Based on the graphic novel by Frank Miller and Lynn Varley, 300 takes
over the screen like an invading horde. With all the gushing blood of a
horror movie and the scope of a classic epic, the second film from Zack
Snyder (who helmed the 2004 remake of DAWN OF THE DEAD) is an impressive
visual spectacle. Gerard Butler (THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA) plays
Leonidas, the king of ancient Sparta. The city is famous for its warrior
philosophy, and Leonidas won't kneel to the demands of Persia's King
Xerxes (LOST's Rodrigo Santoro). Instead, Leonidas leads his 300-strong
army against Xerxes's army of millions. Meanwhile, his wife (Lena
Headley, THE BROTHERS GRIMM) campaigns in Sparta for the city to send
reinforcements as she butts heads with the treacherous Theron (Dominic
West, THE WIRE).With its gore and scale, 300 marks director Snyder as a
possible successor to Peter Jackson's throne. Jackson also got his start
in horror with BAD TASTE and DEAD ALIVE, and the two men share a
penchant for ambitious battle scenes. The huge fights in 300 rival
Jackson's efforts in the LORD OF THE RINGS films. David Wenham, who
starred in two of the Tolkien-based films, plays Dilios, one of the
Spartan soldiers. Though the cast doesn't boast any A-list stars, the
actors ably fill their larger-than-life roles. In a film filled with
men, Headley stands out as Queen Gorgo. She matches her warrior husband
in strength, while showing love toward Leonidas and their son. Though
there are scenes that demonstrate the humanity of the characters, 300 is
undeniably about bravery and blood, and it succeeds because of the
stylish depictions of both.