IN DEPTH

Nathan Morris and Sommer Tate

“We Spartans have descended from Hercules himself. Taught never to retreat, never to surrender. Taught that death in the battlefield is the greatest glory he could achieve in his life. Spartans: the finest soldiers the world has ever known.”
These words spoken best by King Leonidas (Gerard Butler) himself in the phenomenal action-adventure film “300.”
Originally a graphic novel by Frank Miller, “300” is the epic war story, loosely based on Spartan events during the 480 B.C. Battle of Thermopylae.
Through beautifully choreographed war and battle scenes, 300 Spartan soldiers defeated thousands of Persians, immortals and creatures all in the name of freedom.
So the story goes, the 300 carefully chosen Spartans backed their king in the fight against slavery and tyranny, and most of all, the 300 Spartan soldiers fought against thousands to save their country.
Director Zack Snyder creates a movie of war, honor and throws in breathtaking computer generated images and special effects.
The film was primarily shot on a green screen, and the coloration, scenery and sounds set a new standard on green-screen or blue-screen films.
Snyder and Miller have created a film that will be talked about for years to come.
Directing
Nathan: When I first saw the preview for “300,” I was totally excited. But when I looked to see who the director was going to be, I was a bit skeptical. Zack Snyder doesn’t have a huge resume, but now he does. “300” was magnificently directed. Snyder incorporated an aspect of war that many other directors leave out: brotherhood. Seeing as how it is one of the most important factors when going to war, directors usually have trouble forming a platonic relationship between characters and mainly focus on the blood and guts. But, Snyder turns the table on this one and makes what could of been a drawn-out flick one of the best films of the year.
Sommer: Honestly, I had never heard of Zack Snyder before “300.” Snyder has definitely made an impact on viewers now with his epic movie about the glory of Spartan warriors. Snyder’s focus on detail was incredible. The art of fighting was amazingly captured, as was the choice of characters and the overall tale of 300 men defending their freedom. Snyder showed viewers every angle of war, including love, honor, glory and death. I am impressed by Snyder’s film and look forward to his future films.
Acting
Nathan: “Who are the actors in ‘300’?” is one question I have been asked several times. To be honest, it doesn’t really matter if someone has an Academy Award, and that fact is proven in “300.” While I am sure Gerard Butler (King Leonidas) will be nominated for many awards, there were not any A-list actors or actresses. But, I am sure the future for the actors and actresses in “300” will be insanely bright. The actors who made up the Spartan army, acted as if they had been rehearsing and practicing for years. The acting is amazing, and it is one of the best factors of “300.”
Sommer: It is refreshing to see not necessarily brand-new faces, but not-so-familiar faces in a mega-hit film. The actors’ and actresses’ focus was clearly on their characters and they produced a killer performance. Gerard Butler (King Leonidas) has played several diverse roles. To go from the Phantom in, “Phantom of the Opera” to the mighty King of Sparta is quite a transition. David Wenham (Dilios), also seen in “Van Helsing,” gave the film somewhat of a comical relief. I believe the actors and actresses made this film what it is.
Plot/Plot Development:
Nathan: If you have seen one war movie, you have seen them all. Well, except for “Apocalypse Now.” But, “300” is unlike any war flick I have ever seen. Like I said earlier, Snyder covers aspects of war that are not easily captured. The plots of war stories are usually the same, but “300” incorporates a greater feeling into the plot to make the development and the overall plot unique and well-produced.
Sommer: I, am not fond of war movies because it is mostly about someone getting mad at someone, and now we must fight over who is right and it is the same old story. I was happy that Snyder not only focused on the warriors, but also on their families. Women were not left out of the picture, and were respected in Sparta. Children were their future and were realized for their potential. War was fought not just for the Spartan warriors but also for their families, land and everyone’s’ freedom.
Fight Sequences:
Nathan: Holy crap. The fight scenes in “300” are like a ballet of death. Seriously. The soldiers are graceful in their brutality and emotionless when in battle, and they have more compassion and trust in their fellow soldiers than most families have today. The battle scenes were gracefully and epically choreographed and really made the movie what it is.
Sommer: The fight scenes were ungodly! Each scene was just breathtaking. Watching the way the fighters moved was like watching ESPN highlights where you only see the best plays of the night or the most outrageous moments, except every move was highlight-worthy. The fight scenes really got you into the moment and took you by surprise.
Visual Effects/CGI:
Nathan: This movie was probably terribly boring for the actors and actresses. IMDB.com noted that 1,300 of the 1,500 cuts of this film were on a green screen. Which means none of those rocks, dead bodies, elephants, mountains or cliffs were real. But, I don’t really care if it was fun for the actors, the special effects, screen work and the slow-motion-effects blew my mind. The special effects and coloration give off this vintage felling, which sends you back in time. The visual effects creators have created something that many artists will copy, for sure.
Sommer: I have to say I wondered about the fact that the movie was CGI. I did not know how the picture would be or how the fight scenes would be. However, I was hooked immediately! The picture is amazing, all the scenes are enhanced and it is absolutely mesmerizing. The images looked real and the time period was really captured and looked realistic.
Originality:
Nathan: I consider myself to be well educated when it comes to music and movies. Honestly, I think this movie makes the 480 B.C. Battle of Thermopylae original. Some aspects may derive from other films about the event, but I am willing to bet, that “300” holds its own when it comes to originality.
Sommer: Are you kidding me? Originality is the name of the game with this film. Each warrior is original from fighting techniques to costumes. The characters have their own identities in the film and hold their own places. The locations are original and well-described. The form of fighting is beyond original and deserves appreciation.
Choreography:
Nathan: I have mentioned a lot about the choreography in “300,” and that’s all I wish to mention. I think the choreography in the film is one of its greatest achievements. For the first time, well, not really the first time ever, emotions are choreographed, and the rest you must see for yourself. I don’t want to spoil anything, but prepare to get blood drunk.
Sommer: The choreography made the movie. It set it apart from other movies and got the audience’s attention. I could not believe how many times I got goosebumps just watching the movements of the actors and actresses. Without the extensive choreography, the movie would not be a smash hit.
Sound/Music:
Nathan: The sound and music in “300” is more epic than the movie. It adds so much emotion and feeling into the movie and captivates as much as it motivates. Be sure to select your theater according to its speakers, seriously.
Sommer: The sound was mind-blowing. It made the scenes more intense and captured the moment perfectly. I was impressed by the sound and music chosen for the film. It truly complemented the Director’s vision for the film.
Overall/Rating:
Nathan: This is the first time this year I have felt good about new movies. There are too many movies about someone or something getting possessed, exorcisms, haunted houses and people seeking vengeance. This is a breath of fresh air for the movie industry. If the saying weren’t completely cliché and overused, I would give this film a 11 out of 10. So, I will just give it an A+.
Sommer: I would have to agree with Nathan, this is a must-see for the year. Also, if you are worried that you are not knowledgeable about the story, have no fear, because the movie is easy to follow and easy to understand. “300” marks a new dawning for movies, and new competition for future movies. “300” will stand above all movies and stand out from all war movies. I give the movie an A++ for originality, plot, storyline and outstanding actors and actresses. May Spartans live on!