300 - Zack Snyder (2006)

Subject: 300 - Zack Snyder (2006) Mon Mar 10, 2008 11:50 am

(IMDB)

Quote :: 300 is a 2007 film adaptation of the graphic novel 300 by Frank Miller, and is a fictionalized retelling of the Battle of Thermopylae. The film is directed by Zack Snyder with Frank Miller attached as an executive producer and consultant, and was shot mostly with bluescreen to duplicate the imagery of the original comic book.

Spartan King Leonidas (Gerard Butler) and 300 Spartans fight to the last man against Persian 'God-King' Xerxes (Rodrigo Santoro) and his army of over one million soldiers, while in Sparta, Queen Gorgo (Lena Headey) attempts to rally support for her husband. The story is framed by a voice-over narrative by the Spartan soldier Dilios (David Wenham). Through this narrative technique, various fantastical creatures are introduced, placing 300 within the genre of historical fantasy.

300 was released in both conventional and IMAX theaters in the United States on March 9, 2007, and on DVD, Blu-ray and HD DVD on July 31, 2007. The film broke box office records, although critics were divided over its look and style. Some acclaimed it as an original achievement, while others criticized it for favoring visuals over characterization and its controversial depiction of the ancient Persians.

SPOILERS

Quote :: The Spartans inspect each infant born to ensure it is whole - if it is defective, the baby is destroyed. They raise their boys in the school of hard knocks - in combat training, a small boy's loss of his weapon earns a bloody lip from the hand of his own father. At age 7, each young boy is torn from his mother and makes his own way in the wilderness, to return a man. Even the King endures this rite of passage. At age 15, young King-to-be Leonidas (Tyler Max Neitzel) lures a wolf into a narrow passage so that he can kill it. He returns to civilisation as a King.

A Persian emissary visits Sparta. King Leonidas (Gerard Butler) refuses to make Sparta part of King Xerxes (Rodrigo Santoro) empire, and kills the messenger. Later, as Xerxes army approaches, Leonidas must consult the oracles to obtain their favour before sending the Spartan army in battle. He explains his strategy (to repair the wall and defend at Hells Gate) to the uncaring priests. The word from the oracle (a drugged teenage girl who speaks in tongues to the priesthood) is not favourable. Leonidas leaves in anger, and we learn that the priests were bribed with Xerxes' gold via the Spartan traitor, Theron (Dominic West), to give a negative response.

Leonidas is reluctant to defy the corrupt clergy outright, but his wife (Lena Headey) encourages him to think outside the box. Leonidas elects to take 300 men as his "bodyguard" to the strategic location. His wife says goodbye, telling him to come back with his shield or on it, and gives him a necklace.

On the road they meet some allies, who are shocked that the Spartans are sending such a small force. Leonidas asks the professions of the allied army, who are craftsmen and artisans. He points out that he has brought more soldiers than they.

They arrive at Thermopylae, and strong storms destroy some of Xerxes fleet. However, it is only a small percentage of the massive army they will face.

Ephialtes (Andrew Tiernan), a horribly disfigured man, comes to see Leonidas to warn him of the goat path at the rear of his position. Ephialtes claims that his parents fled Sparta to save his infant life, and hopes to redeem them by fighting for Leonidas. However, he is unable to lift his shield high enough to properly defend his fellow warriors. Leonidas gently tells him to care for the fallen instead. Ephialtes fondest hopes are crushed.

An emissary arrives, and finds that the bodies of the previous scouting party now makes up part of the large rock wall. The Persian states that their arrows will blot out the sun, and the Spartans agree they will simply fight in the shade. The emissary's party is killed. The next visitor is Xerxes himself, but Leonidas refuses to bend the knee and worship his "divinity".

Xerxes sends his masked personal guard, "The Immortals", which name the Spartans also prove false. However, some of the brave warriors are killed, and it becomes clear that more will follow. Ephialtes goes to Xerxes, and agrees to show them the goat path in exchange for a uniform, along with promises of women and wealth.

When they learn they are betrayed, they know their fight is doomed. Leonidas sends one man home to tell Sparta what has happened.

