Zack Snyder’s first major comic book adaptation, 300is coming soon to Netflix. A historical epic based on the comic book by Frank Miller and Lynn Varley, it tells the story of the Battle of Thermopylae, in which a small band of Spartans faced off against Persian forces to defend all of Greece. Although the story is a completely fantastical version of the actual battle, it became a box office hit, grossing $456 million on a budget of just $65 million. 300 also received predominantly positive reviews and exceptional reactions from audiences.
With an all-star cast including Gerard Butler, Lena Headey, Michael Fassbender and morethe acting has been increasingly praised over the years. The 1 hour and 57 minute long film has aged gracefully, especially since Zack Snyder directed Man of Steel, Zack Snyder’s Justice LeagueAnd GuardianIt will be released on Netflix on September 1st and will be followed by Snyder’s Rebel Moon.
Did you know: Snyder’s career as a director began with
Dawn of the Dead
(2004) only three years earlier
300
(2006) and he worked with James Gunn, now co-CEO of DC.
For fans of …
- Fantastic epic historical fiction
- Comic adaptations with a focus on real events, including Persepolis or My friend Dahmer
- All Zack Snyder films, including Guardian, Dawn of the Dead, Rebel Moonor his DC work
- Gerard Butler, Lena Headey, Michael Fassbender and Vincent Regan
Why you should watch 300 on Netflix
Snyder’s 300 belongs to a category of epic historical fiction that can be expensive to film but rewarding for the audience. That’s exactly what Snyder has achieved with his hit film. The film depicts the plight of King Leonidas and features a small group of Spartans willing to give their lives to prove the might of the Spartan people, saving the Greeks time to recover and reinforce their army. Their sacrifice is portrayed as a heroic mission in which the Spartans are the only hope for all of Greek society.
Although the film didn’t receive much recognition during awards season, it helped launch Zack Snyder’s career. Many of the elements that would later shape his style played a major role in this film, including his sense of dignity, his love of slow motion, and the stylistic imagery that reflects the comic book medium. Its underdog narrative also reflects Snyder’s Rebel Moon Movies, and the nearly unstoppable Persian army reflects the struggle the Justice League faces Zack Snyder’s Justice League. The roots of his entire career lie in the Battle of Thermopylae.
There are also numerous action scenes that still exist todayas there is always a tremendous sense of scale, high stakes, and easy-to-follow fight scenes. However, the original remains a classic adaptation, continuing to offer groundbreaking visual effects and a sense of style that reflects Snyder’s respect for the source material. The acting is also incredible, as Gerard Butler manages to sell Leonidas’ sacrifice with a sense of honor and tragedy that is only shaken by his epic mission. With so much action, it deserves to be watched as soon as it hits Netflix.
What ScreenRant said about 300:
The film was directed by Zack Snyder and beautifully adapts the stunning art of Frank Miller’s original graphic novel.
300
is a thrilling spectacle full of battle glory and stylish cinematography. It’s also a stirring underdog story and a thrilling look at the over-the-top yet captivating discipline of the Spartan army. The film doesn’t get completely lost in its visual effects, though, as 300 delivers plenty of memorable quotes amidst the bloody chaos, with lines highlighting the Spartan way of life, the excitement of battle, and unwavering bravery in the face of overwhelming odds.
300: 15 quotes that will live on as a disgrace
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300 important facts |
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|---|---|
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Box office |
456 million US dollars |
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Critics’ rating at Rotten Tomatoes |
61% |
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Rotten Tomatoes Audience Rating |
89% |
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Important awards |
Saturn Award for Best Action/Adventure/Thriller Film, Saturn Award for Best Actor (Nomination), Hollywood Film Award for Film of the Year. |
5 more great historical fiction movies and series currently streaming on Netflix
- Operation Minced Meat (2021)
- The Pacific (2010)
- Hacksaw Ridge (2016)
- Nothing new in the West (2022)
- Alexander: The Creation of a God (2024)
