300

"300," set in ancient Greece during the year 480 BC, follows the valiant Spartan king Leonidas (played by Gerard Butler) and his 300 Spartan warriors as they face off against the massive Persian army led by King Xerxes (played by Rodrigo Santoro).

When Xerxes demands that the Spartans surrender and bow down to him, Leonidas, refusing to submit to Persian rule, leads his small but highly trained army to the narrow pass of Thermopylae. The Spartans take up a defensive position, using the natural terrain to their advantage, hoping to hold off the Persian forces and protect the Greek city-states from invasion.

Throughout the film, the story is also interwoven with the political intrigue taking place in the city of Sparta. Queen Gorgo (played by Lena Headey), Leonidas' wife, engages in a political struggle with Theron (played by Dominic West), a corrupt Spartan politician, who seeks to undermine the king's efforts and betray his people.

"300" serves as a tribute to the legendary bravery and sacrifice of the Spartan warriors, highlighting their code of honor, discipline, and dedication to their homeland. It became a commercial success and achieved a cult following for its unique visual style and memorable performances. While "300" takes some creative liberties with historical accuracy, the film manages to capture the essence of the Battle of Thermopylae nontheless, cementing its place as a notable entry in the historical action genre.

Release: 2007

Stars: Gerard Butler, Lena Headey, David Wenham

Rotten Tomatoes Score: 61%