Sons of Sparta! New Film coming soon!!

JGarcia · 08-14-2006, 11:23

There's a movie coming out (2007) called '300' about the Spartans at Thermoplyae, its over at warner bros. I have the link to the site but don't know if I can post it. The movie is based on Frank Millers graphic novel, and it looks like it might be good. Search for '300 the movie.'

Okay I couldn't resist, one link about the making of the movie: http://300themovie.warnerbros.com/cm...s&speed=300000

dedeppm · 08-14-2006, 13:21

We'll see how accurate it is in its portrayal... I was hoping that a movie based on Pressfield's "Gates of Fire" would be out soon, but apparently they're still looking for a director. Seems doubtful it will even be made now in light of this movie's upcoming release.

KidA · 08-14-2006, 14:05

Quote:

Originally Posted by dedeppm

We'll see how accurate it is in its portrayal...

You were there?

Sorry couldn't resist.

dedeppm · 08-14-2006, 14:30

I'm a bit of an amateur classicist and an admitted lacedaemoniaphile. If Paul Cartledge says that Pressfield's novel is probably a pretty accurate dramatization, that's good enough for me.

I'm glad I wasn't there- the dying wouldn't have been so bad, but study up on Spartan mentoring customs and you'll understand why I would be less than thrilled to be a spartan

aricbcool · 08-14-2006, 17:02

Quote:

Originally Posted by dedeppm

We'll see how accurate it is in its portrayal...

I'm skeptical about historical accuracy in any movie, let alone one based off a comic book. Frankly, I'm looking forward to Beowulf and Grendel more.

--Aric

**Bill Harsey** · 08-14-2006, 17:59

A few years ago I had the honor of standing at the edge of where this famous battle took place and now I will finally fulfill what is asked of visitors to the site of the Battle of Thermopylae.
(please allow for rough but fairly accurate translation by knifemaker)

Please tell others, and I'm doing so now, that the Spartans and Thespians died honorably doing what was asked and expected of them by their country.

What makes this remarkable is that the Spartans were paid professionals and fighting to the death is what they trained for and would willingly do but the Thespians, "citizen soldiers", held down regular jobs and did what they could to help the Spartans.
The Thespians were not asked nor expected to fight to the death in this battle but volunteered, knowing death was certain, to stay with the Spartans in order to give the rest of the Greek City-states time to organize the defense that would ultimately defeat the Persians.

KidA · 08-14-2006, 23:25

Quote:

Originally Posted by dedeppm

I'm a bit of an amateur classicist and an admitted lacedaemoniaphile. If Paul Cartledge says that Pressfield's novel is probably a pretty accurate dramatization, that's good enough for me.

I'm glad I wasn't there- the dying wouldn't have been so bad, but study up on Spartan mentoring customs and you'll understand why I would be less than thrilled to be a spartan

I majored in Classics after I got out of the Army so I know a bit about the Spartans. It was just too easy to pass by the way you said you hoped it was accurate. A play on words if you will.

JGarcia · 08-15-2006, 10:31

Bill,
Thats pretty damn cool that you actually went there. The film as most films about history, is going to be a long way from historically correct I'm sure, but these films generate an interest in the story. People leave the movie and go find out more for themselves.

**Bill Harsey** · 08-15-2006, 20:53

Quote:

Originally Posted by NG_M4_Shooter

Bill,
Thats pretty damn cool that you actually went there. The film as most films about history, is going to be a long way from historically correct I'm sure, but these films generate an interest in the story. People leave the movie and go find out more for themselves.

And because of the film some history is learned and preserved or at least pointed to as you note.

Yes it was a fairly remarkable trip in terms of seeing where some important history took place.
Athens residents would love NASCAR based on how they drive and the mountains around Delphi, one of the homes of the ancient Olympics and The Oracle, were beautiful. Those Greeks could carve some serious stone too.

Phazed · 08-18-2006, 08:12

I have read Gates of Fire, but not Miller's 300 (although I see it ever time I'm at the comic store and what a coffee table book it is!).

From what I've heard the movie is very very true to the comic. It received a lot of praise at this years Comic Con which was kind of a suprise.

An article on 300 at Comic Con

NSDQ · 08-18-2006, 23:34

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bill Harsey

What makes this remarkable is that the Spartans were paid professionals and fighting to the death is what they trained for and would willingly do but the Thespians, "citizen soldiers", held down regular jobs and did what they could to help the Spartans.
The Thespians were not asked nor expected to fight to the death in this battle but volunteered, knowing death was certain, to stay with the Spartans in order to give the rest of the Greek City-states time to organize the defense that would ultimately defeat the Persians.

Great point Bill. God Bless the "citizen soldiers", the men like Sgt Wood form FLARNG ( 20th GRP ) & so many others.
How do you adequately say thank you to these men & their families? The only way I know is to never give up, never give in to their enemies.

NSDQ

Tubbs · 08-20-2006, 00:42

Quote:

Originally Posted by aricbcool

I'm skeptical about historical accuracy in any movie, let alone one based off a comic book. Frankly, I'm looking forward to Beowulf and Grendel more.

--Aric

Yeah, but if its based off of Frank Miller's comic book adaptation it should still be totally worth seeing. I have yet to be let down by anything that he has had his hand in.
I love Sin City (both the movie and the graphic novels) and he single handedly revived Batman in the late 80's (The Dark Night Returns). We have him to thank for the first two wonderfull Tim Burton movies.