There really is no better time to review Zack Snyder’s 300 than for episode 301 of Cinema Effect. Starring Gerard Butler, Lena Headey, David Wenham, and Michael Fassbender, this stylised action epic retells the legendary Battle of Thermopylae, where King Leonidas and 300 Spartan warriors make their final stand against the invading Persian army. Despite being familiar with many of its iconic moments through pop culture, this was our first time actually sitting down to watch the full film, and it completely divided us. There is no denying Snyder’s singular vision, with a meticulously crafted visual style inspired by Frank Miller’s graphic novel, combining a striking bronze colour palette, extensive digital effects and green screen, trademark slow motion and speed ramping, all layered beneath heavy film grain. Whether those unique creative choices actually work, however, is where the debate begins. Some of us found the experience mesmerising, while others thought it was rubbish. Either way, if you have never seen 300, it is an action spectacle worth experiencing at least once to decide which side of the battle you fall on.

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Timestamps ;)

0:00 - Intro

00:36 - 300

47:33 - News Chat

1:03:19 - What We've Been Watching