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Troll Lord · Post by **Troll Lord** » Mon Mar 12, 2007 1:58 pm

Okay, I'll say it. That movie was flawless! I loved every scene, line and moment of the film. Of course, it doesn't hurt that I think our species achieved its highest pinnacle of evolution in the Spartans...everything since then has been a slow decline into a morass of self-serving intellectual clap trap.
Movie rocked folks! Check it out!

Steve
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Omote · Post by **Omote** » Mon Mar 12, 2007 3:34 pm

Good flick. I liked it very much. This movie will be another reason that Frank Miller is the hottest ticket in Hollywood right now.

.....................................................Omote

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Tadhg · Post by **Tadhg** » Mon Mar 12, 2007 4:27 pm

I've been reading a lot more good reviews of the movie and will rent it when it comes out on DVD.
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Ghul · Post by **Ghul** » Mon Mar 12, 2007 8:25 pm

It's a D&D field trip for my group tomorrow night. Rarely do we skip out on D&D to go do something else, unless it involves lots of booze and scantily clad women. And with our wives and children and schedules, those days disappeared about 10 years ago! Doh!

--Ghul

DangerDwarf · Post by **DangerDwarf** » Mon Mar 12, 2007 8:35 pm

I'm not a fan of tv or even movies in general. Very rarely does something come out that makes me go, "I wanna see that!"

This however, I definitely am eager to see. But, I'm not a movie goer either so when it comes out on DVD? I'm damn sure getting it.

miller6 · Post by **miller6** » Tue Mar 13, 2007 6:10 am

Was really looking forward to it. Saw it. Suprisingly, I was disappointed. Acting was fine. BUT...The strategies of the battle were mostly left out. LEFT OUT! For that reason alone, I enjoyed the recreation on the history channel more. And the directors idea of a phalanx was no phalanx, just a bunch of guys running every which way.

It was clear that the author hadn't done his homework on the battle.

Visually, it had a number of eye candy moments, but for such an epic historical battle, IMHO the details are at least as important as the artistic interpretation.

Brian
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Lurker · Post by **Lurker** » Tue Mar 13, 2007 11:50 am

Quote:
Okay, I'll say it. That movie was flawless! I loved every scene, line and moment of the film. Of course, it doesn't hurt that I think our species achieved its highest pinnacle of evolution in the Spartans...everything since then has been a slow decline into a morass of self-serving intellectual clap trap.

Movie rocked folks! Check it out!

I SOOOO AGREE! on both the movie & the morass!
I almost talked my NCOIC into coming with his oldest son (13 years old, but his mom keeps him a bit sheltered & this is coming from a Southern Baptist Okie...) I'm so gald he had something else to do, boy his mom would have killed me!

Quote:
The strategies of the battle were mostly left out. LEFT OUT! For that reason alone, I enjoyed the recreation on the history channel more. And the directors idea of a phalanx was no phalanx, just a bunch of guys running every which way.

Normally I'm the guy that is the first to point out historic problems -the romans carried their swords on the other side, etc- but when I heard this was based on the grapic novel instead of the historic events I turned off the historic part of my brain and just ran with the enjoyment of movie.
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Omote · Post by **Omote** » Tue Mar 13, 2007 1:11 pm

There is no way you can compare this flick to any historical element, as this movie was supposed to be a fantastical intrepretation of historic events. Even the TV spots showed tons of fantasy. Nobody should have been under the delusion that this flick was anything else.

However, if one didn't pay attention to the "hoopla" surrounding this fantasy, then I could see how one could feel mislead.

..............................................Omote

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Troll Lord · Post by **Troll Lord** » Tue Mar 13, 2007 3:48 pm

miller6 wrote:
Was really looking forward to it. Saw it. Suprisingly, I was disappointed. Acting was fine. BUT...The strategies of the battle were mostly left out. LEFT OUT! For that reason alone, I enjoyed the recreation on the history channel more. And the directors idea of a phalanx was no phalanx, just a bunch of guys running every which way.

It was clear that the author hadn't done his homework on the battle.

Visually, it had a number of eye candy moments, but for such an epic historical battle, IMHO the details are at least as important as the artistic interpretation.

