Film Review: 300

Fighting, killing, and screaming: what more could a man want from a movie? 300, based on the Frank Miller graphic novel of the same name, focuses on these three qualities and delivers one of the most entertaining action movies in recent memory. The story is loosely based on the Battle of Thermopylae, where 300 Spartans held off the Persian army to allow a stronger army to form in defense of Greece.

The Frank Miller graphic novel is the source material of the film, and this is first evident in the visual style. With slow motion battle sequences and the camera panning over these near freeze-frames, there is a unique comic book influence. This influence is also seen in many shots that are lifted straight from the pages of the graphic novel. The film hovers just above reality, maintaining its fantasy feel while delivering the violence in spades.

From the towering Xerxes to the brash Spartan leader Leonidas, each character is full of life and exaggerated emotion, also true to the comic feel. The design and portrayal of the Spartans, the priests of the Oracle, members of the Spartan council, and many others are top-notch. The only oddity about the film is its hilariously random nudity. It seems to be thrown in just for good measure, as it adds nothing to the narrative or the already assured restricted rating.

The story does not take precedence over the violence, but the tale of the 300 Spartans is more than adequate. The narration and dialogue perpetuate the fantasy presence while moving the plot forward. There is a method to the madness of the rampant brutality, rather, the highly stylized and adrenaline-fueled rampant brutality. 300 is not for pacifists or the squeamish, but because of its over-the-top atmosphere the fighting remains enthralling rather than disturbing. The excellent camerawork and creative shooting also attribute to the success of the combat.

300 relies heavily on its engaging Spartan violence, but at the same time delivers on style, character, and even story. Though some of its final sequences are marginally disappointing, this abdominally absurd testosterone-fest of a movie is quite the cinematic action flick. 300 is exactly as promised: a violent mayhem of manliness.

9/10