Movie Background

​

   The movie 300 directed by Zack Snyder is about the Spartan King Leonidas and his army of three hundred men. The film chronicles the rigid upbringing of Leonidas and his defiance of the then Persian King (Xerxes) and the whole Persian Empire which eventually lead to the heroic battle of Thermopylae in 480 B.C. In this famed battle, Leonidas, with only three hundred men, had to prepare themselves for battle against the troops of Persia, despite the odds.

     Engagement to war would be an open rebellion against Sparta’s sacred tradition. The oracle had already predicted doom if war is pursued. But, that didn't stop Leonidas and the three hundred Spartan men from standing their ground and fighting against the divine Xerxes and his seemingly indestructible army, which numbered by the millions.

     The movie depicts Leonidas as a family man whom is fighting not only for his family but, also for homeland and freedom. But don't let this part of him fool you as he is still the king of a patriarchal society and in many scenes be describes as a cold blooded killer. 

     A turning point in the movie is when Leonidas rejected Ephialtes’ request to join his army of three hundred, it devastated the man and made out of him a traitor. He later decided to join the Persian troops and helped them by divulging to them the way to the rear of the Spartans. This ultimately led to the defeat of the Spartan’s army of three hundred. He was bribed with all the pleasures that life would otherwise deprive him of by King Xerxes himself.

     Overall, the movie is all about courage, dignity, and pride in one’s legacy. Though short and somewhat foolhardy, it will not fail to stimulate patriotism and love for noble principles. The movie also sharpens one’s eyes to choose the best decision where the situation seems to offer none.