I think you're misunderstanding the film. This is not a straight up historical film, at least not one purporting to be an accurate historical portrayal/based on true events, etc.
Aesthetically, the graphic novel (and thus the film) was purposefully styled in the ancient Greek epic style, that is, the art style you would see on vases, mosaics, etc, depicting epic/mythological events. That's why the Spartan warriors wear next to no armour, that's why they break formation, that's why all of the action, and the entire look and feel of the film is stylised - it's a fantasy retelling.
In terms of narrative, there are two things to consider - first, that like the aesthetics, it is in the ancient Greek epic style. The details are dumbed down, the heroics magnified a thousand-fold, the stereotypes ramped up to the max. It is not meant to be a nitty-gritty, realistic, accurate recounting, it is not meant to be a character study. It is meant to be, pure and simple, an ancient Greek-style heroic epic.
Second, the entire story is told from the viewpoint of Dilios, and most importantly from his viewpoint as he is trying to inspire and bolster the Spartan army just before they engage in battle. Historically, the most common, easiest and most effective way to do this was through vilifying the enemy and playing up your sides own heroism, and that's why the story has taken on legendary elements. There's absolutely no way that a commander in Dilios' position, just prior to a huge battle, would recant the story to his men by giving equal measure to both sides, by being realistic and fair. He certainly wouldn't want to humanise the enemy, as that then makes it that much harder for his men to willingly kill them. Ironically, when you consider the film as a commander inspiring his men before a battle, it IS historically accurate, even if Dilios' story is not.
As a closing statement on the OP, I'd like to say that I, too, would like to see a more historically accurate recounting of the Battle of Thermopylae, simply because I believe it to be a momentous event worthy of film. Yet, whether that film ever gets made or not, it will in no way influence my opinion of this film, as they would be two entirely different creatures that cannot and should not be compared.
Now, for my absolute final comment in regards to all the rage in this thread and on these boards, particularly by Mr. Popular, Megatherion... really!? First off, this is a fantastical period piece. Nowhere does it represent modern day, existing cultures. Nowhere does it represent modern day Iranians. Nowhere does it even attempt to pretend to be an accurate portrayal of even the ancient cultures of the narrative. Again, it's fantastical. It's not meant to be a serious representation. It's not propaganda, it's not racist (or, not racist in terms of modern day peoples/cultures; see above section about the story being told by Dilios), and to try and claim it is is pure hyperbole. Allowing for a very tiny fraction of people that are utterly moronic, no sane person would watch this film and think "Oh hey, this is an accurate physical and cultural depiction of modern day Iranians". Christ, no sane person would watch this film and think "Oh hey, this an accurate physical and cultural depiction of ancient Persians". As for the "thousands of intellectuals" the world over that have supposedly decried this film as American racist propaganda designed to stir hatred and xenophobia against the middle east, presumably for the impending full out invasion and ethnic cleansing (at least, that seems to be what you're implying is the agenda?), well...someone needs to reappraise why they were given the label "intellectuals".
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moxespana
12 years ago
Thank you TheOriginalBane, your eloquent post pretty much sums up my feelings on the movie.
I think many people would have preferred 300 to look more realistic like say Kingdom of Heaven, but 300 isn't a historical reenactment, it is a movie based on a comic (and by the way, it is thought Sparta had a lot more than 300, 300 was just a figure used as hyperbole to get the point across that they were vastly out numbered).
I found 300 to be visually, aesthetically stunning. A masterpiece. I wouldn't change any of it. To me, film is an art and 300 certainly is a work of art. Die Hard 4 less so...
Tricks are what whores do for money... and candy.
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deveed
12 years ago
I found 300 to be visually, aesthetically stunning.
That is true yet there are other considerations going into this presentation of this ancient historical event. Movies are always a product of their time. This movie could not have been made say in 1920 for the simple reason that the technology wasn't there nor the intellectual underpinnings associated with 'cultural' time. 300 is a product of a purely modern sensibility and it fits perfectly in our time, a time of wars, xenophobia and religious strife. 300's timing is impeccable isn't it? It is a 'fantasy re-telling' yes and that is its formal content. Unfortunately, I don't think 300 can be forced into being looked as a 'fantasy' just because it is noted that way. Why? Because there is a 'reality' to contend with. '300' shows the disjunct between the realty and the fantasy and the audience perhaps being so naive (Thermopylae?) does not realize that others may not see their point of view when re-telling this battle at this time in world affairs. Those who beleive they have been put upon have a case in the expropriation of a history presentation. With 300, the film indeed shows that the road to hell is paved with good entertainment intentions.
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moxespana
12 years ago
"It fits perfectly in our time, a time of wars, xenophobia and religious strife."
Despite what the modern media would have you believe, we are living in the most peaceful period in all of history. Death caused by violence has declined dramatically over the centuries. There are more chances of Americans dying in a bathtub (one in 950,000) than in a terror attack (one in 3.5 million). This film isn't just suitable for this time, it's suitable for any time.
Tricks are what whores do for money... and candy.
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deveed
12 years ago
As noted, movies are a product of their times. They usually reflect the concerns of a world or a society at a particular time. When 300 plays 50 years from now,. it will be intriguing as to the reception. Different times, different interpretations I think. Who knows? The US may be pals with Iran.
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