Well if you historical accuracey for any movie you are not going to enjoy it. The history channel suffers from the same problems. I watched one of their barbarian shows a few months ago about the battle of Chalons between the Huns and Romans and listened to the historian talk of the two armies of tens of thousands of men clashing. his remark was something like all of these thousands and thousands of young men, scared and unsure of their future were having spontaneous bowel movements from the shock. i about had a bowel movement laughing so hard. first the idea that these men in that age were unused to such warfare, death and suffering and then at the idea of 100,000 crapping their pants at the same time in the same place...THAT BATTLE WOULD HAVE ENDED INSTANTLY!!!!!!
Steve
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Post by **Breakdaddy** » Tue Mar 13, 2007 3:49 pm

Twas a really good flick. I, too, went in to this movie knowing that they were not going for historical accuracy so I was not dissapointed. When you have a 7 and a half foot tall Xerxes running an army where the immortals are monstrous humanoids you should have the first clue as to the moviemaker's perspective.

Omote · Post by **Omote** » Tue Mar 13, 2007 4:42 pm

Did the Immortals in 300 remind anybody else of 80's ninja movie series called, American Ninja? It sure did for me. And as a fan of said series, I swear there were some battle scenes in 300 that were movie-for-movie coreographed on the same manner.

I'm just saying.

....................................................Omote

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Orpheus · Post by **Orpheus** » Tue Mar 13, 2007 4:52 pm

Omote wrote:
Did the Immortals in 300 remind anybody else of 80's ninja movie series called, American Ninja? It sure did for me. And as a fan of said series, I swear there were some battle scenes in 300 that were movie-for-movie coreographed on the same manner.

I'm just saying.

....................................................Omote

FPQ

American Ninja, huh? I was hoping for more of a Gymkata flavor.

Omote · Post by **Omote** » Tue Mar 13, 2007 5:08 pm

That would be in the 300 sequel... which BTW, the stuido is seriously considering based on the amazing weekend 300 had at the box office. Seriously.

...............................................Omote

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Orpheus · Post by **Orpheus** » Tue Mar 13, 2007 5:17 pm

Oh I wouldn't doubt that a sequel is being drafted as we speak. "Biggest March Opening Ever," according to the Drudge Report. One massive weekend haul is enough to convince the studios that a sequel is justified if they think that even with diminishing returns they'll come out on top. I just wonder what they will do for the sequel.

Omote · Post by **Omote** » Tue Mar 13, 2007 5:48 pm

They could follow the David Wenham character as he returns with the armies of Sparta to meet the onslought of the Persian army that finally bested the 300.

........................................Omote

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Troll Lord · Post by **Troll Lord** » Tue Mar 13, 2007 6:51 pm

They could pick up after the Athenians defeated the Persians at Sea, but left the Easterners in control of Attica. Then the Spartans, Tageans, Athenians and others gather for the battle of Platea! That would be sweet!

two and one half hours on that battle alone! now that would be sweet! lol

Steve
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rabindranath72 · Post by **rabindranath72** » Tue Mar 13, 2007 7:03 pm

Did not like the dichotomy Persians=Evil, Spartans=Good.

Even on the website, there is a mention of "spartans fighting for democracy", which shows a distinctive lack of historical "finesse". Spartans were all but democratic.
Well, I did not expect an accurate historical reenactment, but they could have at least not gone on some roads...

Troll Lord · Post by **Troll Lord** » Tue Mar 13, 2007 7:24 pm

rabindranath72 wrote:
Did not like the dichotomy Persians=Evil, Spartans=Good.

Even on the website, there is a mention of "spartans fighting for democracy", which shows a distinctive lack of historical "finesse". Spartans were all but democratic.
Well, I did not expect an accurate historical reenactment, but they could have at least not gone on some roads...

Oh sure when the Romans Emperors are portrayed as evil and decadant, but single out the Persians its okay . . . . (I know you didn't say that was okay either, but I'm putting words in your mouth LOLOLOL)

This really didn't bother me. I can see where it can rub folks the wrong way (some Iranian cultural minister threw a *$&# fit today over it). I can also see where the blatantly favorable portrayal of militarism can upset folks as well. But on the other hand, I can see where a Persian victory in Greece may have extinguished representative government (assuming the Etruscans came by it through interaction with Greeks in Italy) forever and perhaps changed the course of political evolution (remember that during this battle and the following destruction of Athens and battle of Platae that the Persians had sent an army to Sicily to extinguish Greek colonies there). So in that respect the Persians are the n*z*s of the age, brutal conquerers led by an absolute monarch who were defeated by the extraordinary heroism and militarism of the Spartans and other Greeks who were defending a society that gave a voice to its people like no other in the Med. region).

