This is Madness!

I was really bored after class the other day, so I decided to watch a movie that everyone else had already watched months ago. One in which thousands of Persians are slain by a mere handful of Sparta's premier corp of elite soldiers. Yes, I decided to watch 300.

The movie starts out with a background of Leonidas' (the king of the Spartans) childhood history. In the ancient city-state of Sparta, every male citizen was part of the military, or the militia. They were trained from childhood to make the sword, spear and shield as much a part of their body as their hands and legs. They were trained to ignore pain and injury and to never give up. They were trained never to surrender. It was these childhood training sessions that bred such a stalwart character as Leonidas to lead the Spartans against the innumerable hordes of Persians.

So the story goes that the Persians want to invade Greece. The only way they can do this is by getting through this sea cliff area. At one point, the cliffs make a natural corridor about the width of 20 men side to side. It is here that the 300 elite Spartans make their stand. This is a very smart decision tactically because it is here that their Phalanx formation will work the best; nearly impenetrable from the front and protected from the sides and rear by cliffs. So the waves of Persians pour forth, and like waves breaking on rocks, are destroyed again and again.

Eventually, one traitor named Ephialtes betrays the Spartans by telling Xerxes (the Persian King) a way around the Hot Gates (the choke point used by the Spartans). The Persians go arround, and surround the 300 Spartans with thousands of archers and Immortals (the Persian Elite Guard). By this time, Leonidas knows that they are all going to die. He has accepted this, and so have his soldiers. In their valiant last stand, every last Spartan is shot down as their shields break, spears shatter and swords fail. Finally, Leonidas is left standing, with two arrows protruding from his chest. He roars one final time as a testament to the brave warriors he lived with. Then, the arrows fall.

This movie is technically impressive; the use of special effects and slow motion scenes are used to great effect. There's lots of blood and gore too, which might upset some viewers. As well, there is a short scene of nudity. However, this is a decent movie. I especially like it simply because it is historical and this actually did happen. Of course, they exaggerated the forces of the Persians in the movie, but it is still epic nonetheless. Just the sight of 300 men, willing to die with their King and leader totally struck me with awe.

I believe this is a movie worth seeing, but might not be appropriate for people that are squeamish or afraid of blood (yes, people's legs get chopped off).

Anyways, thats it for now. I wonder if they'll make a 300 2? But then that would be 600... hehe.

kamster