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But make no mistake. Some will object to the film's apparent revelry in violence. To some extent it's necessary—just as violence of some magnitude would be necessary in bringing the book of Judges to the big screen. The real question is whether 300 glorifies violence unnecessarily, and it probably does since The 300 Spartans wasn't as graphic. But much of the violence in 300 isn't that far removed from what was seen in the Lord of the Rings trilogy, which at times came close to an R rating with its decapitations and dismemberments.

Some will feel that 300's other adult content is more problematic. The aforementioned oracle does some sensual writhing in the nude. There's a grotesque Persian orgy that goes a little too far in making its point. Leonidas shares a short, somewhat graphic love scene with his queen. There's also an implied rape. And let's not forget that we're watching 300 ultra-ripped, half-naked male specimens with 12-pack abs on screen for most of the film. Like everything else in this movie, it's all artfully handled, but is it also too much to take? Consider yourself warned, and use careful discernment.

The battle scenes are few, but quite intense

All things considered, you'd think 300 is nothing more than a testosterone fueled, sword-clanging epic with stylish visuals. But I have to believe that the two guys who sat near me—giggling and rubbing their hands in anticipation as the battles geared up—were a little disappointed that such a movie is so talky. 300 is not the popcorn action flick some might be expecting. It's more like a war movie for fans of comic books, art history, and opera—propelled more by ideas and images, not action.

There's much talk (and posturing) between the action sequences, raising interesting themes about what the Spartans were fighting for: idealism vs. realism, perhaps even their very souls. Consider a scene where one Spartan offers to betray his countrymen for personal reasons. Xerxes comes across as the Devil himself, promising him wealth, women, and power, repeatedly extolling his kindness: "Leonidas would have you stand. All I ask is that you kneel." It's one of the most striking scenes of temptation I've ever seen in film, while providing some insight into what the Spartan "stand" truly represents—to take a self-proclaimed "god-king" down a peg by sheer force of will (and sheer force).

I cannot stress enough that this movie is not for everyone because of its violence and excesses. Nevertheless, the execution is artful (literally and figuratively) and it presents some lofty ideas in the process. With filmmaking both epic and imaginative, 300 is the stuff that legends are made of.

Talk About It

1. What do you think was the cause of the battle? Was Leonidas prideful in his actions and decisions, or was he merely doing what was required of him as king?
2. The Spartans' religious festival prevented full use of the Greek army. Do you believe Leonidas acted wisely or rashly in response? Think of examples today where common sense conflicts with our beliefs. What roles do free will and faith play when religion and reason are at odds? How should we make such decisions, particularly when the Bible tells us to submit to authority (Romans 13:1-3, Hebrews 13:16-18, 1 Peter 2:12-14)?
3. 300 makes a point of contrasting idealism with realism. Should we rely on one over another? Is one more practical to matters of state than the other? What about matters of faith? Is there room for balance?
4. A key character is persuaded to betray the Spartans after Xerxes tempts him with wealth, women, and more. What did such betrayal cost him? Can you think of ways that we too are faced with the choice to kneel or stand?
5. Does 300 glorify violence? Does it show us more than we need to see? Does it show anything that we don't read about in the Old Testament? Which is more powerful: the written word or the visual medium? Where do you draw the line between excess and necessity in depicting violence on screen?

The Family Corner

300 is rated R for graphic battle sequences throughout, some sexuality, and nudity. The film earns the R rating and should not be taken lightly. The violence is highly stylized, and perhaps not as graphic or realistic as other war movies. But the battle sequences nevertheless include numerous slashes, stabbings, impalements, beheadings, and dismemberments. The film also contains some sexuality and nudity, including a grotesque Persian orgy, a love scene between Leonidas and his wife, sensual writhing by an oracle, and 300 half-naked Spartan warriors.

Photos © Copyright Warner Bros.

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