Watched 300 last night. Actively avoided it for a decade because of my non-violent, hippie tendencies. It always looked so brutal - I wasn’t ready. Turns out those days are over and it’s my new favourite film. Absolutely love the style. Every shot is a work of art. It’s just so beautiful. I love the premise, the power, the exoticness, the strong Queen, Gerard Butler’s scottish lead voice. And the gorgeous, buff solidiers in capes are pretty spectacular on the eye too. 😍 It’s full of strength, passion and poetry.
It’s funny. When the solidiers first meet the band of artists and potters come to help fight, the conversation that ensued really tickled me and I actively laughed out loud watching the men enjoy battle with their heavy shields. I never thought I’d laugh at something like that. It was intoxicating, glorious. I was excited by the build up of this war. I felt their spiritual honour. It was a different way to live and die.
Not sure about watching the second, though I probably won’t be able to help myself - I saw the trailer and concluded it all looked a bit more typical action-y (ie lots of big cgi boats smashing together).
If you have any recommendations of this similar, arty filmic style I’d love to hear. I’m going to rewatch Sin City again, I think I might like it - can’t remember much.
And for the record, re non-violent tendencies, I still can’t watch most violent films, especially mob related ones - they’re way too realistic.