Back in Sparta, Queen Gorgo has been trying to convince the council to send help to Leonidas. A friendly councilman arranges for her to speak, but explains that she will need Theron on her side. Theron agrees to help her if she will sleep with him - so she does. Naturally, in the council chamber he does not support her, but instead accuses her of adultery. However, she gets her revenge.

Surrounded by the Persian army, Leonidas removes his helm, drops his shield and falls to his knees. It would appear that he has given up. Suddenly he rises and hurls his spear at Xerxes. It rips the side of his cheek. Leonidas dies in a hail of arrows.

A year later, Sparta sends thousands of men and Xerxes is driven from Greece.

Ok, it's not the best movie I've seen but it was WAY better than Troy could ever hope to be.
The acting (and casting) was good, the story was ok, and the special effects were just bloody awesome!
I had a lot of fun watching this movie, as I'm sure you will, too.
300 - Zack Snyder (2006) Seal-1

Subject: Re: 300 - Zack Snyder (2006) Mon Mar 10, 2008 11:57 am

Haven't seen it yet, the reason why eludes me at the moment.

Oh, wait, I remember! It's because someone told me it's the best movie he's ever seen and that person isn't someone I trust in those matters Very Happy

Well...if you claim it to be good enough Zeehond, I'll give it a try Very Happy

Subject: Re: 300 - Zack Snyder (2006) Mon Mar 10, 2008 12:05 pm

It's not like the original 300 spartans, it misses the vintage feeling, but it's still good enough for a fun ride.

Subject: Re: 300 - Zack Snyder (2006) Thu Apr 10, 2008 9:54 am

Ok, I have seen it
Well, this it is like I expected: effects, effects and again effects but nothing more. shity scenario
Not much there.... It's also too overdone in my opinion
Didn't care much for it. Would give it 6/10 (just because some things are nicelly done)

Subject: Re: 300 - Zack Snyder (2006) Thu Apr 10, 2008 1:55 pm

It's a guy thing I guess :p

Subject: Re: 300 - Zack Snyder (2006) Wed Jul 30, 2008 8:04 pm

no, a gay thing Wink

:p

300 - Zack Snyder (2006) Gerard-butler-300-3

Subject: Re: 300 - Zack Snyder (2006) Wed Jul 30, 2008 8:06 pm

Killa wrote:: no, a gay thing :p

Subject: Re: 300 - Zack Snyder (2006) Thu Jul 31, 2008 4:31 pm

im not much into effects and stuff but even then it had its moments. it was real fun watching this movie time flew at light speed. not the best but enjoyable 7 upon 10

Subject: Re: 300 - Zack Snyder (2006) Sat Aug 16, 2008 11:59 am

Subject: Re: 300 - Zack Snyder (2006) Mon Aug 18, 2008 6:43 pm

Subject: Re: 300 - Zack Snyder (2006) Fri Aug 29, 2008 2:38 am

I got so bored watching this movie! Ok I have to admit the special effects were nice, but I hated the visual effect....everything looked so fake! And in horror/gore movies that are funny that's great but in action...no

4/10

Subject: Re: 300 - Zack Snyder (2006) Fri Aug 29, 2008 8:56 am

no sir, I didn't like it either! It's the kind of movie I usually instinctively avoid! Unfortunately enough, it was on Belgian commercial television some weeks ago, and I mysteriously out of the blue decided to watch it! So I did, well... for thirty lifewasted minutes that is! Neutral

and why does it look so undeniably... "fake"? Neutral

I didn't finish it... so I can't give it any quotation... good as well, because it would have probably been a depressing low rating!!!

a good example of "not my kinda thang!" Evil or Very Mad

Subject: Re: 300 - Zack Snyder (2006) Fri Aug 29, 2008 10:23 am

labrat wrote:: for thirty lifewasted minutes that is!

And then you went on to watch "Return of the 300 feet Spartan: the softerotic cut"? Razz

Subject: Re: 300 - Zack Snyder (2006) Fri Aug 29, 2008 11:30 am

pornologic wrote:

labrat wrote:: for thirty lifewasted minutes that is!

And then you went on to watch "Return of the 300 feet Spartan: the softerotic cut"? Razz

no, Pan's Labyrinth actually!

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