The 300 Spartans
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Movie Reviews of The 300 Spartans
Movie Review: The Gates of Fire (Thermopylae)
Summary: 5 Stars
This 1962 excellent historical drama takes us back to Ancient Greek Times during the Persian Wars. It's the very known and yet inspiring, titanic struggle of 300 Spartans and 700 Thespians, under Spartan king Leonidas's (Richard Egan) leadership in Thermopylae, versus the huge army of Persian King Xerxes, who attempted to bring to an end the freedom of the independent Greek States, incorporating them within his vast empire and become world's ruler. Although it ended in victory for the Persians, the battle is noted primarily for the bravery shown by the Greeks and, in particular, by the Spartans and their king, Leonidas I, who won eternal fame as the ultimate symbol of the heroic death.
"The 300 Spartans" revives the Battle of Thermopylae in this unfortunately not very known production of 20th Century Fox. Rudolph Maté both directed and scripted the movie brilliantly. The usual prerequisites of impressive costumes and sets and massive battle sequences that all Hollywood epics circa the mid '50s to late '60s had, are all present in this film, but unlikely to other contemporary "historical" films the script is historically very accurate inspired from Greek history. The battle scenes, filmed in their original location in Greece, are well made for it's time and hundreds soldiers of the Royal Greek Army take part as extras.
Manly Richard Egan holds the main role of King Leonidas and replies, in perfect Greek "Molon Lave"(come and take it) to Persian threats. Sir Ralph Richardson as Themistocles, and David Farrar as ruthless Xerxes, give memorable performances. Also note Anna Synodinou, a great Greek tragedian actress, in the role of Leonidas' wife Queen Gorgo. Handsome Barry Coe (Philo) and lovely Diane Baker (Hellas) play a young couple of Spartans in love. The problems begin when they learn that Philo's father is collaborating with the Persians along with the exiled ex-king of Sparta and Xerxes's military advisor, Demaratos. This love story although fictional, adds a romantic tune to the whole plot. Kieron Moore stars as repulsive Ephialtes, the Greek traitor, who advised Xerxes that by following a mountain path the Persians could outflank the Greek forces.
Manos Hadjidakis conducted a wonderful melodious musical score for this movie.
I hope that a likely new movie about the Battle of Thermopylae will be more better or at least will match, this spectacular but quiet old, epic.
Movie Review: Finally, a historically accurate movie.
Summary: 5 Stars
At last, I watched a Hollywood film that tells the story the way it happened. The theme of the movie is the battle of Thermopylae, maybe the most important battle in the history of Europe. The Persian troups were delayed for 3 days by 300 Spartan warriors, led by Leonidas, at the narrow passage of Thermopylay (Gates of Fire). This gave time for the Athenians, Ionians, Corinthians, Macedonians and the rest of the Greeks to assemble the fleet and give the advancing Asian barbarians the final blow at Salamis.
The movie takes place on lacation, at a very scenic area, with many extras, performing excellent in man to man combat and chariot combat, too.
The classic phrases "Molon Lave", told by Leonidas to Xerxes and "I tan i epi tas", told by the Spartan mothers to their sons, are told, and explained in the movie.
The armor of the Spartan warriors is the historically accurate one, with the big Greek "L" on the front (standing for "Lacedemoniis" (Spartans in ancient Greek), they wear the red cloaks, (so no Spartan blood would be visible to the enemy). The daggers are of the correct size and not mistaken by the Sariza, and the battle cries are the appropriate ones.
The musical score is by Manos Hadjidakis, capturing the epic history in a bewildering way.
After all the "historical" epic - junk i watched lately, i was pleasantly surprised to watch this marvel that was filmed more than 40 years ago. Well done!
Movie Review: WE are 300 Spartans, We are men of the King
Summary: 5 Stars
I saw this film as a kid and I surprised that most reviews don't mention the great music. I memorized the theme music and used to sing to it
WE ARE 300 Spartans!
We are men of the king!
Onward men to the battle!
To Death, To Death or Victory!
Go and tell the Spartans!
You who do pass by!
That here obedient to our laws
We lie, we lie for all eternity!
WE ARE 300 Spartans!
We are men of the king!
Onward men to the battle!
To Death, To Death or Victory!
I remember that some old time travel TV show used outakes from this film. This is an imperfect film, almost childish I know but it was a great family film about a thrilling theme.
A little bit of Leonidas is with all of us today. He was simply one of the greatest heroes of all time. This is a fun film. Along with JASON AND THE ARGONAUTS this was one of my favorite films of my boyhood. Today I realize Spartacus is better but as a kid I liked 300 Spartans more. The basic story is so dramatic and so courageous that the hokey parts are forgiven and forgotten. After all this is just a movie. Enjoyable it is -and that's what movies are for. If it also sparks interest in Greek heritage and history so much the better.
Movie Review: Well-Worn Classic of Antiquity
Summary: 5 Stars
Finally after many years this old sword and sandal classic has been re-issued. Like many viewers here I fist saw this film when I was a kid. I liked it then, and I still enjoy it today. For a movie it stays pretty close to the historical events. Sure there is some B-class acting and a silly romance, but the portryal of the Spartans is pretty accurate. The costumes and sets are very good. The film looks like it was shot in Greece, or some locale very similar in appearence. Once we get past the slow beginng the action picks up as the Spartans make their immortal stand at the pass. Both Xerxes and Leonidas are well portrayed in my opinion. This is one movie that does not have to resort to bizarre heroics in order to get the message across that the Spartans were brave. The combat scenes are exciting and well done. The Cold War probably inspired the making of this film, with its obvious overtones to current events at that time. This is one old classic that holds up well over the years. Glad the studios finally got over the legal battle to release this one again.Movie Review: Widescreened at last!
Summary: 5 Stars
I eagerly look forward to the widescreened version of this under rated film. I was moved by it as a child...and it was one of the reasons I went to Greece. The widescreening should give it the scope and depth it deserves. The music is grand and moving...I was humming it when we drove out to Thermopylae. The cast is very good and they seem to all enjoy themselves. My personal favourite is John Crawford as Agathon. Sadly, you cannot photograph the statue of Leonidas without getting the crisscrossing powerlines in the photo! No respect! I hope the widescreening gives the film the dignity it deserves.