A very good film, but it is not very deep

Rating: 8/10 (6 August 2007)

After seeing the previews of "300" I was determined to see the film. It was perhaps one of the most visually stunning films I have ever seen. However: There are various people who will loathe this film for many different reasons.
1) History buffs I admit that I am a large fan of history. Seems strange to say, but I love history. This film is not historical. The Spartans are given off as noble warriors. They seemed to have a democracy, great morals, and a hatred of slavery. Those who know anything about Sparta would laugh at this depiction. Spartans were known for their slaves and their cruelty, and they were far more a monarchy than a democracy. As well, many things are left out of the movie which makes it hard to understand for those who do NOT know history well, the foremost being that the Persian army was indeed Persian, not Hellish. Other things include the lack of explanation for why the Persians attacked, the truth about the Ephors, etc. etc.
2) People who enjoy great plots If anyone goes to this movie expecting an excellent plot, they are in trouble. The plot of this movie was hardly different from any other epic film. There was a hero. He had a lover. He fought for a cause. He was valiant. This plot hardly differs, in fact it may be a little bit worse.
3) People who want to see a great script, and actors convey the script well The actors were alright. Butler and Wenham did a fairly decent job in their roles. But most of the lines were clichéd action lines, speaking of bravery, honor etc. Nothing really deep.
Now...if you are going to a movie to see excellent visuals, see this movie. It was quite artfully done. Many lines were said with a great passion that draws you in.
Zack Snyder went to prove that all you really need to entertain people are great fight sequences, and amazing visual effects. This movie has these simple factors in spades.
So- for those in need of "eye candy" you have a friend in "300".