300

Directed by Zack Snyder
Written by Frank Miller and Lynn Varley (graphic novel)
On general release from 23rd March 2007

Reviewed by Colin Serjent

Needless to say you can't take this film very seriously but I suppose that is the point. Nevertheless it is the first megabuck hit movie of the year with $70 million taken in its opening week in America.

Based on the graphic novel by Frank Miller, who is also co-producer, it draws upon similar CGI techniques as used in the adaptation of his Sin City story, released last year.

The 300 of the title are the number of Spartan warriors led by King Leonidas (played by Scottish actor Gerard Butler) who defended heroically against the marauding hordes of the Persian army, commanded by King Xerxes (Brazilian actor Rodrigo Santoro) in 480BC.

As for any historical accuracy contained within the film – forget it. What do you expect from Hollywood – the truth?

Although suffused with endless computer manipulations there are certain scenes that are breathtaking, notably the many tens of thousands of arrows propelled by the Persians at the Spartans. The density of them is such that they block out the fierce sun.

Inevitably the film is packed full of blood-laden battle scenes – killings come every two seconds or less – with the Spartans, inexplicably dressed for battle in only headgear, leather trunks and crimson red capes. They all have gleaming and swollen pecs – a homoerotic delight. Put female heads on their necks and they would be full bosomed women.

An erotic delight of another kind is found in the scenes inside a Persian brothel where delicious-looking women parade their wares at will.

Some people in America – those of the no brain kind – believe 300 is meant to be an incitement to war against Iran. They can't be serious. Yeah, and Tom and Jerry was an allegory of the Cold War.

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Comments:

Comment left by Kenn on 28th March, 2007 at 11:02
Tom and Jerry as an alagory of the cold war? There's definatly a thesis in that...

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