In 480 BC, king Xerxes pursues Persian irredentism and invades Greek lands with the aim of their annexation. Unfortunately, the Greek cities are disunited, so in Corinth politician Themistocles urges everyone to unite to stop the invasion. Spartan king Leonidas is chosen to lead the army against the Persians. When the council decides to wait until a religious festival is over, Leonidas refuses to waste time and sends his personal guard to the narrow pass at Thermopylae, to ambush the Persian army. Clinched between a mountain and the sea, the Persian army loses in every attempt at charging against the Spartans. When he is rejected by girl Ellas, shepherd Ephialtes goes to Xerxes' camp and gives him information about a secret route behind the mountain. Hearing the Persian army is about to attack from their rear, Leonidas orders other Greek soldiers to retreat. Leonidas and 300 Spartans stay behind and die trying to stop the Persian army.
The incredible 'David vs. Goliath' story of the 300 Spartans during the battle of Thermopylae was subsequently adapted into several media, and one of them was this film by Rudolph Mate, which is today actually better remembered for inspiring Frank Miller to write the famed comic-book "300". The director Mate crafted a solid, albeit somewhat standard and routine history film, yet the core of the story—integrity, honor, self-sacrifice, the underdog keeping his stand against a bigger enemy—still has enough pathos that it is able to engage the viewers even in the most dry execution. Richard Egan delivers a passionate, energetic performance as king Leonidas, heightening the drama: when the Persian envoy warns that king Xerxes has so many soldiers that, when they shoot, their arrows will "darken the Sun", Leonidas is quick to reply: "Then we will fight in the shade!" It takes about an hour until the clashes at Thermopylae start, and they have interesting moments. In one of them, the Persian cavalry charges, but the Spartans simply lie on the ground and cover themselves with shields. Once the horses have crossed over, the Spartans stand up again, and attack the Persian cavalry both from the front and the back. In another moment, they let the Persian elite guard arrive close, but one Spartan then puts hay on fire behind them, effectively blocking them from retreat and reinforcements. While "The 300 Spartans" could have used more ingenuity, they still have enough enjoyment value.
Grade:++
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