Genre: Action/War

Director: Zack Snyder

Certificate: 300  was rated 15A by the Irish Film Censor's Office (www.ifco.ie) i.e. suitable for those of 15 years of age or upwards.  Persons under 15 must be accompanied by an adult.

Violence = strong. Drugs = none. Sex/Nudity = moderate. Language = mild.

OFFICIAL WEBSITE: 300

Where do I start with a film like this!?  Based on Frank Miller's graphic novel about the battle of Thermopylae (which he wrote after seeing the film The 300 Spartans (1962) as a child).  It's a visual feast that takes your breath away almost from the opening credits.  The film itself is an epic that is cleverly and lovingly created with a mixture of awesome CGI and live action scenes that are both seamless and flawless in their delivery, and its saturated colour, with its strong vibrant reds, (very much  in the vein of Sin City ) superbly enhances the overall experience. 

The pace of the film is pitch perfect, slowing down and speeding up effortlessly as it takes you on a roller coaster ride of emotions.  The sound, especially during the battle scenes, is superior to say the least, and the soundtrack (slightly ripped off from Gladiator and one of the only detractors) is stirring stuff.  This film is a testosterone fest, portraying a time when men fought shoulder to shoulder brutally, but with honour, pride, love of their country and in the strong belief that they were following their destiny.  It all looks so effortless on one level, but you  soon realise how technically brilliant and creative it is on another. 

Gerard Butler as King Leonidas is a tour de force as he fearlessly leads the brave 300 out to meet the mighty Persians.  And Lena Heady as Queen Gorgo puts in just a handful of appearances as the only notable female in the film, but boy does this girl make every moment count and goes to prove beyond a shadow of a  doubt that behind every fearless Spartan is a formidable wife!  Look out for Rodrigo Santora as Xerxes the Persian conqueror - a totally wild performance by any stretch of the imagination.

The battle scenes are almost like choreographed ballets, with cinematic aesthetics, and close up shots that just blow you away, but a word of caution, there is, understandably, extreme violence throughout, and for those looking for a faithful recreation of the famous battle of Thermopylae they won't find it here, but what they will find is a visually stunning depiction of Miller's original comic book creation.

I won't bore you any longer as I could enthuse about this film forever and a day, but suffice to say I had the same feeling walking away from the cinema as I experienced after watching Sin City…  I just wanted to go back in and watch the whole thing all over again…  In a word - Breathtaking.

Reviewed by Mary Kate, Premier Movie Reviews 2007

If you enjoy 300 you might also enjoy: King Arthur,  Kingdom Of Heaven,  The Last Samurai,  The Lord Of The Rings: The Return Of The King,  Troy.

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