Commuter

Issue date: 4/11/07 Section: Arts & Entertainment

Hollywood's list of blockbuster movies overwhelmed with historical inaccuracies became a little bit longer when "300" was released over the March 9 weekend.

"300" became the first blockbuster of 2007 with a $70 million opening weekend. It also broke "Ice Age: The Meltdown's" March opening record of $68 million.

Based on a graphic novel by Frank Miller, "300" depicts the Battle of Thermopylae in 480 BC when an outnumbered Spartan force led by King Leonidas (Gerard Butler) met an overwhelming Persian force led by King Xerxes (Rodrigo Santoro).

The old saying, "History is written by the victors," might as well imply that King Leonidas himself created this blood-soaked thriller. For what it lacks in historical accuracy, "300" makes up for with well-choreographed fighting, grainy backdrops and artistic visuals.

The tale is told through the fictional Spartan soldier Dilios (David Wenham) before the Battle of Plataea. He inspires his comrades with the story of his fallen King, from birth to the trials of his upbringing and finally his glorious death.

With a running time of 117 minutes, "300" offers close to 100 minutes of the bloodiest fighting ever to hit the silver screen.

Some of the scenes are reminiscent of "The Matrix" and its innovative use of bullet-time. Instead of seeing Keanu Reeves dodge bullets from a million different angles, viewers see arms and legs being cut off in a spray of blood.

The overall look of this film is dark. Done almost entirely in front of a blue screen, it is visually stunning. The colors of the sky are unreal and the crimson cloaks of the Spartans dominate all other colors.

Before the Persians land on the beach, they are caught in a storm at sea. All of the Spartans, except for King Leonidas, cheer the spectacle of Persian ships shattering against the cliffs.

In one scene, the Spartans push a broken force of Persian soldiers off of a cliff. Their silhouettes flail as they slowly fall into the sea, one on top of the other.

While the blood and violence may be overwhelming to some viewers, a theme of treachery pervades this story. Persian wealth is sought after and claimed by many of the Greek characters in this movie. Queen Gorgo (Lena Headey) uncovers treachery while trying to rally support for her husband. Gold coins featuring the head of King Xerxes are found throughout the movie, and in abundance.

Ignore the poor reviews many people are giving "300." If you enjoyed the bloody arena scenes in "Gladiator" or the epic battles in "The Lord of the Rings," you will enjoy this film. But be warned, this isn't for children or the faint of heart.

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