Gillespie

From what I've heard Frank Miller say, the movie "300" is the Battle of Thermopylae as what a storyteller of the times might have exaggerated. Embellishments, monstrous soldiers, horrific scenes, etc, etc.

Frank Miller did exhaustive research for the story, then tossed all but the framework aside for artistic interpretations (such as the barely-clothed Spartans).

Kernels of truth were apparent throughout the movie. For example, the opening battle where the two lines clash was a reasonably-accurate depiction of how a phalanx formation fought. Once they purposely broke ranks and charged with their swords... well, that wasn't too historical. But it sure looked cool!

aculle01

Movies are simply a form of story telling. The world's first Historians were storytellers. Herodetus, the Father of History, saw merit in stretching the truth a bit to gain readers and make the moments he wrote about last forever. The action at the Hot Gates is certainly his greatest example. It would've been great for a historically accurate version to come out. Universal has actually held the option to Steven Pressfield's Gates of Fire since 1998 (I highly recommend reading Gates of Fire).

So, yes, there are a ton of inaccuracies but this movie wasn't trying to be historical, it was a story that used a historical setting for its inspiration. I'm not saying its a classic, but 300 is created in the same light as the Iliad, Odyssey, Beowolf, King Arthur, or the Aeneid. Its a tale created to entertain and teach (300 has a lot more entertaining than teaching).

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Steeler

Yes, it would be less entertaining if in the movie the Greeks were actually retreating through Thermopylae. Or if the six-pack Spartans had to fight alongside the Thespians and the Athenians, as historically, they actually did. It's interesting that Miller chose to focus on the fact that the Spartans just kicked righteous ass and were better than anyone else, instead of the way that their sacrifice united disparate peoples under a single banner.

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Gillespie

Which was Leonidas' intention: to spur the rest of the Greeks into action.

In reality, they had approximately 4,000 allies fight alongside them, with the 300 Spartans forming the core. Only on the night preceding the final day did the remaining Spartans stand alone (as Leonidas released the remaining allies from their service and sent them back to help spread word of their deeds). They eventually fell back to a position atop a hill where the few left standing were overwhelmed with arrow fire.

The size of the Persian army they faced is disputed. Generally, numbers from various accounts range it anywhere from 100,000 to 1,000,000. The 1,000,000 figure is entirely possible, as the Persian empire was quite vast.

blackmain

Good movie.... Crazy action... Which what i wanted to see so I am a very happy with the results.

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Karkianman101

Interesting... apparently The 300 Spartans was noted for its Cold War overtones, which I didn't notice when I saw it in two parts straddling The 300.

It makes me think that people are trying to read way too much into this thing.

War.mongeR1

I just saw it last night, and wow. This movie kicked royal ass. Personally, I think it's the best war movie since Braveheart. After seeing it, I think it's even funnier that people are offended by it. I don't think anyone with half a brain really believes the persians were running around with 40 foot tall elephants, giant rhinoes, scary mutated guys with blades for arms, etc. Great movie. I highly recommend it to anyone who loves great action.

Oh yeah, the Oracle was a total babe, too. Too bad those old nasty guys had to ruin that whole scene. Sheesh.

Hmm. I think it's time to start a Sandbox thread...

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"Common sense is not so common." -Voltaire

Ben

I smoked a fatty, THEN saw it. Boy it was cool then.

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A battle is dynamic, i.e constantly changing and evolving. Follow the strategy in place but never be afraid to improvise if the situation calls for it.
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Kerostasis

What I've heard is anywhere from 500k to 5 Million, with 1-2 million being the most likely. There just wasnt enough room in the mountain pass to bring all those extra troops to bear, so they weren't real helpful.

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gunjunkie

Actually, around 700-1000 Thespians chose to make the final stand with Leonidas and the Spartans.

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CingularDuality

Man, I went and saw this at an IMAX theater this week and I was thoroughly impressed with the film. Not too deep, but a spectacular action flick!

I find that amusing as well, mostly because the film starts off showing a pile of skulls from the newborns that were culled from Spartan society. I don't particularly think that the Persians were the only ones shown negatively, that's for sure...

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Steeler

The definitive 300 trailer.

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Chewy

Lmao Steeler.... that was hilarious!

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Quest Shady

LMAO Some people have way to much time on their hands...

Still haven't seen the movie but I would like to see it at the IMAX like you did Cing...

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War.mongeR1

300 at the IMAX was great. If you have the option, you must see it that way.

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"Common sense is not so common." -Voltaire