Zack Snyder’s first major comic book adaptation,300, is coming to Netflix soon. A historical epic based on the comic book by Frank Miller and Lynn Varley, it tells the story of the Battle of Thermopylae, where a small group of Spartans stood against Persia’s forces to defend the whole of Greece. While the story is an entirely fantastical version of the actual battle, it became a box office hit, earning $456 million on a budget of just $65 million.300also saw largely positive reviewsfrom critics and exceptional audience responses.
Withan all-star cast, consisting of Gerard Butler, Lena Headey, Michael Fassbender, and more, the acting has only become more acclaimed over the years. The 1 hour and 57-minute movie has aged gracefully, especially since Zack Snyder went on to directMan of Steel,Zack Snyder’s Justice League, andWatchmen. It will now be coming to Netflix on September 1st, where it will join Snyder’sRebel Moon.
Did You Know: Snyder’s career as a director began withDawn of the Dead(2004) just three years before300(2006), and he worked on that film alongside DC’s now co-CEO, James Gunn.
300
Cast
Loosely based on Frank Miller’s comic series of the same name, Zack Snyder’s 300 tells the legend of the historical battle of Thermopylae. It follows King Leonidas of Sparta (Gerard Butler) as he leads a small force of 300 Spartans against the amassed Persian army of 300,000. Meanwhile, his wife Queen Gorgo (Lena Headey) remains in Sparta to negotiate reinforcements against political resistance.
Snyder’s300sits in acategory of epic historical fictionthat can be expensive to shoot but rewarding for viewers. That is exactly what Snyder achieved with his hit movie. Having depicted King Leonidas' plight, the movie features a small group of Spartans willing to lay down their lives to prove the might of the Spartan people. In the process, they save time for the Greeks to recover and reinforce their army. Their sacrifice is portrayed as a heroic mission, wherein the Spartans are the only hope for the entire Greek society.
Though it did not see much recognition during the awards season, it helped to ignite Zack Snyder’s career. Many of the elements that later came to define his style played a prominent part in this movie, including his sense of gravitas, his love for slow motion, and the stylistic visuals that reflect the comic book medium. Its underdog narrative also reflects Snyder’sRebel Moonmovies, and the nigh-unstoppable Persian army reflects the struggle that the Justice League faces inZack Snyder’s Justice League.The roots of his entire career can be found in the Battle of Thermopylae.
Is 300: Rise Of An Empire Worth Watching? Breaking Down The 300 Follow-Up’s Reviews & Rotten Tomatoes Scores
300: Rise of an Empire is the long-awaited sequel to Zack Snyder’s 300, and many fans of the original are wondering if the film is worth watching.
There are alsonumerous action set pieces that still hold up today, as there is always a vast sense of scale, high stakes, and easily comprehensible fight scenes. The original, however, remains a classic adaptation that continues to feature groundbreaking visual effects and a sense of style that reflects Snyder’s respect for the source material. The acting is also incredible, as Gerard Butler manages to sell Leonidas' sacrifice with a sense of honor and tragedy only just shaken by his epic mission. With so much action, it deserves to be viewed once it comes to Netflix.
WhatScreenRanthas said about300:
The movie is directed by Zack Snyder and beautifully adapts the stunning art of Frank Miller’s original graphic novel.300is a thrilling spectacle of glory in combat and stylish cinematography. It is also a rousing underdog story and a thrilling look at the over-the-top yet compelling discipline of the Spartan army. However, the movie doesn’t lose itself completely in its visuals, as 300 delivers many memorable quotes in the midst of the bloody mayhem with lines highlighting the Spartan way of life, the excitement of battle, and unblinking bravery in the face of overwhelming odds.300: 15 Quotes That Will Live On In Infamy
$456 million
61%
89%
Major Awards
Saturn Award for Best Action/Adventure/Thriller Film, Saturn Award for Best Actor (Nominee), Hollywood Film Award for Movie of the Year.
