MOVIE REVIEW: 300: Rise of an Empire

GENRE: Fantasy action adventure

RUNNING TIME: 102 minutes

STARRING: Sullivan Stapleton (Gangester Squad); Eva Green (Casino Royale); Lena Headey (Game of Thrones); Hans Matheson (Clash of the Titans); Rodrigo Santoro (300, Rio)

DIRECTED BY: Noam Murro (Smart People)

RATING: 6/10

Currently screening at Ster-Kinekor Northgate.

PLOT: Based on a yet-to-be published novel Xerxes, by Frank Miller, this is the next chapter in the epic saga of the 2006 film 300. All of Greece is divided, scattered into segments under diverse rule. It is the lifelong desire of one man, Greek general Themistokles, to unite all Greeks into a strong force under his charge.

At the Battle of Marathon, King Darius 1 of Persia (Yigal Naor) meets an early death at the hand of his enemy. This tragedy is witnessed by his son Xerxes (Rodrigo Santoro), who is transformed into a mortal-turned-god, wanting nothing more than to avenge his father’s death. Together with his vengeful commander, Artemisia (Eva Green), they lead the mighty Persian navy into an epic battle in the unforgiving waters of the Aegean Sea. The sheer size and strength of the Persian ships will prove to be the Greek general’s toughest battle yet. The dark waters will turn crimson red with the blood of heroes, who would rather ‘die on their feet than live on their knees.’

THE GOOD: Eva Green delivers an outstanding performance as the evil commander, Artemisia. Through her brutal combat skills, she proves that she is as fierce and brave as any man under her command. The Aegean Sea provides a spectacular battlefield where muscled, skilled warriors come face to face with their enemies.

THE BAD: Besides the enormity of Green’s performance, there is little to mention of the remaining cast. Relatively unknown, their acting abilities are weak and none emerge as strong characters. That a narrator has to walk us through the complexities of the saga may suggest that there is a problem with the script.

VERDICT: 300: Rise of an Empire boasts the most spectacular, brutal fighting scenes. The majority of which are very graphic with plenty of blood flowing, which may not be suitable for younger viewers. There is also a violent nudity scene that I would not recommend for children. Having taken heed of these warnings, if it’s war, patriotism and combat that thrills you, this film does not disappoint.

Thanks to Ster-Kinekor Northgate for making the review possible.