300: Film Adaptation of Frank Miller and Lynn Varley's Graphic Novel Sparkles with Sensational Visuals

"300", the film adaptation of Frank Miller and Lynn Varley's graphic novel sparkles with sensational visuals, an understanding of Spartan history, and great battle cinematography. Light on plot, "300" still is a gripping cinematic experience.

King Leonidas leads 300 Spartan soldiers and a contingent of Thespians (another Greek city-state) to Thermopylae to defend Greece from invading Persian forces. Led by King Xerxes, the Persians vastly outnumber the Spartans and the Thespians. Using powerful will, superior training and conviction the 300 bravely battle to protect Thermopylae and their homes.

The imagery in "300" is dazzling and exquisite. The over processed, high contrast, cepeatone-esque style gives an edgy allure that makes viewing a fascinating experience. The use of light and shadow is expressive. Angles are used to limit our information and to heighten the excitement of a scene. Use of start /stop motion and slow motion only add to the excitement of the film. The costumes were historical, powerful and beautiful. Special attention was paid to each of the costumes but the Persians' were outstanding. The Persian attire is ancestral but frightening and fascinating a modern audience. I sat mouth open through nearly the entire movie, overwhelmed by the visual splendor.

The movie breaks the Battle of Thermopylae up into several smaller battles, each with their own strategy. The battle scenes are expertly choreographed. The actors in "300" went though extensive training to not only look like Spartan soldiers but be strong enough to be Spartan soldiers. Their hard work paid off when scenes that are obviously physically demanding create skirmishes that leave you in awe. The writers wasted little time explaining strategy and instead choose to show the plans directly in a battle scenes.

The only aesthetics aren't just how the film is shot. "300" is a big bowl of delicious, crimson wrapped man candy. I wondered why their cloaks never dirty. Then I realized each of the soldiers wear a washboard. Handy, no? I admit, I spent a good deal of "300" thinking I wish I were the send off party. It's no surprise that Spartan married couples would hire Spartan soldiers to sire children, if they were as virile, athletic and dashing as the actors in the film. Don't worry men, there is just as much woman candy in the film.

There is no one exceptional cast member but the group works as a whole. Less like a collection of solo singers, their performances sound best as a choir. Spartan strength comes from the group and just as Spartan battle strategy, the actors of "300" work best when together. Each of the primary characters does have a personality, personal story and short interpersonal dramas. The character interactions are well written but they make up a minimal part of the story. Don't discount the characters back home either. Just when you count out Queen Gorgo, played by Lena Headey, she earns your respect. King Leonidas and Queen Gorgo's love story adds depth to both of the characters. A father and son story is loving and embattling.

I was disappointed that there is no context to the battle and little build up before the battle. King Xerxes of Persia had essentially taken over a large portion of the Asian continent, and parts of Europe and Africa. His army showed little mercy to the people who stood up to him, had no problem taking slaves, turning unwilling people into unwilling soldiers and killing people with reckless abandon. The threat of slavery and death was a real one, the battle of Thermopylae was important to every Spartan and Greek. In the movie when they speak of freedom, they aren't talking about the idea of freedom; they are talking about the physical bondage of slavery and the fear of death. I assume that the average movie go-er isn't well versed in ancient battle history. It would have been nice for director, writer Zack Snyder and writers Kurt Johnstad and Michael Gordon to fill in the audience of the true stakes.

"300" is a movie going experience. If you want to understand ancient history through a film, "300" is the wrong movie. If when you see this movie you want to see a beautiful film with excellent battle scenes and unprecedented style, "300" is for you.