300 – Graphic Novel comes to life and how

300 – An eponym for a lift up from Frank Miller's graphic novel; the movie version now playing in theatres has brought about a wave of frenzy in almost every arena of moviedom and that is to be literally taken. Though it could be related to the Christian history for the subject but still one can't just call this a very legendary depiction of even the historical influences as there are many loophoes that go against the notion.

Showing the Greco–Persian Wars, specifically The Battle of Thermopylae in 480 BC; according to history, King Xerxes(Rodrigo Santoro), who takes Esther to be queen according to the Bible, launched a massive campaign against Greece with an army that most claim to have numbered in the hundreds of thousands—some even say the millions. Many states were easily conquered by Persia's might, and Sparta seemed poised to fall next.

Gerard Butler stars as King Leonidas, who leads 300 Spartans in the Battle of Thermopylae against the armies of Persia. Woefully outnumbered, the Spartans – “baptized in the fire of combat,” believing that, “death on the battlefield in service to Sparta was the greatest glory [one] could achieve in life.” fight on with panache.

So then what we get is a violent, and really violent movie filled with battle scenes, gory killings and some explicit content. A war epic oozing blood makes the viewer's brain fluctuate from thinking one moment they are watching a movie and the other a video game. But that maybe is an underreckoning for case in point as the visual effects and imagery are stunning.

Therefore one should go with two expectations in mind largely – extreme violence and then something one you've never ever seen before.

The war becomes inevitable for the Spartans as Leonidas declines Xerxes' appeal to submiss to him and from then on as Leonidas goes to seek blessings from the Spartan mystics the movie begins to reveal chinks in the 'gigantic ship of some historical learning'. What follows are instances of sheer sexuality and immorality, going per the Biblical terminology (though this movie crosses the lines for the term by miles).

Although denied the required blessing, Leonidas defies the lawmakers and fields his army of 300 to face the Persians. His actions would inspire future generations – and, the film argues, preserve Western civilization.

“Freedom isn’t free at all,” says Queen Gorgo (Lena Headey), in defense of her husband’s decision to fight the Persians. “It comes with a cost – the cost of blood.” Later, a character states, “A new age has begun – the age of freedom. And all will know that 300 Spartans gave their lives to defend it.”

Lena Headey's portrayal of Leonidas' wife Queen Gorgo leaves behind a reverberating “Freedom isn’t free at all,” as she defends her husbands decision to fight the Persians. And the statement – “A new age has begun – the age of freedom. And all will know that 300 Spartans gave their lives to defend it." stands true to the core as if we do believe, the Spartans fight till the last drop of blood in their veins.

Somewhere down the line amid all the savouries dished out for a 'action fanatic'; the origins of freedom, the bravery of the fighting men, the humanity and religious aspects are bleakly existent.

Thus, for a Christian perspective one can reflect upon what was the cause of the battle – Leonidas' arrogance in not obeying the Oracle's command or can this act of defiance be cloaked with him just doing his duty in the position of the king? Also as the Spartans' religious festival prevented full use of the Greek Army are there things in our lives too where common sense conflicts with our beliefs? What role does the free will and faith play when religion and reason lock horns?

'300' makes a point of contrasting idealism with realism. It is for us to know clearly what we stand for and know the underlying implications and consequences. And we can see these things in the movie what periches and what remains after all that it entails. The film sets a precedent for its striking visual style and it is fine for one time viewing and definately not for the faint of the heart.