Breathtaking visuals, non-stop action, blood, gore, and sexy abs

Rating: 10/10 (26 April 2007)

300 is a visually stunning film adaptation of writer-artist Frank Miller's graphic novel 300 which is essentially a retelling of an important historical event during the Greco-Persian War. This event is the Battle of Thermopylae which took place in 480 B.C. where 300 Spartans lead by King Leonidas took a stand against the massive forces of the invading Persian army (which was estimated to be between 200,000 and 2,000,000) lead by the God-King Xerexes.
Being that the movie 300 is an adaptation of Frank Miller's graphic novel do not expect this movie to be a totally accurate depiction of everything that took place during the Battle of Thermopylae. For instance there are a few monstrosities on the Persian side to aide in making things even more interesting than the standard type of battle you would expect to see in a film like this.
Also the battle wardrobe for the Spartan heroes is something else that isn't accurate. Their battle wardrobe is barely existent (cape, Speedo, helmet, sword and shield) and no I'm not complaining. I'm just pointing out the fact that it's certainly not the sort of battle uniform the Spartan army would have worn during a real battle being that it offers very little protection for the heroes. To me the "so called" battle wardrobe that is present in the movie is a plus especially if you're a woman or an appreciator of the physical beauty of the well toned male form. Also if you don't care for all the violence in the film then you might find looking at the heroes' abs, ripped biceps, and sculpted chests, and muscular legs to be a very good distraction.
On the other hand if you're not interested in the heroes' washboard abs, ripped biceps, sculpted chests, or muscular legs you also won't be disappointed either because there's plenty for you to delight in as well. This movie delivers on the blood-gore. You can consider this movie to be an uncensored ancient battlefield being that the director shows the gruesomeness of war in all its bloody details. This movie also features plenty of well choreographed battle sequences. You won't find any of the amateurish action sequences or confusing direction of the action as seen in the film Alexander or Gladiator. This is topnotch stuff equal to Mel Gibson's work in Brave Heart, Wolfgang Peterson's work in Troy, and/or Peter Jackson's work in the Lord of the Rings Trilogy.
If these elements aren't enough for you still or if none of the aforementioned things appeal to you then you will also find that this movie offers plenty of topless women for men to stare at or others who enjoy seeing bare female breast. There are larger than life heroes featured in the film to be captivated by. Men who are loyal, brave, selfless, strong, well-trained, and honorable and a queen who is as equally strong as her husband King Leonidas. There are also well done special effects which create this ancient-dangerous world in a stunning fashion that is sure to please many.
Story- King Leonidas played by Gerard Butler learns news that Xerxes has amassed an army of millions to conquer mainland Greece and eventually all of Europe. Instead of simply surrendering King Leonidas decides to face possible death to fight for Sparta's independence from Persian rule. Being that he has decided to go to war he seeks out the Oracle. Unbeknownst to him the priests of the oracle have already been bribed by Xerexs and so they interpret the oracle's message to mean that King Leonidas should not go to war because it will interrupt the Carneian festival.
Realizing that it makes sense to act quickly rather than wait around for full military and political support King Leonidas decides to take a small band of men: 300 Spartans, some Arcadians, and some other Greeks to meet the Persian invaders at Thermopylae which is a narrow valley adjacent to the sea. They choose to meet the Persians here because it allows them to block the only road that the massive, multicultural army of slaves lead by Xerxes can pass through. It also allows the Spartans to use their much smaller army in the most efficient way. It is during this standoff at Thermopylae that majority of the action take place delivering spectacular battle sequences, passionate speeches from Gerard Butler in the role of King Leonidas, and stunning-violent visuals.