300 (2007)
Dir. Zack Snyder. With Gerard Butler, Lena Headey, Rodrigo Santoro, Vincent Regan, Michael
Fassbender.
Plot Synopsis: Based on the epic graphic novel by Frank Miller, 300 tells the story of the Battle
of Thermopylae, in which King Leonidas and 300 Spartans fight to the death against Xerxes and his massive Persian army at
the Hot Gates. Facing insurmountable odds, with their position betrayed by an outcast hunchback named Ephialtes, the
Spartans' courageous sacrifice inspires all of Greece to rise up and unite against their Persian enemy.
The story is narrated by a Spartan soldier named Dilios, who recalls the years of harsh training and sacrifice that
led them to that moment. Wounded in battle, Dilios is sent back to Sparta by King Leonidas to tell their glorious story
to the outside world and rouse their countrymen to action.
Character: Dilios
Nerdometer: 
Hm. Dilios is a good guy, but nerdy he ain't. (All the poindexters lived in Athens,
according to Herodotus.)
Memorable Quotes:
"The wolf begins to circle the boy. Claws of black steel—Fur as the dark night ... Eyes glowing red—jewels
from the pit of hell itself. The giant wolf sniffing... savouring the scent of the meal to come. It is not fear that grips
him... only a heightened sense of things. Cold air in his lungs... wind-swept pines moving against the coming night. His hands
are steady... his form perfect."
[Narrating: as Leonidas bids farewell to his wife] "Goodbye my love". He doesn't say it. There's no room for softness,
not in Sparta. No place for weakness. Only the hard and strong may call themselves Spartans. Only the hard. Only the strong.
"They shout and curse, stabbing wildly; more brawlers than warriors. They make a wondrous mess of things. Brave amateurs...they
do their part."
Leonidas: Dilios, I trust that scratch hasn't made you useless.
Dilios: Hardly, my Lord. It's just an
eye. The gods saw fit to grace me with a spare.
"The enemy outnumber us a paltry three to one! Good odds for any Greek. This day we rescue a world from mysticism and tyranny,
and usher in a future brighter than anything we could imagine. GIVE THANKS, MEN! TO LEONIDAS, AND THE BRAVE 300! TO VICTORY!"
Davidity: A-. Not a TON of David. But it's a darn good film.
Availability: All regions.
Rippling abs, tousled hair, rain, fight scenes, a rousing and heroic Henry V speech, a tiny leather
codpiece. What's not to like?
