Modern film adaptations of the comic books about superheroes represent interesting subjects for the analysis. The film “300” is a 2007 action, war, and fantasy picture that depicts the Battle of Thermopylae. This fight occurred in the period of the Persian Wars between Persia and Greece. The film was directed by Zack Snyder, and the production company was Legendary Pictures Virtual Studios. “300” is a well-known movie. The budget was $65 million and the box office comprised more than $450 million.
The director of the film is Zack Snyder, who is the producer, director, and screenwriter at the same time. He is reputed for making scientific and action movies. Snyder was born in 1966 in Wisconsin, USA. His debut commenced with the picture “Dawn of the Dead” in 2004. Since that time, Snyder became famous for creating film adaptations of various comic strips. In 2009, he released “Watchman” and made “Man of Steel” in 2013. Two more comics’ adaptations will be ready in two years (“Zack Snyder” par. 1).
Frank Miller is the author of the comic series. He created it in 1988 under the same title. Zack Snyder became inspired by Miller’s work and produced a movie based on the described story.
The action takes place in 480 BC during the Persian Wars. Together with his warriors, Kind Leonidas leads his substantially unnumbered army to fight against King Xerxes (“300” par. 1). King Leonidas is the central character of the film. Gerald Butler plays his role with remarkable mastery. King Leonidas was a real person. He was famous for his courage and wisdom. King Leonidas faced a challenging task — the struggle with the most powerful army of those times (“King Leonidas of Sparta and the Legendary Battle of 300 at Thermopylae” par. 5). Lena Headey, David Wenham, and Dominic West played the other roles in the picture.
The story begins with the description of the life of King Leonidas — since childhood till the time when he becomes the King of Sparta. After the refusal to surrender to Kind Xerxes and killing his ambassador, Leonid prepares for the fight. The King has a plan of how to fight the army. Nevertheless, Ephors forbid Leonidas to fight. He disobeys and gathers 300 his best soldiers. One physically deformed man, Ephialtes, wants to be a soldier, but the King refuses to accept the weak. Ephialtes needs revenge and betrays Leonidas by telling his plans to Xerxes. As a result, 300 Spartans fight till the last drop of blood and die in the battle.
According to Pagello, the film represents a successful unity of audiovisual effects (Pagello, par. 1). The film’s idea is significant from the conceptual perspective. Plato described the ideal people in his “Republic”. The Spartans were the only people who could be compared to the ideal. They were physically strong, and they realized the importance of their freedom (Custodio par. 1). Their beliefs in democracy and liberty were indestructible, and they were ready to die for them (“What is the Purpose of “300” as a Concept” par. 12).
I recommend watching this movie for several reasons. First, it is based on real historical facts. The story closely resembles historical events, and that is why it is interesting. Second, “300” is a story that elevates the human’s physical and mental power. Third, the plot is exciting, the whole picture is vivid. It combines the elements of various genres. That is why it is worth watching.
Works Cited
300. n.d. Web.
Custodio, Lee 2014, 300, Movie Analysis vis-à-vis Plato’s Utopian Society. Web.
King Leonidas of Sparta and the Legendary Battle of 300 at Thermopylae 2015. Web.
Pagello, Federico 2013, From Frank Miller to Zack Snyder, and Return: Contemporary Superhero Comics and Post-classical Hollywood. Web.
What is the Purpose of “300” as a Concept 2013. Web.
Zack Snyder. n.d. Web.