Kevin's Watch

dlbpharmd wrote:I didn't understand why

Spoiler

Leonidas said to the humpback "May you live forever."

Not sure. But my theory is...well, in stuff like the Iliad, there's a sort of enchantment with a short life of incredible glory. That's sorta what most of the warriors want.

The only thing I can think is that Leonidas is saying he wants the guy to live forever and come to comprehend the weight of his treachery, or live a long life without freedom or glory or whatnot. Not really sure though.

Holstey, dlb,

Yep, either that or, going along with

Spoiler

his very clear status as a Christ figure, Leonidas was forgiving the hunchback for his betrayal of the Spartans.

That's my theory.

Great flick; didn't let me down one bit, which even some other very decent movies tend to do at some point or another. Loved it on the big screen, so will have to catch it one more time before it leaves. Definitely a future DVD purchase.

Lord Mhoram wrote:Holstey, dlb,

Yep, either that or, going along with

Spoiler

his very clear status as a Christ figure, Leonidas was forgiving the hunchback for his betrayal of the Spartans.

That's my theory.

Spoiler

You know what? When I saw Leonidas dead at the end, I immediately said to myself "OMG JESUS!" but I didn't make any connections outside of that. But that theory does kinda work. Everyone prolly knows Leo dies but here it is in spoilers just in case.

How many times was Leonidas 'tempted' to submit to Xerxes? I feel like it's 4, but maybe only 3 if you don't count the guy who went to Sparta. I know the 3 temptations of christ didn't actually involve "heyo jesus join/submit to me" but it might tie together ok. Dunno.

Yes, the temptations definitely tie into that, Holstey.

Well, I saw 300 yesterday, and although i have to admit that I enjoyed it, I thought the choreography was stilted at best. I give it 3 stars.

-B

I also caught the "Jesus" thingy and thought the Queen in Sparta was weak. The real story was with Leonidas and his troops. I did like how she dealt with the corrupt politician, though.

Where can I buy my own spartan?? Because da-amn.

That's all I've got to say.

Where can I buy my own spartan?? Because da-amn.

That's what I'm talkin', girlfriend. heh.

julie and i saw the movie yesterday. julie gives it 4 stars (out of 5) and i gave the battle scenes a 6 (out of 5) and the rest a solid 3 1/2. for a final of 4.5

A decent 3 star movie.

Really, it was a D&D scenario in a historical setting. Which is fine since it didn't pretend to be anything more. Example:

Spoiler

That was the strangest executioner I've ever seen.

Must say I really enjoyed it. Had a certain charm. I suppose the whole Spartans-flying-through-the-air-and-killing-elephants thing.

Definitely makes me want to see an adaptation of Gates of Fire. The impact of 300 will probably push its production way back. Or maybe not. Heck--they once released two meteor films in one summer season!

On my "list of films to see" - wonder if the Aussie "Happy Feet" FX crew will be up for another Oscar for this puppy?

Just saw it. A very good movie for what it was trying to be: a hyper-version of history told through a graphic novel. I give it 4 out of 5.
Imagry was superb, as was use of camera and Matrix-slow-mo stuff. Acting was great and all the other Spartan characters had a little moment of cool, which was nice to see (the young guy and his spear vs. a rhino! YAH BABY!)
The sub-plot was fine. Had no problem with it. I think in a 2 hour movie about guys fighting, you need a little 5 to 8 minute rest. And the actress who played the Queen is totally hot. I am in love....

Someone asked about Leonides saying to the Hunchback traitor (Ephialtes), that he hopes he is remembered forever... it has to do with the notion that he hopes his name is remembered forever as being associated with being a traitor... which is now the case...

I felt the whole Christ thing to be a bit much, but Miler was never one for subtlty... yahyahyah, he (and his men) sacrificed himself so that the Persians would be held back against pursuing the retreating Greeks... yah, we get it...

Miller's use of fantasy in the story was great too. I wasn't really intrested in "history" and this story/movie gave me enough myth to make it fun. The whole portrayal of Xerxes on his moving throne, rhinos, big behemouth warrior dude, executioner with blades for arms... all were great adds.

Yes, I thought Leonides's Curse to Ephialtes was in 3 parts: 1) live forever in that wrecked body, 2) live forever never knowing the glory of dying in a worthy battle as a true Spartan, and 3) live forever as a traitor to Sparta.

Kil Tyme wrote:Yes, I thought Leonides's Curse to Ephialtes was in 3 parts: 1) live forever in that wrecked body, 2) live forever never knowing the glory of dying in a worthy battle as a true Spartan, and 3) live forever as a traitor to Sparta.

Agreed.

I'm going to see it this weekend.

I'm not expecting it to be historically accurate, but it will be nuts I'm sure!

I've booked tickets for Thursday!

Usivius wrote:Someone asked about Leonides saying to the Hunchback traitor (Ephialtes), that he hopes he is remembered forever... it has to do with the notion that he hopes his name is remembered forever as being associated with being a traitor... which is now the case...

I thought it also had to do with the fact that the hunchback's wish was to die in combat/redeem his family's name. I think Lenoidas’s curse made the hunchback remember that initial wish—and that he had given it all up just to attain some Persian debaucheries (which Xerxes might or might not honor).

But yeah. Definitely a long-term, historical curse and then a curse on the guy's conscience. Stupid hunchbacks.

Don't worry, the hunchback of notre dame redeems him in the end.