300

“We Spartans have descended from Hercules himself. Taught never to retreat, never to surrender. Taught that death in the battlefield is the greatest glory he could achieve in his life”

 

 

 

Frank Millers’ new graphic novel tales one of the gory wars between Greece and the lords of Persia. The film highlights the audacity of 300 Greek soldiers, led by King Leonidas who defies the ruthless Persian empire from ruling Greece.

 

For some of you who admire the artwork in Sin City, where the cinematography is filled with high contrast colors, will really find this film quite similar. It makes it seems as if comic books are becoming real animated characters. 

You certainly learn something from this film since it shows a significant moment in ancient Greek history. The battle against the Persians was indeed lost, but the bravery of the 300 Spartan soldiers inspired the unity of the Greece from foreign exploitation.

I find this film quite idealistic poured with Western believes of freedom, equality, and “happiness”. Perhaps a cliché in most epic films. There is certainly nothing wrong with that, but I am concern with how the film portrays the Persian nation. Persia have vastly attributed to modern medicinal science, art, and a culture that subsequently influenced others. I am afraid that those who are not familiar with Persian history might take this film with the wrong conclusion.

I am not surprised with how Hollywood glorifies Western history. We have seen it in films like Troy and  Alexander. But with more epic films coming out of Hollywood, I long for a film that breaks away from this predictable pattern. A film intended to tell a story from the peripheral perspective. 

Only then … can history be told.  

b Dj.