300 : Rise of an Empire

Eva Green as Artemisia – The Commander in Chief of the Persian Army – is a master stroke from Casting Director Lucy Bevan.  For all practical purposes, 300 : Rise of An Empire, is the story of Artemisia and Themistokles (Sullivan Stapleton) set to the background of the war initiated by God King Xerexes (Rodrigo Santoro).

For those wondering whether this one is a sequel or a prequel to the first part starring Gerard Butler, it is actually neither.  It is a story that occurs in parallel to the Spartan resistance.  It starts with a back story of Themistokles and his exploits against Xerexes’ father – King Darius (Igal Naor) – at Marathon.

That story occurs around 10 years (if I am not mistaken) before the current day when Themistokles fires the arrow that takes Darius’ life but for reasons unexplained, he doesn’t take Xerexes’ life.  A decision that he would come to regret over time.  Today, a democratic Athens under him faces its biggest challenge – Xerexes.

Themistokles’ vision is that of a united Greece where all its people, including the mighty Spartans.  However, his efforts come in a tad late and is met with a very rude refusal from Queen Gorgo (Lena Headey) of The Spartans.  Themistokles puts that behind him and rallies his army of farmhands, tradesmen and boys and a humble navy to take on The Mighty Persians in the Aegean Sea.

300 : The Rise of an Empire, may not be hailed by fans of the Gerard Butler version as a brilliant movie.  I for one, have always found myself quick to release past baggage – a trait that has held me in stead on many an occasion.  I loved this part as much as the earlier one and I will try and tell you why.  To be fair, I will also try and tell you what is not great.

The 3D in this version is superb.  The blood spurting out of warriors when they get killed by the blade of a Greek Warrior or vice versa is shot brilliantly.  But to feel the impact, you have to watch it on IMAX 3D.  You will be blown away.  The fight sequences are choreographed exceptionally.  The CG just takes you to a whole new level.

There are moments where your stomach with churn such as when Artemisia brings in several heads to King Darius or when Xerexes actually chops off Leonidas’ head.  There is one where Xerexes returns to his people after becoming a God King and stands atop his castle.  The aerial shot gave me a feeling of vertigo.  Brilliant work!!!! And lets not forget the superb costumes – again!!!

On the flip side the dialogues are anything but inspiring.  There is one where Queen Gorgo tells Themistokles, “You've come a long way to stroke your cock while real men train”! Makes you do a double take and clear your ears.  There is another when Artemisia tells our hero, “You fight harder than you fuck”.  Cheesy all the way.

Having said that, there are some good ones as well like, “Every widow that is made will be because of my decision, Every child that will grow up without a father will be of my choice.  That is the burden of my command”.  Of course the best one was, “Let it be shown that we chose to die on our feet rather than live on our knees”.

Also, Noam Murro doesn’t get anything fresh to the screen.  Zack Snyder & Kurt Johnstad have written this one as well – adapted from Frank Miller’s graphic comic, somewhat ironically titled “Xerexes”.  What is disappointing though is that it appears as if Zack Snyder has ghost directed the movie as well.

Barring these 2 points, 300 : The Rise of an Empire is extremely enjoyable.  It is a man movie all the way through.  And I would be unjust if I do not mention how good Eva Green is.  Watch your tongues if you are going for this with your better half.  It may just hit the floor.  7.5 on 10 despite the drawbacks.  Lots of gore and of course a badly edited sex scene thanks to the censor board.  Keep the kids away from this one.

Watch the trailer on http://www.imdb.com/video/imdb/vi2982128409/?ref_=tt_ov_vi