Mar 19 2007, 02:04 PM
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A few months ago, I was having lunch with my dear friend Heidi MacDonald. She had just seen an advanced screening of 300 and wasn’t sure how she felt about the film. Now if you place two people on opposite ends of the political spectrum that would be Heidi and I. Even though I think she’s nuts we still love each other and always have a great time together. So (and I quote my dear friend) Heidi proclaims that “you would love it,” for as one critic put it, the film is “a Fascist’s dream.” The critic’s statement has since been repeated by many of his peers, but I don’t see the connection. What does defending your homes, ideals and family have anything to do with Fascism? It doesn’t. The simple fact of the matter is that the entire army of the Xerxes’ Persian empire invaded Greece with a force that comprised of Libyan, Egyptian, Ethiopian, Babylonian, Chaldean, Phoenician, Syrian, Assyrian, Palestinian, Armenian, Cilician, Cappadocian, Thracian, Parthian, Bactrian, Caspian, and even Indian warrior/slaves. An army of over 2 million men -- more men than in all of Greece for God Sakes!
Leonidas saw the danger, and knew of the coming the destruction, so he gathered a force of 300 Spartans and several hundred Thespians and, as most of the city-states’ politicians were busy debating whether or not to surrender, led them north to imminent slaughter but more importantly, immortality at the “Gates of Hell.” For it was to honor the sacrifice of this tiny fellowship that all of Greece mobilized and as I believe, saved the world. The war would continue for another year, but the battle cry of “no retreat, no surrender” pushed the now united Greeks to win the naval battle of Salamis and (as seen at film’s end) the ultimate defeat of Xerxes’ Army at Plataea, which was again lead by the Spartans.
Now imagine if all of Greece had fallen to Xerxes in 480 BC. Imagine the destruction of all Greek culture, their ideals and their way of life. There would never be an Alexander, or a Roman Empire either wouldn’t there? I’m a Christian and strong in my faith, but wonder that if there were no Roman Empire, is it fair to say there would be no Jesus Christ, at least as we know him today? I know that’s a lot to swallow, but it is a theory. At least one can surely argue that there would be no democracy. Remember, Xerxes was a king who sacked, pillaged and destroyed all native culture to the lands he conquered. So is it possible that had Leonidas stayed behind and the Greeks surrendered, that there would be no United States of America? If so and I don’t care how you feel about the US one way or another, I dare you to name one nation that has done more for greater-good of mankind.
That is why the film is breaking box-office records around the world – people do believe in the fighting oppression, conquest and slavery. Scott Lamky had the incredible opportunity to see the film premiere in Athens where the entire theatre repeatedly cheered out loud at all the great historical quotes (“Spartan, come back with your shield… Or on it!”) and the courage laid down by their forefathers. Man I wish I were there to experience that!
Leonidas saw the danger, and knew of the coming the destruction, so he gathered a force of 300 Spartans and several hundred Thespians and, as most of the city-states’ politicians were busy debating whether or not to surrender, led them north to imminent slaughter but more importantly, immortality at the “Gates of Hell.” For it was to honor the sacrifice of this tiny fellowship that all of Greece mobilized and as I believe, saved the world. The war would continue for another year, but the battle cry of “no retreat, no surrender” pushed the now united Greeks to win the naval battle of Salamis and (as seen at film’s end) the ultimate defeat of Xerxes’ Army at Plataea, which was again lead by the Spartans.
Now imagine if all of Greece had fallen to Xerxes in 480 BC. Imagine the destruction of all Greek culture, their ideals and their way of life. There would never be an Alexander, or a Roman Empire either wouldn’t there? I’m a Christian and strong in my faith, but wonder that if there were no Roman Empire, is it fair to say there would be no Jesus Christ, at least as we know him today? I know that’s a lot to swallow, but it is a theory. At least one can surely argue that there would be no democracy. Remember, Xerxes was a king who sacked, pillaged and destroyed all native culture to the lands he conquered. So is it possible that had Leonidas stayed behind and the Greeks surrendered, that there would be no United States of America? If so and I don’t care how you feel about the US one way or another, I dare you to name one nation that has done more for greater-good of mankind.
That is why the film is breaking box-office records around the world – people do believe in the fighting oppression, conquest and slavery. Scott Lamky had the incredible opportunity to see the film premiere in Athens where the entire theatre repeatedly cheered out loud at all the great historical quotes (“Spartan, come back with your shield… Or on it!”) and the courage laid down by their forefathers. Man I wish I were there to experience that!
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....n then leonidas shouts "tonight we dine in heaven" and then we have a second sequel 
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