Couldn't Be Better

Rating: 10/10 (10 March 2007)

From the presentation of the opening titles, to the credits at the end, the film flows seamlessly. The writing, acting, special effects, directing and cinematography are terrific, which means that the producing was spot-on!! There are very few films about which I think "This could not have been done better!", but that is my opinion of this picture. It was a superb reality-dream. I will see it again before it's run is through! I particularly thought that the decision to film in sepia tone lent the proper character to the peace. It is a grim story, and a gory one of necessity, and bright color would not be appropriate. It is also important that enough background of the Spartan culture is given so that the viewer understands that the Spartans were not machines, but real people trained from childhood to endure all for the protection and glory of Sparta. The film also presents contrasting cultures from the time, and would, by extension, allow one to compare and contrast our present attitudes toward combat and freedom to those of bygone eras. A beautiful and compelling film which gets the audience fully involved in a battle against overwhelming odds whose outcome resonates to this day.