That 300 pays tribute to the honour of the fabled 300 handpicked warriors of a prototype communist state called Sparta is, to my mind, a great achievement. Any movie that manages to capture any amount of the Victorian esprit de corps is worthy of note. The Spartans did indeed live in a state of battle-readiness, even their womenfolk fought; as this film evokes though does not quite fully embrace. As for admonishments about the six-packs, or the grotesqueness of the Persian foe such things are offered up as part of an overall style. The film is about the honour and duty of these brave warriors.
The battle of Thermopylae actually happened and is an inspiration to anyone looking for courage and a determination to self-rule, regardless of the price. I love this film for the simple reason that heroic myth/storytelling from the Greek past has always fascinated and compelled me and this is one of the few rare movies that has encapsulated that essence of sheer mythic heroism.
Gerard Butler chews the scenery as King Leonidas, and gives the role a punchy, almost leftfield, swagger. I actually believe that he could in fact convince 299 of the best and bravest take arms against a veritable sea of foes. Such simple sentiment must be as true today as it was then. Let's hope so at any rate. As good as Leonidas- is his stalwart companion none other than Farimir (from Lord of the Rings) what more could you ask for.
Hopefully now someone, somewhere will make amends for Troy (The Iliad), and who knows we may even get a decent Odysseus rather than some made for tv thing.