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| 300: Rise of an Empire |
Story: The invading Persian forces led by the god-like Xerxes and navy commander Artemisia battle the Greeks (led by Themistocles) in the hope of conquering the land. With the odds against him, Themistocles must use guile and strength in equal measure to save Greece from destruction.
Review: While the first 300 movie dealt with Leonidas and the events at Thermopylae, here the focus shifts to the equally furious sea battle, fought on dark, choppy waters. King Xerxes (Santoro) and Queen Gorgo of Sparta (Headey) face off, with their respective commanders Artemisia (Green) and Themistocles (Stapleton) leading their navies. Although the previous movie is referenced in the gorgeous opening shot, the battle then rides on Themistocles' able shoulders.
Artemisia is a determined commander, who doesn't think much of her adversaries, clad in sandals and capes. Indeed, the Persian navy splinters the Greek galleys, until they come up against Themistocles. Artemisia realises that she has an equal in strategy and cunning, against whom overwhelming force and superior numbers alone won't work.
Themistocles, although lacking the crazed blood-lust that drove Leonidas, is weary of war. Yet, he knows that each of them would ha
ve to, if need be, make the ultimate sacrifice to save 'Mother Greece'. He shows his resolve when mustering the Greek forces with lines like, "We choose to die on our feet rather than live on our knees!" But is he immune to Artemisia's female charms or will those prove to be his Achilles heel?
Xerxes himself, looking like he has emerged from a gold bath and resplendent in various piercings, is relegated to a few booming sentences. The blood and gore is off the scale; warriors are hacked and cleaved in glorious CGI detail. Part-vamp and part-warrior princess in leather, Green is stunning as Artemisia. The film itself looks fantastic, awash in a red-sepia tone that dominates everything. Although you will have seen many action films set during a point of time in history (this one's set in 480 BC), there is plenty in here to keep your attention from start to finish.