The main character of the movie, King Leonidus, played by Gerard Butler, is basically a nut. He has little regard for law, the consul, or the oracles. He does, what in his mind is right, and while we may agree with him, he does get a bit excessive with the mutilation and desecration of enemy soldiers. In fact, I think this character is my biggest problem with the movie. We’re supposed to side with the hero, and his “never give up attitude,” but he seems to support his going into battle from some sort of moral standpoint, as if he's defending himself from barbarians.

Meanwhile, his soldiers murder their own babies that they deem unfit as soldiers and he seems more concerned about dying in a cool way than defending the people. But do I like him? Sure. Is poor characterization overshadowed by battle scenes of epic proportions? Again, yes. This movie is not for those looking for a deep story and the ability to identify with the characters on any level. These men were a different breed, the epitome of what a warrior is supposed to be. Many movies with historical basis featuring large scale battles have been huge hits in the recent past. Movies like Braveheart, Gladiator, and more recently Alexander and Troy. While this movie may be placed in the same genre as these, It is, in many ways, in a class of its own.

Zack Snyder, Although a fairly new director, with only a few titles under his belt(most notably 2004's Dawn of the Dead) really takes artistic freedom in this film. It is simply visually stunning. To say it again, 300 simply delivers what it promises.