The 300 Spartans
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Movie Reviews of The 300 Spartans
Movie Review: Unfairly Neglected Epic Retelling Of A Memorable Moment In Greek History
Summary: 4 Stars
The late 1950's and early 1960's where a boom time for both Hollywood and international film makers when historical epics based on the stories from ancient civilizations were all the vogue. The country of Greece with its rich and wonderful historical background provided many of the subjects for these films ranging from those based on the Greek myths and legends as seen in "Jason and the Argonauts" through to ones that used actual historical incidents as the basis for their story as in this effort, the superbly put together, "The 300 Spartans". Often dismissed as simply another entry in the endless cycle of "sword and sandal" flicks common at this time, I believe that is an unfair judgement on this film which has so many worthy qualities about it in terms of both surprisingly high production values through to sterling individual performances. The defence of the pass of Thermopylae by 300 brave Spartan soldiers against the onslaught of the huge Persian army in 480 B.C. is one of the most unforgettable moments in ancient Greek history and in "The 300 Spartans", this incident which proved so important for the continued existence of Greece as a free state is treated with the respect and dignity that it richly deserves. While still managing to be a rousing spectacle this film always preserves the vital human element of this inspiring story and spends important time exploring what motivated these men to sacrifice their lives for their country and never simply sacrifices these story elements to become simply another typical "sword and sandal", action story. .........Movie Review: Not quite 4 stars, but good Solid Epic.
Summary: 4 Stars
The only reason I have not heaped more stars on this 1961 classic is the lack of extra's on the DVD, although the Widescreen reproduction is good, the picture and sound crisp, and overall a great package. Recently referred to in "The Last Samurai" whilst drawing parallels of futile "last stands", this movie is beginning to attract a new audience, as well as enthrall those who remember it the first time around. With the renewed interest in the genre (Troy / Alexander the Great) at theaters now, and in post production respectively, this is a timely release. Another plus is that this movie is seldom seen on countless reruns on TV like so many, and is a worthy addition to any fans collection. In a similar way to Troy, there is an air of inevitability to the story which heads for the ill fated battle at Thermopylae. Some policital bungling and bad planning pits Richard Egan and his elite but small army against the ravages of Xerxes (he who commanded an army of 1,000,000)at the aforementioned pass, and the end result though predictable is stirring. Some interesting metaphors abound (as was the practice at that time) comparing the political problems of 1961 to the historical aspects of the movie, but otherwise this is a solid picture. The battle sequences are a bit tame by todays standards, but there is a wonderful dramatic quality to the direction and script, often missing in todays CGI festooned reproductions. Oldy but Goody - Enjoy!Movie Review: A good, but not great epic
Summary: 4 Stars
I've watched this DVD 3 or 4 times, which I wouldn't have done if I didn't like it.
It's in between an A and B movie - Cinemasope, color and location shooting are the "A" part, mid-level actors and budget are limiting factors. The love story is a bit of a tack on, but it is handled reasonably well.
Notably, this is a fairly accurate account of the battle and the events that led up to it. The Greeks did ultimately defeat the Persians under Xerxes, and this was a key event in western history.
I actually like that that movie did not have a blockbuster budget, the battle has to be shown on a small scale, making it more personal. Note the final scene, which is historically accurate. If you are an American, you might remember the Alamo.
Well worth it if you like this this sort of movie. For the more casual viewer, try "Cleopatra", (Elizabeth Taylor, ca. 1963), or "Spartacus", also ca. 1963.
Do not confuse this with the ordinary "sword and toga" B Movies hollywood churned out in the late 1950's and early '60's.
Movie Review: Old non computer generated mini-epic
Summary: 4 Stars
In this age of Vast forces clashing on the screen on a scale that makes the jaw drop (Read LOTR II & III) this movie takes one back to those epic days of snow on your screen while you watch a UHF station.
The epic story of some of the bravest men who ever lived fighting in their ancient Alamo would confuse many today, yet this is another parallel to the LOTR trilogy. It is a story of men faced with an impossible task who put their lives and duty on the line for Greece. This battle is one that determined the course of western civ and deservies all the attention it gets.
The movie itself is formula movie of its time, but it plays the formula well. You like and cheer for these men although their ideals are sadly absent (well not absent see FAITH OF OUR SONS & KEEPING FAITH) today. The plot is simple, good vs. evil and respect between foes. The Spartins were greaters warriors then these men were actors but that doesn't matter. The film is worth seeing and worth buying.
Movie Review: Very Credible Job
Summary: 4 Stars
This was one of the last of the great sword-and-sandal epics. Unlike many before it or since, it managed to get the facts generally correct. The story, recorded in Herodotus, concerns a small band of troops from Sparta who held off the advance of the Persian army in the 5th century B.C. In doing so, they gave their fellow Greeks time to organise a larger army. Themes include: democracy vs. despotism, and sacrifice for the sake of the common good. Ever stoic Richard Egan (star of"Pollyanna," "Esther and the King," and other fun films) does a great job of projecting the inner strength of Spartan leader Leonidas. This film is not to be missed and ranks with other memorable epics of the 1960s, such as "The Long Ships". Note: this is newly remastered and should not be confused with the botched version released some months prior.