300

2007 • 116 minuten

Over deze film

The epic graphic novel by Frank Miller (Sin City) assaults the screen with the blood, thunder and awe of its ferocious visual style faithfully recreated in an intense blend of live-action and CGI animation. Retelling the ancient Battle of Thermopylae, it depicts the titanic clash in which King Leonidas (Gerard Butler) and 300 Spartans fought to the death against Xerxes (Rodrigo Santoro) and his massive Persian army. Experience history at swordpoint. And moviemaking with a cutting edge. MPAA Rating: R ©

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Based on the historically inspired graphic comic novel by Frank Welker, Zach Snyder (director/writer) and his crew brought this artistically illustrated old-fashioned trek to life, and it is absolutely stunning, especially with an irresistible exterior. The movie has a rich color palette to make the movie look grim, gritty, and ancient. As an artist myself, the cinematography is pleasing. The effects are such a doozy; the effects team uses visual effects, special effects, and animatronics for the movie, and they are a superb fusion of effects that blend in the backgrounds really well. What amazes me is that I did not realize that the whole movie was filmed on a soundstage in front of a green screen or a blue screen; the backgrounds look so realistic, that it is difficult to tell the difference between what is a real location and what is a green or blue screen effect. Wait a minute? Should this visually arresting film adaptation go into comparison with the beloved classic "Gladiator" that came out six years ago? It may spring from the same themes and genre, but it does not take place in Rome; it takes place in Sparta in Ancient Greece, and it is a celebration of war. Each state in Europe has kingdoms that are ruled by their dictators with different stories to tell. "300" has enough to distinguish itself to keep far away from Gladiator as possible to be an innovative stand-alone swords-and-sandals film. The movie starts with a grueling backstory of our main hero "Leonidas" who became king of Sparta. One day, a marauding tyrant named "Xerxes" sends his massive army of intimidating killers to conquer Sparta. Leonidas hired three-hundred soldiers to take on this monstrous army in the battle for glory and freedom. As a visual experience, it is spectacular, thanks to Zach Snyder's astounding direction. What makes the movie so incredible is that Zach has the special ability to put so much effort into the style, it overpowers the lack of substance to create a distraction, so that the viewers (most likely the fanboys) will have a blast with this sophisticated visual feast. The craftsmanship has what it takes to enhance each and every scene with excellent editing; the different speeds for the zoom-ins and outs, the striking screenplay, and the incredibly slick use of slow-motion. The tone is really dark and unforgettable with daunting sound effects. Another one of the most memorable aspects of the tone is the awesome score by Tyler Bates; it is a grand and intense score that intensifies the movie with dramatic vocals, thunderous percussion, bold brass, and a couple of heavy-metal instrumental cues. Of course, the rip-snorting action offers awe-inspiring thrills, thanks to the combination of the exceptional filmmaking on display, and the brilliant choreography of the actors fighting as they slice, thrust, and clobber any enemy that stands in the way. There are also a few unintentionally humorous moments, including a witty one-liner that I just can not resist laughing. The dialogue contains unforgettable lines that are smartly written. The characters are as memorable as the performances and costumes shown by the cast who played their characters. Gerard Butler is great as King Leonidas with his booming voice that can be heard by his entire army. He treats them as if they are his family. I can tell he really has faith in his loyal army, and his army counts on each other. David Wenham as Dilios is a loyal solider and more than that. Also, David's narration is gripping. Lena Heady is great as Queen Gorgo who is in charge of Sparta for political purposes like her King Leonidas. Andrew Tiernan plays the ugly yet sympathetic Ephialtes. Rodrigo Santoro is intimidating and creepy as King Xerxes. And Theron (Dominic West) is a sarcastic and power-hungry jerk. In conclusion: As a movie critic myself, I am considered a minor, but I adore this movie; It's highly entertaining, it's surprisingly innovative, "300" is a stylish, brutal, and haunting thrill ride that is full of adrenaline. Highly Recommended!

I saw this film at a cinema in Greece when it came out in 2007. It was exhilarating, and the passion of the Greek audience was profound. There are apparent exaggerations and fallacies in this film, and most of it is for effect. I grew up hearing about the tale of the brave 300. I even visited the site of Thermopylae and the statue of Leonidas that stands near it. I disagree with the vulgar and unfair portrayal of the Persians, they were not monsters; the ancient Persians were as advanced and as culturally rich as the ancient Greeks. Moreover, the portrayal of the Ephors is incorrect, and Ephialtes (which means nightmare) probably didn't look that way at all. Nonetheless, I was gratified seeing this film because Hollywood has made many ignorant and humiliating blunders attempting to portray the ancient Greeks and their culture. Modern Greeks feel alienated and misrepresented; their culture borrowed, stolen and reinterpreted by others for amusement. 300 is a highly stylized and subjective film, not an accurate account of historical events, but an action film that should be enjoyed without too much analysis or scrutiny.

Adrenalin fuelled, epic battles, done in an edgy Frank Miller comic book signature style. Makes me want to hit the gym everytime I watch it. I dont know how many times I kicked my grandson in the chest yelling "THIS IS SPARTA" P.S. I wouldnt watch this if I had to do a report on king Leonidas just like I wouldnt write about mythology by playing God of War. Its a movie not a documentary. It gets the jist of the storyine but like other movies it takes dramatic license.