'300' is an American 2007 production, depicting (in a somewhat hollywood manner) the battle of Thermopylae. Although it must be said this film doesn't attempt to give an accurate reflection of the events that took place in that battle. Rather it sets out to adapt Frank Miller's novel and produce a box office hit. A film of the same nature telling the story of the same battle was released in 1962, called 'the 300 spartans', but this film brings a modernised version of the battle.

Dramatised and maybe a touch gamourised, this is a hollywood battle film that I didn't think I'd be impressed with. For the absence of mines blowing up and parachuting troops, with no special effect explosions or swirling fighter planes; what exactly would this film have to offer? Ther's no doubt about it, films depicting war of any kind attract the masses who are eager to see some special effects and lots of fighting. To see a recent film then, with armies carrying just swords shields and maybe a few archers as their weapons, it always felt like a bit of a risk.

The fighting scenes do not disappoint and the blood thirsty will be treated to their fair share of grouseme killings (do not fear though, the slightly squeamish shouldn't feel too sick!). The fight scenes though, are not the only drama in this 2 hour film.

I'll say a bit more about the stroyline before I go any further. The film starts by showing the life of Leonidas, a young spartan boy taught not to fight, but skills of survival from a very young age. He eventually becomes king of Sparta, and is subsequently asked to surrender to king Xerxes of Persia. Refusing to do so, and with Sparta under threat, Leonidas consults the (corrupt) Ephors who declare he must not go to war.

Leonidas goes against the word of the ephors (which is against Spartan law) and declares that Sparta will take a small army to fight off the Persian's. He takes only those who have left a legacy (child) in Sparta, knowing this is essentially a suicide mission.

The main reason for this storyline producing such a fantastic film, is that (as the title suggests) it is an army of just 300 Spartans that bravely face the thousands upon thousands in the Persian army (the spartans had also been joined by other greek armies who carried more men, but seemingly less of a fight). Not only holding them off, but actively depleting the number of Persian's, the Spartans put up what is an unbelievable fight.

It's difficult to say what happens next without ruining the film, but I will say the ending is the start of yet another battle. I was very impressed with the ending and I found the film to be emotive, dramatic, and gripping. This is recommended to not only those who love a good war film, but everyone who likes a bit of drama. Not a completely truthful display of the battle itself, but a truely inspiring story and a very entertaining film.

The one actor I have to mention is Gerard Butler; playing the main role as Leonidas, king of Sparta. He is a passionate, inspirational and energetic actor and acts perfectly. The only other performance of real note for me, was that of Vincent Regan as captain Artemis. Artemis was Leonidas' loyal friend and warrior.