300 (2006)

300 (2006), an American epic historical war action film, is based on the 1998 comic book series of the same name by Frank Miller and Lynn Varley. Set in 480 B.C., it tells the story of Leonidas I, from his childhood to kingship, according to Spartan doctrine. The plot begins when a Persian herald arrives at Sparta, demanding ‘earth and water’ as a token of submission to King Xerxes. After being insulted by the herald, Queen Gorgo urges Leonidas to submit. However, he instead throws them both into a bottomless pit. Next, Leonidas visits the Ephors and presents his plan to push back the Persians through Thermopylae. This will force them into a narrow pass where the Greeks’ heavy infantry can use their advantage over the numerically superior Persian light infantry. The Ephors caution against waging war during the approaching Carneia festival.

Upon consulting the Oracle, it is decreed that Sparta should honor the Carneia. This decision angers Leonidas, who is also approached by an agent from Xerxes and a Spartan politician named Theron. The Ephors, who had secretly supported Xerxes, are rewarded for their actions. Despite being denied permission to mobilize the army, Leonidas gathers three hundred soldiers and heads to war. Theron and the Council confront them for defying the Ephors’ orders. Although initially suggesting they will not go to war, Leonidas and his men set off shortly thereafter. Joined by a small force of Arcadians and other Greeks led by Daxos, they finally reach Thermopylae. There, they witness a storm sinking multiple Persian navy ships in the Aegean Sea. The Spartans then proceed to scout out a large Persian encampment and begin constructing a wall using slain Persian scouts as mortar.