is based on true events.
The over-the-top nature of the graphic novel comes through in a clear fashion with big screen visuals and 5.1 audio that lives up to the source material.
Thermopylae was one of the first examples of independent city-states banding together to face a totalitarian foe. Certainly worth making a movie about.