by Natasha Sheldon

Created on: February 26, 2008   Last Updated: April 06, 2009

Want action and visual spectacle rather than an all out history lesson? Then 300' is the film for you.

From the same stable as Sin City, the film uses a mix of live action and CGI to bring the Battle of Thermopylae vibrantly to life in graphic comic form. Historically accurate it isn't. But it certainly conveys the main elements of a real historical event in an entertaining and engaging way.

The opening shots set the scene, introducing the harsh tradition that formed the Sparta warrior, as well as foreshadowing events to come. Gerard Butler is an imposing as a cartoon version of Leonidas, King of Sparta. Convincing despite the incongruous Scottish accent, he leads his select band of Spartan warriors to certain death and a place in history as they hold off the might of the Persian army to save their homeland and the whole of Greece.

This is not a subtle film. Nor is it aiming to be historically accurate. Motives are not analysed. The action is all. Each side is clearly polarised and effectively so. The Spartans, worryingly under dressed for the battlefield not to mention the elements, are protected by nothing but helmets and loin cloths. As befits the good guys, they are portrayed as properly witty, brave and properly heroic.

The Persians, on the other hand, whilst suitably kitted out in practical battlefield costume are suitably depraved as befits the dark side. They are either sinister or effeminate with their King, Xerxes portrayed as an effeminate tyrant with a penchant for body piercing and too much eye make-up. At best. his henchmen are dangerously sinister bullies.

Whilst the film is undeniably a live action cartoon, it also has a certain poetry. Atmosphere is beautifully created with hazy, light, golden scenes for an idealised Sparta whilst the advent of war is signified by darkening stormy skies of black and red. The fight scenes are stunning; beautifully choreographed at all times. The slow motion sequences are so elegant that at times it is as if you are watching a type of ballet rather than a scene of carnage. Somehow, this softens the violence, making it seem less gratuitous than if the battles were all out and dirty looking. Certainly it makes them much more watch able and stirring.

Whether you buy or rent, '300' is well worth a watch or two. Don't expect to be particularly emotionally engaged or cerebrally challenged. Do however expect to be entertained. You will be carried along effortlessly by the spectacle of it all and who knows, you may learn a little about history too.

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