300 movie Review

Rating: 9/10

300 is directed by the new Superman movie director, Zack Snyder. He is known as a visual director and one of the best up-and-coming directors in Hollywood. He has directed such good flicks as Dawn of the Dead, Watchmen, and is now currently filming Man of Steel, the new Superman movie. 300 is the first Zack Snyder film I have watched and it reassured me that he will definitely do a good work with Man of Steel.

300 follows the story of King Leonidas, the king of Sparta as he takes on his 300-man army to fight the God king Xerxes. The film revolves around the battle itself and the story of King Leonidas’ wife as she tries to convince the council to reinforce the Spartan army. The film has a simple concept, although it has a runtime of approximately 2 hours, which I consider to be quite long for an action movie. But it won’t be a problem of course if the film delivers.

300 blew me away. First thing first, the visual of the film, this film has one of the best visuals  I have ever seen. Looking like a graphics novel, I first thought that this aspect of the film was going to annoy me and distract me from the story. It only enhanced it. It made me appreciate the film more, and it certainly entertained me. The battle sequences in this film are much exaggerated. However, it is not a problem. This is the type of film that needs to be exaggerated in order for the audience to enjoy.

It also has one of the coolest camera work and editing I have seen. There are scenes that look exactly the same as the graphics novel and it worked. It has one of the coolest sex scenes and battle scenes I have seen. The cool camera work combined with the artistic lighting and visuals, this film is one of the most creative films I have seen in terms of appearance. I know I say the word “cool” a lot, but that’s what this movie is. It is cool.

Having said the cool aspects of the film, this film wouldn’t be successful without the actual story  of the film. A good story is what any film has to have in order to deliver and 300 definitely passes in this aspect. It might have a simple concept, but the filmmaker explores the concept very well. This film has heart. The film is not just about blood and gore the only men would enjoy. It is moving, inspirational, and touching. It also has a message. That, combined with the action sequences, makes for a really well crafted movie.

It balances well between action sequences and other aspects of the movie. As I mentioned, 300 moves back and forth between the story of the battle and the story of King Leonidas’ wife. I think those two stories relate to each other very well and they balance out the film really well. You could really feel the love of King Leonidas and his wife.

As for performances, I don’t think anyone stands out particularly. Everyone performed well and no one dragged the film down. What the film certainly has is iconic characters. King Leonidas, portrayed by Gerald Butler is the heart of the film. He moves the story forward and he is an iconic character. The uniform of the Spartan army is also the aspect of the film that everyone will remember; the black underwear, helmet, and a six pack.

Another performance that I love is Theron, played by Dominic West. I think his character is just plain evil. He is even more evil than the main villain of the film. Dominic West gave a good cocky performance as the cocky councilman. He is certainly one of the most interesting aspects of the film.

My only problem of the movie is that I think the first of the movie dragged a little bit. It was a little slow and it bored me a little bit. However, the first half of the film sets up the movie well and it clearly explains the story of the movie which makes up for a hecka entertaining second half. I also wish that the main villain of the film, Xerxes, would be a little bit more evil and has a bigger role to play in the film. He’s an interesting character and I’d like to see more of him.

The second half of the film blew me away. I was there with the Spartans the whole time, hoping for them to win and defeat the Persians. The demise of one particular character broke my heart. It came out of nowhere and it affected me as an audience. If you have seen the film, you know it exactly one I’m talking about. You kind of get what those Spartans are going through and the emotions they’re having. You also know that they have a strong merit code that they all obey to until the minute they die.

I’m a sucker for messages in film. I think every film has a message whether internationally or not. 300 sends out a beautiful one. This is one of the reasons that the plot of the film works so well. The filmmakers started exploring this message with the reason Leonidas decided to fight the Persians, the merit code Spartans always talk about, and the ending. The ending of this film is perfect. It left a good impression of the film and left a very inspirational message.

300 is a slow action film. It takes its time to explain the plot, build the story, and build the tension. Do not watch this movie expecting a mindless action movie without a story. I will say this again. The story of this film is a simple one. But they explored the concept of the film really well. The story is moving and by the end of the movie you will be sad and happy at the same time.

I recommend anyone to watch this film. It’s a guy movie but a woman can certainly enjoy the film. It’s a memorable action movie you will enjoy and have fun with that will stick with you for its originality in terms of the visuals. It will also stick with you for the good story and the iconic characters. I love this film and enjoyed it very much. THIS IS SPARTAAAAAAAA!!!!!!!