300

King Leonidas leads a small band of Spartan warriors to hold a narrow pass against a vastly larger invading army, choosing defiance over retreat. The film follows the buildup to that stand, showing Spartan discipline, the politics back home, and the tense face offs with the Persian forces. Battles are rendered as stark, stylized set pieces, and much of the story is driven by the Spartans' codes of honor and camaraderie. Dialogue and narration frame the conflict as an almost mythic confrontation that inspires others, without resolving every political thread or altering the film's operatic tone.

Directed by Zack Snyder and released in 2007, the movie adapts Frank Miller's graphic novel with a screenplay by Kurt Johnstad, Michael B. Gordon, and Frank Miller. Gerard Butler leads a notable cast as King Leonidas, supported by Lena Headey, Dominic West, David Wenham, and Vincent Regan.

The film was a commercial success, drawing large audiences worldwide and cementing itself as one of that season's big studio hits. Its financial performance helped establish Snyder's reputation for blockbuster visuals and opened the door for similar stylized action projects.

Its visual language and the line "This is Sparta!" entered popular culture quickly, spawning countless memes, parodies, and references across media. The movie's hyper-stylized fight scenes and high-contrast, slowed motion choreography influenced later action films and advertising, and it remains a frequent touchstone in discussions about cinematic spectacle.

Critics were divided but leaned positive, with many praising the movie's striking imagery and kinetic action while others faulted its historical liberties and one-note portrayal of the enemy. Audience scores reflect strong enthusiasm for the style and performances, especially Gerard Butler's. Major themes include honor, sacrifice, leadership, and the transformation of history into legend, with the film favoring mythic emotion and visual impact over strict accuracy.