“This is SPARTA! ” A wolf… large, black, with eyes aglow as if smoldering coals, lurking in the shadows of the snowy, desolate terrain. A small boy… frail to the eye, but skilled in his combat, watching the wolf and how it looks at him thirsting for blood. If the boy wishes to return to his people he must utilize all the skills he has learned up into this point. To come back to his people of Sparta as a man is his only wish. He is scarcely dressed, probably cold and tired, but expressions of emotion elude his face.
With spear in hand he stalks the wolf as his prey. The boy waits for his perfect moment and takes out his target, honing his fear from deep within and using it to his advantage. Spartans are taught at a young to hone this fear, throughout 300 this is showcased. 300 tells the story of the Battle of Thermopylae in 480 B. C. Persians under the rule of King Xerxes have already taken over some of Greece’s city-states, and now threaten Sparta and Athens.
A messenger sent by Xerxes attempts to present King Leonidas of Sparta with two options: either have to sacrifice the well-being of Sparta or have it burn to the ground. With submission not being an option, Leonidas forms an army of 300 Spartan warriors to block the narrow passage of Thermopylae where Xerxes intends to reach Hellas. The 300 are accompanied by about 1,000 Thespians and Akkadians who protect the flanks of the passage, and combined, the forces manage to slay tens of thousands of Persians and prevent their entry into Hellas for several days.
However, Ephiattes, a reject of the Spartan Army gets his revenge by showing Xerxes a secret goat passage up the flanks of the Hot Gates. This movie depicts the epic last stand of the finest Spartan soldiers who are aware of their fate, but motivated by “honor and glory”, see the battle as their duty to protect the rest of Greece for as long as possible. All Spartans ultimately knowing that their deaths were upon them, but leaving behind a tale of victory and greatness.
Throughout the movie, moments stick out and really make an impact on viewers. Queen Gorgos, as a whole, is a very momentous character. She is a woman of ancient times who is not afraid to stand up for herself and really speak her mind. Her plot and story in the duration of the movie is one to really be followed. When the Persian messenger arrives and hears her speak he questions why she can she speak among men. With attitude she replies, “Because only Spartan women give birth to real men. ” After that it is known she is a powerful women.
Her husband, Leonidas leaves on bad terms with council and she must depend on Theron to sway council to send troops. He ends up taking advantage of her, and as he does this he whispers into her ear, “This will not be over quickly. You will not enjoy this. I’m not your King. ” At this point, it is thought Queen Gorgos’ fire has gone out. But you later find her stab and kill Theron in front of the council and as she did so she whispered in his ear, “This will not be over quickly. You will not enjoy this. I am not your Queen! ” Showing how seriously tough she is.
She is a truly inspirational woman who is willing to do whatever necessary to get what she wants and support her husband. The quotes found in this movie are quite deep and meaningful. So many can be professed as the best quote in the movie, but honestly the best and most inspiring through my eyes would have to be one of the last quotes in the movie. Helios said it as he was preparing to annihilate the Persians by leading 10,000 Spartans and 33,000 Greeks into the Battle of Platea, “Give thanks to Leonidas and the brave 300. TO VICTORY! This quote really sticks with the viewer in many ways. The first being, that it is said by Helios, who was sent back to Sparta by Leonidas to tell the story of the 300 who gave their lives for independence. Second, It was said before the Greeks went into the Battle of Platea, which they won, ultimately defeating the Persians and making Greece a more untied empire. Third, Helios was leading the army just as his king Leonidas had done which really stays with the viewer knowing Helios was following in beloved Leonidas footsteps.
Finally, this quote from Helios really shows that the epic story of the 300 Spartans led by King Leonidas pitted against the seemingly endless army of Xerxes all for Greece truly lives on. And will forever be told by generations to come. I would definitely recommend 300 to anyone who is interested in historical fiction or wants to see a movie the displays true valor and courage. The audience that would most enjoy this film would be those who have a love for history and the glory of battle, and also the comic book community since his version of the film is based on a popular comic book by Frank Miller. A wide audience could actually enjoy this film. This movie encompasses many theatric loves of many people, such as, history, love story, drama, battle, action and ever popular among males… gore. I enjoyed this movie greatly due to the fact of the historical undertone and the powerful love between King Leonidas and Queen Gorgos, where you see them defend each other and show their passion for one and other. This movie is a very well directed and holistically amazing.
