Thankfully, the acting also plays directly to this seeming juxtaposition between classicism and modernism.

Notwithstanding a sex scene that almost surely ranks as one of the hottest and most beautiful in recent memory, theirs is a partnership that reflects mutual understanding and shows the sort of commitment that is to be aspired to in real life as much as on the silver screen. Best of all, Leonidas' relationship with his wife Gorgo offers a rare display of tenderness and devotion that is seldom seen in 'guy movies' like this one, and provides some of the film's most profound and lasting emotional underpinnings. While they do in some way provide the latest cinematic iteration of Schwarzeneggeresque musclemen - not one of them is built less than Ford tough - they are not without thoughts and feelings, which are applied liberally to their efforts to protect one another and, by extension, their Spartan homeland. Indeed, this sequence not only explains everything one needs to know about the hero, but reveals the origins of his masterful battle strategy… not to mention the Spartan philosophical ideals upon which it is based.Īt the same time, however, there is a palpable humanity to Leonidas and his men. For example, the film's opening sequence introduces rather simply the cultural tradition that inspired larger-than-life figures like Leonidas: Great men are born and bred, nurtured in their natural abilities and trained to serve a specific purpose. Rather than languishing in the details of military strategy or inundating audiences in the subtleties of Spartan politics, director Snyder renders Miller's story in big, broad strokes. The simplicity of the plot is the film's greatest virtue. Meanwhile, his wife, Queen Gorgo (Lena Headey), attempts to employ more diplomatic means to solicit support from the Spartan council, even as Theron (Dominic West) poisons its members to her plan from within. Fearing for the safety and freedom of his people, Leonidas enlists 300 soldiers - declared his personal bodyguards - and mounts a valiant defense against Xerxes and his limitless armies. Unfortunately, the Spartan elders honor an ancient and fickle belief system that prohibits Leonidas from challenging the impending Persian hordes. So when news arrives from Persia to herald Xerxes' (Rodrigo Santoro) sovereignty over Sparta, he rebuffs the declaration and announces that his countrymen must fight to preserve their way of life. Raised with the utmost ideals - honor, duty, glory - Leonidas is a brilliant military strategist and egalitarian champion of personal freedom. Gerard Butler plays Leonidas, the wise king of Sparta.

Frank miller graphic novel 300