300 - Battle for Freedom

300 is movie that tells the story of freedom and liberty, struggle for pride and dignity. Set in the era of 480 B.C., 300 narrates the story of the 300 Spartan warriors led by their King Leonidas (played by Gerald Butler) who stand up against a million Persian army awaiting to conquer Sparta.

The movie begins with the arrival of Persian messenger trying to persuade King Leonidas to surrender without war. King kills him. According to Spartan rules, he has to go to evil god to consult on war because no Spartan Kings had begun war without consulting the evil god. But already bought by Persian Empire, they predict that going to war means destruction and END of Sparta. So Sparta refuses King Leonidas's request of war against Persia. So King Leonidas supported by his 300 warriors went to defend Sparta against nearly million Persian armies.

Then the battle begins which is a technically accomplished series of fight scenes. The visuals themselves, even when not involving bloodshed or carnage, are a sight to behold. Much like the previous Miller adaptation Sin City, 300 was made with generous help from all digital environments. At last 300 people kills as many Persians as anyone can think beyond. King Leonidas and his 300 warriors are perished by Persian army but the war makes Spartans realize the beauty of freedom and dignity. So Sparta goes to war and the movie ends.

There’s plenty of blood and body parts being chopped off and some of the best choreographed fight scenes on film, but it’s all stylized. Use of stop-motion to capture specific moments during battle helps the film achieve a painting come to life tone. The steamy scene of King Leonidas and Queen Gorgo acts as balance for the violence (though was for few seconds or Cinema Hall cut it dunno). Movie has shown many mythical character that might not exist at all (like man who is more like creature or creature with blades as arms etc.). It has also shown use of gun powder by Persian Army even (though I don't know whether use of gun powder dates back to that period?). Despite all these, movie is excellent.

Acting wise, everyone has delivered superb performance of bringing ancient history alive onscreen. As King Leonidas, Gerald Butler has delivered real leadership. Butler makes Leonidas into a fully fleshed out character and not just a fighting machine. Lena Headey’s equally terrific as the tough Queen Gorgo. She's sensual as lover and tough as Queen. Director Zack Snyder has created a movie that works on many different levels. Mesmerizing and breathtaking, 300 is surely No. 1 Action Movie of this year. Overall 300 is a must see movie.

Photo: Agencies