And I have to say that the Persians were portrayed as very brave and the Immortals as valiant and hard fighting. Plus they looked really really cool!

Steve
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Brutorz Bill · Post by **Brutorz Bill** » Tue Mar 13, 2007 8:13 pm

I thought the movie Rocked as well. Great battle scenes, good stuff!!

Bill

Lurker · Post by **Lurker** » Wed Mar 14, 2007 7:27 am

First let me apologize in advance if I come out sounding arrogant, condescending or like I'm preaching from the top of a VERY LARGE soap box..... My wife tossed & turned all night last night (the baby due in 2 weeks was VERY active) which kept me awake & now that it is 04:00 & she has gone to work I can't sleep so things might come out harsher than I truly mean for it to.

Quote:
Did not like the dichotomy Persians=Evil, Spartans=Good.

Even on the website, there is a mention of "spartans fighting for democracy", which shows a distinctive lack of historical "finesse". Spartans were all but democratic.

The spartans were very democratic especially compared to the rest of the world, just not when compared to a few other ultra, almost insanely democratic greek cities. the limiting factor being that to be a citizen you had to be a soldier. yes they had other people in their city-state, artisans, merchants, slaves, but they didn't have a voice. Even the people with out a chance could work to get a voice for their children by becoming "little brothers" to the spartan elites. In our eyes that is not "good". Back then it is still closer to what I believe as a good rule.

there were how many countries, most of which bowed to persia, and even those that didn't would be happy to see the few greek cities conquered. so does the fact they had slaves and a limited form of democery mae them evil, or just a country that is ruthless in defending it's self no matter the cost?

Also why is it so popular today to not call something that is your enemy (historic or current) bad. Xeres wanted to crush ALL of greece, end greek thought & create a persian world. Not a bad idea if you are persian but truly what would that have done "western" civilization...... & Yes I believe the western civilization isn't perfect, but when compared to the near east it sure falls under the good side of the scale.

Back to the original line of the threat..... Great movie. They were actually able to make it appear like a moving "graphic novel" .

Again sorry about my rant...
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rabindranath72 · Post by **rabindranath72** » Wed Mar 14, 2007 8:56 am

The word "tyrant" was "invented" (and applied) by greeks...

Well, comparing persians to n*z*s seems a bit excessive. They were not mad, xenophobic assassins. They were after expansion of their empire, through politics, economics and war. Not much different from what many nations did in the past (france, england, etc.) and what some of today's nations still do as a rule.

What I did find disturbing about the film is this identification of western=good, eastern=evil.

It is a fantasy film, after all, so why going through this route?

It seems that the authors were trying to send a (bad) "political" message.

DangerDwarf · Post by **DangerDwarf** » Wed Mar 14, 2007 11:57 am

Epic movies must have a "bad" guy in it....period. It's in the rule book.

So, if there are 2 sides one WILL be portrayed as the bad guy. Folks shouldn't be offended, its just a movie.

It seems that every time there is some kind of quasi-historical movie with 2 opposing sides, one group of real people will get pissed about them being the "bad" guys.

I miss the good ol' days when bad guys where bad guys and only there for Chuck Norris to shoot up. No complaints, just gratuitous gunfire.

DangerDwarf · Post by **DangerDwarf** » Wed Mar 14, 2007 12:00 pm

Oh yeah...

Just for kicks, when Pathfinder comes out I'm going to raise hell about the evil portrayal of the vikings just to see how it feels.

Omote · Post by **Omote** » Wed Mar 14, 2007 12:40 pm

DangerDwarf wrote:
Oh yeah...

Just for kicks, when Pathfinder comes out I'm going to raise hell about the evil portrayal of the vikings just to see how it feels.

