300

its been called a 'video game movie', it has been passed of as 'all flash, no substance', it has even had some critics questioning the role of special effects in film making. im not sure any of those titles fit.
i really enjoyed this film. it is based on a comic book written and illustrated by frank miller, of 'sin city' fame. my earliest memories of this title was when it was first released. i frequented comic book shops at the time, and would often receive free 'goodies' in my bag of purchased comics. these goodies were always marketing material in the form of cards, postcards, or fliers. one time i got bookmark that caught my eye- it was all black, but had a red spear and some splattered blood in the background. over the top it simply said '300'. i wasnt sure what it was but it peaked my interest. i liked the image so much that i still use said bookmark today.
that little subliminal marketing ploy worked on me. i never did read the comic book, but when i heard of the 300 movie i was hooked even before seeing a single frame. once i did see the preview i was totally in, not just from the visuals, but also from the nine inch nails song playing in the background!
fast forward to now. ive seen the film 3 times now. once with matt, once with ken, and once with my dad. each viewing brings me deeper into the story. now, many have voiced the opinion that the film is shallow, one-sided, and historically inaccurate. i would agree for the most part. but my argument is this: the film pulls you in. the story of 300 men versus thousands to the death is captivating. it is shallow, but it made me think about the actual event. since seeing it i have been inspired to learn more about the battle, and in turn more about the greeks. in fact, i have enjoyed learning how israels captivity in babylon and the roman empire are both inexplicably linked to this battle.
for me, this 'video game movie' has reignited my passion for history. if only every 'shallow' movie could have such an impact.