300: Gripping Saga of Guts and Glory
Frank Miller Spins Manly Tale of Spartan Battle

Bathed in guts and glory, a newborn work of art comes wriggling into the world; 300, the latest Frank Miller graphic novel turned movie, is a fantastic journey of awe and blood.

In 480 BC, Sparta is under attack. King Leonidis (Gerard Butler) is faced with an ultimatum: surrender to the alleged Persian Man-God, Xerxes, and go against every Spartan instinct and custom, or, the Persian Army, which is so vast and deadly that it has crushed every obstacle in its path. The choice is an easy one.

Leonidis leaves his beloved Queen (Lena Headey) and city to defend his country, and his freedom, with only 300 men against the tens of thousands of Persians that have gathered on the Grecian coastline. What follows is a fierce battle to the bitter end; full of copious blood spatterings and mind-blowing displays of manliness.

Director Zack Snyder (Dawn of the Dead, circa 2004) has already proved himself to be a master of the gore, but has also risen to the occasion as the writer of 300. The dialogue is made up of passionate monologues and quotable one-liners; perfect for the comic book setting. “Enjoy your breakfast, for tonight we dine in Hell!” bellows King Leonidis, and, with one line, hushes the audience with characteristic Spartan ferocity.

Gerard Butler has an unfaltering dignity that extends from his rock-hard abs to the violent sneer on his face. Melodrama is the weapon, holding true to the film’s comic book beginnings, and Butler wields it like a pro.

Lena Headey, as the Spartan queen, is equally as hardened; the queen is faced with betrayal in the king’s absence and Headey’s performance, with her powerful words and noble appearance, is worthy of the title “Spartan.” Her adversary is the scheming Dominic West as Theron, a political figurehead of Sparta. His performance is deliciously slimy and properly lacking in morals, making an easily hated villain.

But not even the commendable acting and clever writing can hold a candle to the amazing effects. Extravagant is the only way to describe each scene; adorned with heavily pierced men, mountains of dead bodies, and sensual dancers. 300 is truly a treat for the eyes, and the gripping plot is a major perk.

Overall, the appeal of 300 is the brutish masculinity. There is no room for wimps in the Spartan army, and the same standards are held for the audience. 300 is a simple tale of honor and glory; there are no complicated plot twists, and there is no in-depth character development; just a powerhouse journey through the strength of mankind and his love of freedom.

300 is rated R for graphic battle sequences, some sexuality, and nudity. It is currently playing at Regal Cinema in Boone.