Although flawed, a most powerful and totally entertaining film

Rating: 9/10 (15 March 2007)

This film takes the epic film to a new level. The best battle scenes since Braveheart. The power of the film is its simple theme of duty, loyalty and honor. But it takes it further, it defines the essence of being the male of the species. The male bonding and sacrifice that makes men men, Yes violent but with a certain honor uniquely male. This is not to lessen the role of women for Queen Gorgo is a complete and compelling character that complements her husband near perfectly. Certainly not a politically correct film because the film clearly defines the basic differences between the sexes. One is not better than the other, just different. And there were obvious political overtones to today's world that should make every democrat cringe just a bit.
It has a few flaws in the dialogue and the heavy use of digitized filming, although artsy, does get tiresome. Still a must see movie!!!