Journal
Easter 300
8 April 2007 › 12 comments
Warning: “300” movie spoilers ahead.
Little known fact about me: I am completely fascinated with the legendary Greek/Roman fighting tactics. There’s something about the whole “strength and honor” aspect of war, the camaraderie and dedication that it took to meet one’s opponent face to face. Age of Mythology is one of my favorite games. I chose Trajan as the font for my site after seeing the movie Troy.
Last month, I saw the movie 300 and was impressed by its cinematography. I thought it interesting how some of the dialog (what little there was) seemed to resemble what could be considered a typology of Satan vs. Christ. I’m not saying that there is a 1:1 correlation by any means, but allow me to share some of my thoughts on how Biblical parallels can be drawn.
Example 1
I found it intriguing how the Spartan King Leonidas explained the phalanx formation to a would-be soldier. The strength was in the impenetrable wall of shields it created, allowing Greeks to fight against superior numbers and prevail. Teamwork, not individual heroism, is what wins the day.
Each soldier’s shield protects the man to his left, from thigh to neck.
It is important to note the phalanx was not about protecting oneself from harm, but defending one’s comrade for the greater good. Done effectively, the line would hold against droves of combatants. Through this, each soldier’s strength was multiplied exponentially. This brings to mind Psalms 27:17.
As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another. – NIV
It is also reminiscent of Ephesians 6:10-18.
Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand.
Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints.
Example 2
During a ceasefire in the movie, civil dialog masks underlying animosity between King Leonidas and the “god” King Artaxerxes, as a would-be negotiation turns into an obvious difference in leadership philosophies. I can almost picture the same conversation, as it might have (fictionally) gone between Jesus and Satan in Gethsemane that fateful night.
Artaxerxes: “Imagine what horrible fate awaits my enemies when I would gladly kill any of my own men for victory.”
Leonidas (unflinchingly): “And I would die for any of mine.”
Easter
So, what does any of this nonsense have to do with Jesus Christ of Nazareth? Simply this: Artaxerxes was confused by Leonidas’ unrelenting endurance. Surely Leonidas did not think that his 300 men could triumph against an army totaling in the tens of thousands. Certainly the death of a so-called Messiah would be an insignificant footnote in the vast pages of history. Why not simply bow and accept the lordship of a nemesis, to be spared suffering?
Satan failed to realize though, that the point was not to win a single day’s battle, but to have ultimate victory over sin and death – once and for all time. And so it was, over 2000 years ago the ultimate paradox occurred at Golgotha. God died as man, sacrificing himself so others may live.
However, Jesus Christ of Nazareth did not stay dead. He is risen indeed!
Discussion + Dissension
Comments closed after 2 weeks.
#1 darren
nice parallels—never thought of it like that. hope you’re doing well!
#2 SpartaPride
The movie was a specticul of what is to come in movie making. Several people are saying the movie was offensive to Persian descendants, I quickly reminded them it is a movie, not ment as political standard for any discussion, a movie and only a movie, a very masterful stab at ultimate imagery,but a great epic movie none the less.
#3 David Sutoyo
Haven’t seen the movie yet, but definitely plan to.
I saw a History Channel special on the real story of the 300 men. Obviously they were trying to cash in on the movie craze. But what was funny was that they tried to mimic the cinematography/look and feel of the movie (to the extent that low budget CG was able to). Even the Oracle was obviously influenced by the movie version. The costumes and depictions of Persians were more historically accurate though, as they should be. Heavy inspiration aside, it was quite good.
#4 Michael
Very interesting read. I discovered your website by hearing about Hoverbox, which I plan to incorporate into my website. I will be sure to place a reference to the source of HoverBox in my comments.
I really appreciate you making the code for the gallery available.
Happy Easter!
Mike
#5 Nathan Smith
David: Yeah, 300 certainly isn’t a historically accurate movie, and people of Persian descent are rightly upset about the liberties that have been taken in the depiction of their countrymen. That aside, I think 300 is an excellent movie, if taken in the context of being fiction and based on a comic book.
Michael: Hey, glad you found my site. Sure, use Hoverbox however you like. Email me a link to the finished site if ya want, so I can see how it turns out.
#6 Tommy
The movie is based on a graphic novel. It isn’t intended to be historically accurate. It was inspired by historical events. Not every movie is made to satisfy everyone. People think their opinions are end all be all. How have other movies in the past depicted other races or cultures?
#7 Nathan Smith
Tommy: Sorry, I should have said “graphic novel,” not comic book. I think we’re in agreement, that as entertainment the movie 300 was great, even though it’s not exactly historically accurate.
#8 David Sutoyo
Nathan and Tommy: I mentioned the Persians only to say that a History Channel program should strive to be historically accurate. I just thought it was amusing how the special was so heavily inspired by the movie’s cinematography. I’m aware of the issues involved with the historical accuracy of the movie, but I didn’t really intend to comment on that. Sorry if it came across the wrong way :)
Interesting tidbit: according to the History Channel, the Persian Immortals infantry did exist, and they were masked.
#9 Nathan Smith
David: Nah, it didn’t come across the wrong way. I caught your drift. That’s pretty cool about the Immortals.
#10 Andrew
Hello there bretheren, just wanted to note the awesome narration in the scene when the Arcadians finally get a chance to fight. “They were more brawlers than warriors…amateurs, but they do their part.” I love the fact that he calls them amateurs. The Spartans were pretty bad-ass in that movie.
#11 Closets
The 300 was pure entertainment. The more you analyze the movie the less enjoyable it is. This is basically a super hero flick set in ancient Greece.
#12 Bob Johnson
Why should the movie be offensive to persian descendants. Many of their ruling classes are descended from Macedonians and their Greek allies who were wedded to widows of slain Iranian and Persian leaders. Alexander the great used this technique to solidify the rule of the areas he controlled. His friends, generals and other close associates married wives sisters and cousins to create a large family of rulers of his Asian conquests.
So the persians should appreciate the history as their background after Darius’ loss to Alexander of Macedon became decidedl Greek, run by greeks and ruled in the greek manner.