"300" A Man's Man Movie

I went to go watch this movie. It was spectacular! The blood, gore and killing really exemplified what it meant to "be a man" at one point in human history, and now how pitiful the situation. Alas, however, if you are interested in a nice cultural/historical critique of the movie, read here.

People are blasting Iran and others for being to strung up about a "comic strip rendition" of a movie. We should all know it isn't a documentary. However, I would say at one point it was culturally allowable to portray blacks in a certain fashion, or Jews in a certain way or for that matter any other minority. So its important to use these sorts of moments to really understand the historical context of things. The battle itself really did not occur as portrayed, nor was Sparta so democratic, liberal and free as constantly emphasized in the dialogue. So I encourage all to read up on it.

However, do enjoy the movie if you are into blood, gore and great action. The style of the movie is quite exquisite, its like resurrecting Gladiator after the disaster the Troy, Alexander and the crusading movie were- however its resurrected using speed or some other drug!

With that said lets focus on how this movie is "resurrecting" an old concept of "manliness"

Well actually I lie. See the common man were represented in the Arcadian, those half-wit artistic brood who came to "fight" with the Spartans. Spartans, well, they were the epitome of what it was to be a man. With their well groomed hair, finely tanned and oiled body. chiseled from marble itself every Spartan was the physical specimen of "man". Looking at them and then comparing them to the Persians or to the Arcadian, well they were more then mere mortals. But see beyond their physic and their finely groomed, mannequin like bodies they were principled men.

They combined modern metro sexuality with that concept of John Wayne and Marlane Brando "manliness" and portrayed it in terms of principles. But there are specific lessons we can learn, for example King Leonidas is an example of the conceptual "300" man as told by the remaining survivor of the 300 Spartans that fought Xerxes Persian horde.

Take Leonidas and the result is quite a resolute husband, the fearless leader, the straight yet distantly loving father, the idealized citizen who put state above tradition so a practical man and finally the obedient son.

Some select quotes from Leonidas

Spartan King Leonidas: We Spartans have descended from Hercules himself. Taught never to retreat, never to surrender. Taught that death in the battlefield is the greatest glory he could achieve in his life. Spartans: the finest soldiers the world has ever known.

Spartan King Leonidas: A new age has come, an age of freedom. And all will know that 300 Spartans gave their last breath to defend it

Spartan King Leonidas: Give them nothing! But take from them everything!

See the idea being presented is quite interesting. A man is brave, unwavering on his convicitions, represents himself in a resolute manner, never admits defeat...etc. All admirable characteristics.

The sad thing is that they are presented in such a ridiculously historically false way. As for the representation of the Persians, I can care less, it really was probably just as bad- I mean did you watch Alexander? Anyway, these cultures were pre-Islam, so really what do you expect?