Rated R for graphic battle sequences throughout, some sexuality and nudity.
Directed by Zack Snyder (Dawn of the Dead—2004)
Staring Gerard Butler, Lena Headey, Dominick West, David Wenham
I can’t remember when I first saw the trailer for 300 but I know it was awhile ago and I watched it 4 times. I could not wait for its release. So when it came time to finally see it, I got to the theater an hour and a half before show time and the line was already ridiculously long. In 15 minutes, the line doubled and as each minute passed, the line grew and so did my excitement. A little after 7:00 the movie started and for the next 2 hours, I was completely blown away.
300 is an amazing movie that is based on Frank Miller's graphic novel, which is based on the historic Battle of Thermopylae in 480 B.C. In this famous battle, King Leonidas of Sparta led 300 of his finest soldiers against the advancing King Xerxes and his enormous Persian army. It was this battle that is said to have inspired all of Greece to band together against the Persians, and helped usher in the world's first democracy. In 300 this old story is narrated by one of the brave solders who tells a beautiful story of a horrific battle and the King who led them.
Let me say that 300 is simply spectacular. It is, without a doubt, the most visually unique movie I have ever seen, kinda like an exciting cross between Braveheart and The Matrix. Both the cast and acting are outstanding and the story is, in spite of huge leaps and exaggerations, inspiring. The dialogue is smart and intense through the entire movie. At times I found myself laughing at a clever one-liner and other times feeling a chill run up my spine.
300 is a 177 minute ride that covers the gambit of human emotion and tells the remarkable story of a group of free men and their sacrifice.
SHOULD KIDS SEE IT? (or even adults for that matter)
Like I said, I thought 300 was phenomenal – I loved it. That being said, this movie is not for everyone. I am fairly certain many people will not see it because of the violence and several sexual scenes.
Here’s my take on the violence and sex in the movie. First, for me, they are two very different issues. Yes, the movie is violent. Have you seen Gladiator? Have you seen The Last Samurai? Like these films, 300 is about war, and war is violent. 300 excels at showing you all the action in the battle sequences. So if you like “Samurai” movies… you’ll be fine. If you cringed during Braveheart, skip this one. But 300’s graphic battle sequences are much different than you’ve seen before… almost cartoonish. All of the “blood” is computer generated and exaggerated.
Secondly, I thought the sex scenes (what I saw of them–some people close their eyes in scary moments… me… I close them in moments like these. I really like my wife!) were unnecessary and graphic. It’s a shame when incredible art like this feels the need to allow smut to creep its way into the script. The film was strong and had enough draw without it. Perhaps it would be better for many of us to wait for the “airplane” or TV version where they omit the unnecessary.
Side Note:
We don’t recommend your kids see this film. But on the occasion that they actually have already seen it, you may want to dialogue about the film with them. These questions below may be a help to you.
Conversation Starter
Three Simple Questions (with Answers You May Be Looking for):
- What are some of the messages or themes you observed in this movie?
- How do you suppose we—as serious Christ-followers—should react to this movie?
- How can we move from healthy, Bible-based opinions about this movie to actually living out those opinions?
