300

--R--The most important thing to note about this film is that it is not a comic book movie. It is however a graphic novel adapted to film. Is there a difference? In layman terms, yes...a comic book is typically portrayed as a caricatured version of reality, where as graphic novels are far darker and more of an anthology. So when adapting graphic novels to film they have to be taken more seriously than your standard comic book movie. The most notable comic book adaptations are probably either the Spiderman series or Batman Begins. The most notable graphic novel films would be Sin City, Road to Perdition and now 300.

300 is a flawless masterpiece! From start to finish you find seamless editing, striking costumes, as well as superb acting and many other remarkable assets. While 300 bills itself as an action film (which it is) it is also far more than that. With each significant role, you find that they all have a rich meaningful back-story which adds depth and color to these characters lives and the part they play in the battle against a Persian Emperor touting himself as a God. Whether the 300 strong Spartans survive or not doesn't matter, you understand their plight and the importance of their stance against corrupt politicians, tainted prognosticators and a maniacal emperor hell bent on world domination.

Is this movie going to win the Oscar for best picture? No, but this movie wasn't made to that end. A film like this is made to make money for its financial backers and by its director for the artisctic wonder of which it is.

cah