Epic To Say The Least!

Rating: 9/10 (9 April 2009)

Grade: A
This film by Zack Snyder, who is slowly starting to become one of my favorite directors, tells truly epic tale. When I first saw this film all I watched were the fight scenes (thanks to the miracle of TiVo), but upon buying the DVD, I've come to fully experience the film the way I was meant to.
Based on a graphic novel by Frank Miller, this is also based on an actual historical event. But with a twist obviously. So be it, the story flows nicely and the fantasy aspect of it keeps viewers interested. In fact, one will find it in contrast to the 'original' film "300 Spartans". With Snyder behind it, this is just a whole nother caliber. How the director has the movie filmed it reminds us it's based on a 'comic' book, but it hardly distracts.
The action scenes are epic and The Battle of Thermopylae will live on forever now. Watching the Spartans hack down the Persian Army never gets old, does it? The pride and honor of those 300 is what makes it a great story and also what makes the story so moving. Gerard Butler is perfect as King Leonidas, who has a final climatic showdown with King Xerxes himself, played by Rodrigo Santoro. Despite the epic battles and fantastic thrills, my favorite scene definitely is the final one as Dilios, played by David Weinham, gives the final speech. The music composed by Tyler Bates is so emotional and empowering it really up raises the film even further. Gotta love the sound track!
"Today we rescue a world from mysticism and tyranny, and usher in a future brighter than any can imagine. Give thanks men, to Leonidas, and the brave 300! To victory!"