REVIEW: 300 RISE OF AN EMPIRE

In 2006, a very unique film titled 300 burst into the world of cinema with much acclaim about its filmmaking techniques. The film has received some form of cult status among movie fans because of its portrayal of stylistic violence and patriotic themes. The story tells a fictional account of an actual battle that took part during the Persian Wars many centuries ago. The film was adapted from a popular series of comic book written by Frank Miller and published by Dark Horse Comics. Since 300 was released, many fans were hoping for a sequel, and now one has arrived. 300 was directed by Zack Snyder, who went on to direct other successful films such as Watchmen (2009), Sucker Punch (2011), and Man of Steel (2013).

The sequel for 300 is titled 300: Rise of an Empire. The film is directed by newcomer Noam Munro. Snyder return as one of the film’s producers and co-screenwriter alongside Kurt Johnstad. Rise of an Empire introduces Australian actor Sullivan Stapleton in the lead role and actress Eva Green as his nemesis. Actors returning from the first 300 film are Lena Headey, Rodrigo Santoro, and David Wenham. Rounding up the supporting cast are Jack O’Connell, Hans Matheson, Callan Mulvey, and Andrew Tiernan. Just like the first film, the sequel is also adapted from the works of Frank Miller.

How will the sequel live to expectations from the first film? Do read on…

Just like the first film, it uses similar style, filming techniques, and even shots

SYNOPSIS:

During the Battle of Marathon in the era of the Persian Wars, a Greek army general named Themistocles (Sullivan Stapleton) kills his enemy King Darius of Persia. Xerxes (Rodrigo Santoro), son of King Darius, witnessed the incident and was too late to prevent it. Artemisia (Eva Green), a ruthless female war commander from Persia, manages to convince Xerxes that he is destined to avenge his father’s death. Xerxes reinvents himself as a ‘God-King and with Artemisia by his side, wages war against the Greeks with his massive Persian army. Attempts by Themistocles to seek help from Sparta’s Queen Gorgo (Lena Headey) fell on deaf ears, thus, he has to gather whatever he has of the Greek army to fight the Persians.

Sullivan Stapleton as Themistocles

SCRIPT:

Weak and cluttered. The film tries to tell a story of what happened before, during, and after the events of the first 300 film. By doing so, the script tried to cramp a lot of information into the film. This resulted in multiple plots being messy and a little difficult to follow. I understand that the filmmakers are trying to make a sequel which would also appeal to audiences who have not watched the first 300 film, but I feel they failed in doing so. As the movie progress, the story became less engaging and less interesting to follow. Those who have watched the first 300 might be able to grasp the storyline.

Rodrigo Santoro reprises his role as Xerxex

ACTING:

I was unimpressed with Sullivan Stapleton in the lead role. I guess he was there just for his good looks. Despite his mediocre performance, he was surrounded by some great female acting notably Eva Green and Lena Headey. I loved Eva Green’s performance as the ruthless villain Artemisia. No holds barred kind of performance.

The lovely Eva Green as Artemisia

FILMING:

Very impressive but ultimately felt like it was being overdone. It has almost the same exact style as Zack Snyder’s previous 300 film where there are big fight sequences, epic slow-motion shots, and gory violence. Just like the first film, the sets, costumes, and visual effects were top notch. However for this sequel, the story gets lost in too much visual effects imagery just to make it look cool. Too much blood splatter to the screen was annoying. As the film progresses, it became a movie more interested in showcasing how cool it would look like in 3D rather keeping the plot moving along.

A nice visual effects shot when Xerxes declares war on Greece.

PACING:

Interesting start. Good introduction. Then, it went downhill all the way. It got draggy in the middle. The ending was just okay.

TONE (MOOD):

Men and women from several nations who try to uphold their believes and satisfy their egos by creating violence towards their neighboring states.

I almost can't get enough of actress Eva Green

DOWNSIDE:

Weak script and uninteresting characters. In my opinion, the film felt cramped.

UPSIDE:

The art of the visual effects evokes some of the best moments from the first 300 film.

We saw the fate of Leonidas in the first 300 film. Here's a reverse shot that we didn't see

OVERALL:

Only go see it if you don’t mind stupid dialogue and loved the first 300 film.

Lena Headey as Queen Gorgo of Sparta

RATING:

4.5 out of 10