Should You Watch the 300 Sequel?

Sequels can be challenging to execute. It requires a deep understanding of what worked and what didn't, along with creativity and coordination. This task becomes even more laborious when there is a significant time gap between the two projects. 300: Rise of an Empire faced this challenge as it followed up on the success of Zack Snyder's blockbuster, 300. Although the sequel received less praise from critics and generated lower box-office revenue, the question remains whether it is worth revisiting Frank Miller's Greece.

Over the years, 300 has undergone reassessment, sparking intense political debates surrounding its themes. The portrayal of the Spartans and their values is unapologetically fascist. Presenting them as heroes and implicitly endorsing their beliefs in eugenics, militarism, and disdain for anything different can be seen as propagandistic. It is not surprising that some modern fascists warmly embrace the film as a perfect representation of their ideology. Moreover, within the broader context of Zack Snyder's somber filmography, it may not hold much appeal. While Rise of an Empire falls short in adequately addressing these concerns, it does show some introspection.

The 300 Sequel, Rise of an Empire, Explained

Considered one of the most faithful adaptations in history, 300 is a remarkable achievement. The film meticulously translates the pages of the graphic novel through a stunning use of VFX. Despite its relatively modest budget of around $60 million, 300 visually surpasses some high-budget productions of today. This serves as a testament to the incredible capabilities of VFX professionals when given sufficient time. The sequel's development commenced just a year and a half after the release of the initial film. Producers Gianni Nunnari, Mark Canton, and Bernie Goldmann stumbled upon Frank Miller's exciting plans for a follow-up to his 300 graphic novel. Though Miller's Xerxes was not published until 2018, elements of it found their way into the production of Rise of an Empire. Zack Snyder, the director of Man of Steel, took on the role of producer and co-writer for this captivating project.

300: Rise of an Empire takes place before, during, and after the events of the original film. The story revolves around Theomisticles, who had previously assassinated King Darius of Persia years before the Battle of Thermopylae Pass. Darius's son, Xerxes, assumes power and becomes a tyrant with the guidance of the immensely skilled warrior, Artemisia. The film primarily focuses on naval conflicts, showcasing epic battles on the Aegean Sea. Theomisticles engages in warfare from the Battle of Marathon to the Battle of Artemisium, leading up to the climactic finale at Salamis. As with the previous film, historians are likely to have mixed reactions. While the movie largely follows a similar theme, Theomisticles attempts to explore a more nuanced perspective on masculine heroism. Director Snyder had proposed future sequels centered around the American Revolution or the Alamo, but no developments have been announced.

300: Rise of an Empire is available to rent or buy on Amazon Prime Video.

Is 300: Rise of an Empire worth watching?

Eva Green's performance as Artemisia single-handedly elevates 300: Rise of an Empire. Her portrayal carries the movie to a higher level, showcasing her talent and dedication. Director Noam Murro shifts the majority of the action to the sea while introducing a slightly smarter hero, providing a refreshing change. Although these alterations prevent the sequel from achieving complete parity with the original, they inject some much-needed credit to the female characters. Without these choices, Rise of an Empire fails to offer anything innovative. Instead, it relies on recycled digital backlot shots derived from Frank Miller's art and excessively graphic violence for comedic effect. In terms of visual improvement, the sequel falls short compared to 300, exhibiting both high points that surpass the initial film and low points that disappointingly plummet below it.

Politically, Rise of an Empire fails to improve upon its predecessor. Those who were disgusted by the themes of the first film will have similar objections here. The excessive gore, criticized by reviewers, is pushed to even greater extremes in this sequel, resulting in a messy and pulpy mess of red. While some critics praised the inclusion of women in battle scenes, they conveniently overlooked the fact that the film only respects women who have endured sexual assault. Overall, it's a grim and disappointing follow-up to the original.

However, there are a few redeeming factors in 300: Rise of an Empire. Eva Green delivers an excellent and commanding performance that demands attention. But beyond her scenes, there isn't much else worth seeing. Fans of 300 who simply desire more visually appealing or blood-filled scenes may find some enjoyment in this sequel, although there are certainly better options available. If Snyder's 2007 film is not among your favorites, then there is no need to bother with this forgettable sequel. Like an inferior child in Sparta, it was thrown off the cliff before it had the chance to make an impact. Blame those who endorsed it for its cruel fate.

Editor's P/S

As a Gen Z fan, I have mixed feelings about the 300 sequel, "300: Rise of an Empire." On the one hand, I appreciate the stunning visuals and epic battle scenes that are reminiscent of the original film. The movie does a great job of capturing the grandeur and intensity of ancient warfare, and the action sequences are truly breathtaking.

On the other hand, I found the plot to be somewhat lacking. The story is predictable and doesn't offer much in terms of surprises or twists. Additionally, the characters are not as well-developed as they were in the original film, and I didn't feel as invested in their journeys.

Overall, I would say that "300: Rise of an Empire" is a solid sequel that is worth watching for fans of the original film. However, it doesn't quite live up to the high standard set by its predecessor.