300 (2006) 
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Starring:
Director:
Genres:
Languages:
English
Reviews:
Released:
Monday, October 01, 2007
Based on the graphic novel by Frank Miller and Lynn Varley, 300 takes over the screen like an invading horde. With all the gushing blood of a horror movie and the scope of a classic epic, the second film from Zack Snyder (who helmed the 2004 remake of DAWN OF THE DEAD) is an impressive visual spectacle. Gerard Butler (THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA) plays Leonidas, the king of ancient Sparta. The city is famous for its warrior philosophy, and Leonidas won't kneel to the demands of Persia's King Xerxes (LOST's Rodrigo Santoro). Instead, Leonidas leads his 300-strong army against Xerxes's army of millions. Meanwhile, his wife (Lena Headley, THE BROTHERS GRIMM) campaigns in Sparta for the city to send reinforcements as she butts heads with the treacherous Theron (Dominic West, THE WIRE). With its gore and scale, 300 marks director Snyder as a possible successor to Peter Jackson's throne. Jackson also got his start in horror with BAD TASTE and DEAD ALIVE, and the two men share a penchant for ambitious battle scenes. The huge fights in 300 rival Jackson's efforts in the LORD OF THE RINGS films. David Wenham, who starred in two of the Tolkien-based films, plays Dilios, one of the Spartan soldiers. Though the cast doesn't boast any A-list stars, the actors ably fill their larger-than-life roles. In a film filled with men, Headley stands out as Queen Gorgo. She matches her warrior husband in strength, while showing love toward Leonidas and their son. Though there are scenes that demonstrate the humanity of the characters, 300 is undeniably about bravery and blood, and it succeeds because of the stylish depictions of both.
The Last King Of Scotland
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Truly amazing
Tom from Wicklow, 05 Oct 2007
Looking for a history lesson? Well this isnt it. Sure the story is there but this is a true masterpeice on how to convert a comic into a movie. It is filled with set scenes & imagery & is extremely enjoyable. I would warn you that it is very violent & gory in places but is done with a adult comic veneer over it. The acting is good (never realised the Spartans all talked like the scots!) & indeed i spotted Bormir from LOTR fame among them. If you like the battles from LOTR, this is for you!A+
7 people out of 10 found this review helpful
In-frickin-Tense!!
Ciaran from Dublin, 18 Oct 2007
A piece of modern art, in a good sense, '300' is a feast for the senses. Immersive to a fault, the visuals suck you in and you are there with these free citizen-soldiers as they fend off a mighty army of slaves. The fight scenes are exceptionally choreographed and there is no jumpy camara hiding the action - it is there for all to see in all its vicious glory. And glorious it truly is! A movie to savour on the biggest screen and loudest sound system you can find.
5 people out of 6 found this review helpful
If you're a Gladiator and Braveheart fan...
Wayne from Kildare, 05 Dec 2007
This is an epic film with unrelenting action from word "go". Admittedly not on the same level as Gladiator or Braveheart, but then it didn't have the same budget either. The story of the Spartans is one we all learned from a very early age at school and thank God they have finally done it justice on screen. An excellent depiction of the courage and strength these guys had, fighting to the death in incredible adversity. I don't want to over-hype it though because you may end up expecting too much
4 people out of 6 found this review helpful
This ... is ... RUBBISH
Brian from Louth, 08 Apr 2008
Waste of time...
This is a film without characters or story.
A tale without dialogue or narrative.
It's a video game without controls.
What's the point?
Essentially, all Spartans are MAD and are REAL MEN who SHOUT and FIGHT. A LOT, OK? All Persians are SAVAGES, with LOTS of jewellery.
Pity, the style is great & if they had included some story and proper characterisation it could have been great. Read "Persian Fire" instead.
4 people out of 9 found this review helpful
300 seconds...
Ginger from Dublin, 31 Mar 2008
Yes, 300 seconds was about as long as I watched this. Just couldn't get into the spirit of it, which was weird because I thought I might like it when I saw the trailers. It's not my usual type of film, but neither was Sin City & I ended up loving that, so thought I would like this. A minute or 2 in, I just couldn't cope with the overall look of it & tried several more times to watch, but just wasn't feelin the vibe. I'm sure it's great if you're in a very particular mood, but not for everyone.
3 people out of 8 found this review helpful
Rubbish.
Caroline from Laois, 24 Apr 2008
Over rated. Over done. Over in 5 mins had I not believed the hype and watched it all. Watched it with himself. We both waited for ages to see this and wasted a whole night watching this utter scutter when we could have been watching Mega Machines on Discovery. Honest to God, I loved the ad for it, thought is would be the Bee's Knees, but it was more like the slug's ass - slow, dull and useless... Since when did spartan leaders have Scottish accents??? Did I say it was rubbish yet? Rot!
3 people out of 6 found this review helpful
Disappointing
John from Meath, 18 Apr 2008
Doesn't live up to the hype. Quite boring and the pecs take away from the credibility.
3 people out of 4 found this review helpful
300
James from Limerick, 02 Dec 2008
Spartan few kick some Persian butt in a comic-book re-telling of the Battle of Thermopylae. Warning, testosterone will ooze from your TV in a fashion that would shame Russell Crowe.
Fanciful and loose with the facts, but if this is what it takes to keep this important war against the barbarian hordes in the collective consiousness in these difficult times, then bring on the sequel.
Best bits? Queen Gorgo's rousing speech, and Leonidas relieving Xerxes of one of his ears.
0 people out of 2 found this review helpful
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