A "Graphic Novel" that has been filmed

Rating: 6/10 (3 August 2015)

300 was based on a graphic novel, and it really shows in the film. The high levels of violence and moderate levels of sex associated with that genre are all present in the film.
When they were making the film, they drew heavily on the original graphic novel upon which it was based. "Based" is an inappropriate word, however, as scenes were specifically engineered to mirror the panels of the novel. This is a comic book directly transferred to the screen.
Leaving that aside, as graphic novels go it is not bad. The film tells the tale of an iconic battle in the history of the world, and in an intensely graphic and original manner.
Gerard Butler's muscular physique and Scottish accent add to the awesome character of King Leonidas, but this is somewhat let down by his less than perfect acting. Other cast members do not let down the film, but none of them really captivate the viewer.
Overall, the two words I would use to describe it (apart from "graphic novel") are "vivid" and "intense". You will either love it for the awe inspiring imagery and effects, or you will hate it for the brutal violence and clumsy script borrowed from the graphic novel.