300: Rise of an Empire

Ratings: 8.0/10
Film Class: A
Genre: Action

I don't get it. What's with the bad reviews about this 300 sequel? Perhaps movie-goers/critics compared this with the first, which of course is justifiable but rather unfair. Don't expect this to match the epic 300 starring Gerard Butler back in 2006, I'm just so glad this sequel doesn't flop. Not only did it not, it reminded me of the "coolness" I had long missed in its first instalment. 

In fact, 300: Rise of an Empire isn't really a sequel. It's about the fervent Greek General Themistocles leading his troops into a sea battle with the Persian navy under the god-like Xerxes. Xerxes is this gold-skin-clad mortal turned god after witnessing Thermistocles kill his father during his younger days. Leading his Persian navy is lady commander Artemisia (Eva Green), born of Greek origin, but sold as slave and saved by the Persians, hence her deep hatred towards the Greeks. 

*spoilers ahead* 

The story of Rise of an Empire takes place concurrently with the first series, while Themistocles is battling Artemisia in this, King Leonidas (Gerard Butler) was battling Xerxes in the "prequel". However, this sequel spans through a longer time frame, hence featuring King Leonidas's wife, Queen Gorgo (Lena Headey) joining the battle field with her Spartan army and lending support to the General. And Queen Gorgo is also the leading narrative throughout the film. 

A final sequel is promised, the battle of Xerxes with the gathering forces, the unity of Greece. The only complain I have is the short ending battle scene between General Themistocles and Artemisia. But apart from that, all the fighting scenes were a cinematic delight. Even though the ingenuity of the sea-tactics cannot match those of the Chinese Three Kingdoms era, it's still a spectacle to watch. Eva Green was a force to be reckoned with, and General Themistocles, acted by Sullivan Stapleton, a rather unheard of actor, gave an outstanding performance despite critics' reservations. 

There's also some boobies shown, more adrenaline pumping than arousing, and there's yet again another epic movie quote which is sure to stand the test of time. 

"Better we show them, we chose to die on our feet, rather than live on our knees!" Not only did this sequel not die, it's living on its feet and rises to expectations.