FanUnity B(uzz)log

Most historical epics are partially fictional but done with a very realistic flavor so as to make everything feel very authentic, such as with two of my favorite films of all-time, "Braveheart" and "Gladiator."  "300" doesn't bother trying to fool you into thinking it might be a realistic account of King Leonidas and his brave 300 Spartan warriors standing against a Persian army of thousands.

The movie is adapted from a comic-book and much like "Sin City", another comics-to-film adaptation sourced from Frank Miller material, it very much feels like a graphic novel put to screen.  In addition to sheer numbers the Persians bring 100 feet tall, 75 feet wide war elephants, deformed giants and otherworldly "Immortals" to support the conquest ambitions of their 9 feet tall emperor Xerxes.  "300" makes no false pretenses about the fact that it is a piece of fiction based on real events, and it is pretty powerful and fun.

I have only two real criticisms of "300." One is that it is almost too in love with its style and the style overtakes the substance at times.  The other is that it is almost completely devoid of a sense of humor and that becomes a bit draining at times.  Taken together, "300" is a bit self-indulgent, but all in all it works out as a good movie.

The performances in 300 are very good by a cast of lesser known actors.  Gerard Butler, who plays the ultimate warrior-king Leonidas, is very good. Lena Headley, who plays his queen, has an ethereal beauty in her revealing costumes and is a commanding presence whenever on-screen.  The plight of the 300 Spartans and the contingent of reluctant if equally brave in their own right Athenian artists-turned-soldiers that follows them is portrayed nicely by the cast's supporting role players including "Lord Of The Rings" actor David Wenham and Vincent Regan.

"300" is really an amazing treat to receive in the first quarter of the year, as the time is usually reserved for unappealing fare like "Norbit" or "Wild Hogs."  It is better than most summer blockbusters and deservedly shattered box-office opening numbers for a movie released in March.  Like "Road To Perdition" and "Sin City", "300" proves that comic-book based movies can be more than just supermen in tights.

4/5 Stars.