I absolutely loved this film, even if perhaps because I went in expecting the worse. First, Zack Snyder is also known for “Sin City”, a film which I have been repeatedly told NOT to watch (and therefore have not). Second, all the hype got me concerned that the movie would not in fact be any good (I don’t usually agree with movie critics). Nonetheless, my husband and I drove out to the IMAX to see the film (which had already been sold out opening day for the following two days). I was hopeful though. I have seen and enjoyed several of Gerard Butler’s (King Leonidas) movies (Dracula 2000, Attila the Hun, Phantom of the Opera). Even within the first few minutes I was not disappointed. The artistry of the film itself was compelling enough for the viewer (not to mention feeling the rumbling of the IMAX theater seats). I felt the characters were well presented both in emotion and stage presence. The wardrobe was phenomenal and most of the chosen actors all had strong edgy appearances. The storyline was strong and emotional, building a polarized view of the Spartans and the Persians. Obviously the movie itself is not completely historically accurate but is enjoyable all the same.

On a personal note there are a few things that, now looking back, I would have preferred a bit different. First, the initial image of King Leonidas as a child gives a very violent impression of the man who when later seen is much more subdued. More specifically the image of a kid beating (and presumably killing) another child was perhaps a bit too violent when trying to portray a character the audience needs to sympathize with. Secondly, while Lena Headey (Queen Gorgo) is a beautiful woman and terrific actress, I am not sure if I felt her physical appearance really manifested itself well in this particular storyline. Surrounded by strong and heroic men, her appearance seemed rather soft (as it was perhaps meant to be) while her characters words seemed rather strong. I perhaps would have expected someone a little more statuesque and striking. I feel much the same about Dominic West’s character (Theron); He seemed more humorous than he did traitorous. I don’t believe either his appearance or voice was appropriate for the character. Thirdly, I thought the character Ephialtes (Andrew Tiernan) was too grotesque for a sympathetic audience. Furthermore, he was a very flat character and I feel the film could have been more rounded if they and used his character a little more diversely. Finally, enjoyable as the overall film was, I was a bit unsettled (although not surprised) by the extreme polarization of the Spartans and the Persians, the latter being overly villanized and the former overly romanticized. One doesn’t have to look too deeply into the psychology of the western-world to understand such a polarization.

There were however, also many things about the film that I personally loved. First and most obviously, is the films artistry. Its combination with a historical setting really brought the story to life. Second, is the emphasized status of Spartan women (which in historical comparison to their Greek neighbors was virtually equal to Spartan men). Thirdly, while the film is largely an epic story and therefore brimming with blood and sweat, there were several instances of humor, very much appreciated and enjoyed by the audience. Finally, I believe my favorite part of the film were the characters themselves. Performed strongly with strong words and strong presence, the characters really made the film.