Road Rash Reviews

300: Rise of an Empire 3D Review****-

Cert 15 | 102 mins | 2014

4 Star 3D Sword and Arrow Nautical destruction.300roaecover3d

This is director Noam Murro‘s first real foray into the big time blockbuster and he has done a decent job of a big act to follow film after the mighty 300 (Zack Snyder, Watchmen). Set at the same time as Leonidas’ brave attempt at stalling the mighty Persian army, lead by the God King Xerxes, (Rodrigo Santoro, 300), this time it is to take place on the seas around the Greek Islands.

The 3D in this film lends a lot to the grand scale of the Persian Empire and the sea battles as it gives you depth of field rather than the cheap shots of in your face films, but do bring a hanky to wipe the gouting blood off your glasses.

300roaethemistoclesThis time the main character is Themistocles (Sullivan Stapleton, Gangster Squad). Whilst battling the Persians on a shore he takes the bull by the horns and fires an arrow at King Darius (Igal Naor, Green Zone), but immediately realises that he should have shot his son the young Xerxes.300roaeleonidas

Leonidas lies pierced by Persian arrows along with the rest of the 300 and Xerxes is as pleased as punch to take the leader of the Spartans’ head.300roaexerxes

As he marches on the war path towards Greece, who have the only democracy, they argue amongst themselves at what the right move will be, but Admiral Themistocles knows better and the Persian Navy with their massive ships and superior numbers must be stopped. But the Persian commander Artemisia (Eva Green, Casino Royale) 300roaearmemisiarules her navy with an iron rod and does not accept failure from anyone especially her subordinates.

The action takes place on land and sea and we find out how the God King Xerxes became what he is now, as we find out who is behind him.

300roaeshipsThe Greek ships are much smaller than the Persians’ battleships but they are far more nimble and with free people pulling on the oars, they want to stay free so pull on them with the purpose of that, rather than the slaves of the Persian ship who row to the lash. There is death on all sides as they are cut by the Greek ships and their swords and shields.

300roaewaterUsing his local knowledge of the islands, Themistocles lures Artemisia’s generals into traps as they try to whittle down the number of ships. He realises that to beat them he must unite all of Greece and have their aid, even though this means dealing with Queen Gorgo, (Lena Heady, 300).

300roaefirstmanoffThere no doubting the bravery of the Greeks as they harass the Persians from all angles and take the battle to their foes.

A great fun film to get the popcorn out to as you dodge the blood flowing from many a slow-mo death shot, with limbs flaying all around the screen.

With a plethora of special features on the Blu-ray’s this is a great title to add to the story of the Greeks and Persians.

Special Features:

The 300 Effect:-

(3 Days in Hell)

(Brutal Artistry)

(A New Breed of Hero)

(Taking the Battle to the Sea)

Real Leaders & Legends

Women Warriors

Savage Warships

Becoming a Warrior

300roaebloodAvailable to Buy on Blu-ray 3D, Blu-ray and DVD 29th September.

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GenreAction, Drama, Fantasy
StarringSullivan Stapleton, Eva Green, Lena Heady, David Wenham, Jack O'Connell.
Available to buy on : Own 300: Rise of an Empire on DVD Own 300: Rise of an Empire on Blu-Ray Own 300: Rise of an Empire on 3D Blu-Ray