300

Honor. Glory. Duty. History. Gore... and Goat-headed Minstrels.

Of the 22 films on my 2007 (potential) blockbusters list, I've now seen three - and have decided not to see at least one of them (Smokin' Aces got Gigli-like reviews): Blood Diamond, a rousing and well-made film about the conflict diamond situation in Africa, Rocky Balboa, a touching tribute and fitting farewell to our favorite palooka, and now...

300, the latest adaptation of graphic novelist Frank Miller's creation based on the legendary Battle of Thermopylae. Championed by its makers as "Gladiator meets Sin City," the cinematic rendition of 300 is ferociously loyal to its bronze-and-crimson-colored graphic predecessor.
As Persian emperor Xerxes descends on Greece in 480 BC, the Spartan king Leonidas (played by Glasgow's own Gerard Butler), musters his army of 300, forbidden by custom and religion,
to Thermopylae to defend the "Hot Gates" against the vast invading force.

This opulent, brutal and bloody declaration of discipline and belligerence may be far removed from the reality of the actual battle (although some historians number the invading force at 1 million, others claim that the Persian army consisted of no more than 200,000), Leonidas and company did face laughably overwhelming odds. 300 recounts the country's finest hour. Spartans have long been heralded as the fiercest warriors the world has ever known, but it was at Thermopylae that they earned their eternal glory.

Cinematically, the film vacillates back and forth between classic Greek mythology and MTV's Headbangers Ball, complete with heavy metal accompaniment. Essential to the character's portrayal, Butler is convincing as a formidable leader of men, barking orders, smack-talking, inspiring confidence, leading from the front, and laying waste to several battalions' worth of the enemy. Leonidas - imperial, defiant, and lethal when provoked - may not be complicated, but Butler has every bit the conviction and charisma of [Gladiator's] Maximus Aurelius.

With all of its testosterone and bravado, director Zack Snyder does inject a little oestrogen by way of Queen Gorgo (Lena Headey). Although only glimpsed in Miller's graphic novel, Snyder extends her character in the film's rendition - never more so than in her heartfelt speech to the Spartan assembly (I'm told that theaters in the U.S. cheered at her slaying of antagonist, Theron).

Nothing is more epic nor inspiring than the tradition of the defiant David standing up to the all-powerful Goliath - Homer knew it (The Iliad); Leonidas knew it; Frank Miller knew it; and after watching 300, you'll know it too. You may not have the opportunity to truly connect with or care deeply for the noble warriors that lose their lives in this celebrated battle, but you'll have one helluva good time watching one of the greatest stories ever told.

McRating: 9.0

Blood Diamond - 8.0
Rocky Balboa - 7.0