Oh, c'mon! Where's the fun in such an obvious argument! Pathfinder will be just like 300... ok, a lot worse about historical accuracy. BUT FUN!!! *hopes*

Check out the Pathfinder thread for a new one-sheet for the movie. The poster looks so awesome!

................................................Omote

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RPGmonk · Post by **RPGmonk** » Wed Mar 14, 2007 1:28 pm

This weekend my beautiful wife and I will be seeing 300 and having a nice dinner, sans children, for our 12 year anniversary! Its our annual "We-only-get-to-the-show-once-a-year" date!

I cannot wait to entertained by this movie, which is all I am asking for.

Peace

Zudrak · Post by **Zudrak** » Wed Mar 14, 2007 3:11 pm

miller6 wrote:
Was really looking forward to it. Saw it. Suprisingly, I was disappointed. Acting was fine. BUT...The strategies of the battle were mostly left out. LEFT OUT! For that reason alone, I enjoyed the recreation on the history channel more. And the directors idea of a phalanx was no phalanx, just a bunch of guys running every which way.

It was clear that the author hadn't done his homework on the battle.

Visually, it had a number of eye candy moments, but for such an epic historical battle, IMHO the details are at least as important as the artistic interpretation.

Brian

Thanks for the review, Brian. I saw most of that special on the History Channel the other night and was impressed. Sure, it wasn't a movie, but sometimes I actually like to learn when watching something.

Your review answered a question of mine: How does the History Channel feature stack up to the movie?
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Tadhg · Post by **Tadhg** » Wed Mar 14, 2007 4:17 pm

Lurker wrote:
The spartans were very democratic especially compared to the rest of the world, just not when compared to a few other ultra, almost insanely democratic greek cities.

Indeed, Sparta was more democratic is some areas than say Athens, certainly the most well known of the Greek City States. We must remember that democracy back then was in it's infancy and we can't necessarily compare it to modern societies or even to ancient Rome for that matter.

As I recall from my history lessons, there was very little if any democracy in Persia.

Now I'm not commenting on the movie or any politcal or historic understones as I didn't see it, but more so on the history of that particular time.

So, while democracy was present in Greece, that civilization as well as the Persian one were very militaristic and warring societies. Both had ambitious and strong leaders looking to build their empires - yeah that's what they did back then. LOL.
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johns · Post by **johns** » Wed Mar 14, 2007 5:00 pm

While I have, admittedly, never seen an Iranian movie made after the revolution (or before, for that matter), I have a feeling they focus on Iran=Good, West=Evil. That's just the way of things.

For that matter, much of what comes out of Hollywood is along the lines of West=Evil/Corrupt/Decadent/etc. In that light, "300" is probably a refreshing change.

Troll Lord · Post by **Troll Lord** » Wed Mar 14, 2007 5:16 pm

Hahaha Iran seemed to portray the West as good in their treatment of the n*z*s and the lack of a belief in the holocaust (didn't they just have a conference and invite that supreme idiots from LA to it, the KKK dude from New Orleans?)

Spartans certainly did not have a democratic society as we envision it. But it did allow men to vote and choose. Certainly it excluded hosts of folks, but so did our Republic in 1800. To my knowledge there were no other non-Greek cultures doing this except maybe some meso-american ones.

But that said, the movie rocked! Visual masterpiece. It met all my criteria which are: beautiful people doing extraordinary things. Love that line: "You cut off my arm!" "Its not your arm anymore!" haha And then scene with the arrows coming in was damn cool.

Steve
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Catweazle · Post by **Catweazle** » Wed Mar 14, 2007 8:25 pm

I can't agree with the "Spartans are the highest achievement of our species" line at all. "Slave-herding xenophobic fascists" is about the most polite terminology I can come up with.

What is it with the Spartan-worship these days, anyway? I mean, are we really saying that life is perfect when one lives in a militaristic, hyperfascist state? That an absolute monarchy is the best form of government? That keeping entire peoples subjugated, and preying upon them in acts of random mass-murder to keep them cowed is both natural and laudable? That women are inferior forms of life?

And this from an AMERICAN? What the Hell happened to "We hold these truths to be self-evident..." and "Liberty and Justice for All"?

Or doesn't anyone believe in these things any more?

Damn, I'm harping at people again. I don't come on here planning to do it, but some things just punch buttons with me. Look, just think about it, OK?
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