Shinobu_Sensui Reviews

Yu Yu Hakusho: Ghost Files (1992–1995)

A more mature concept similar to DBZ.

[10 July 2010]

If Yu Gi Oh can be considered the companion piece to Pokemon, than Yu Yu Hakusho could be considered as a suitable companion piece for Dragon Ball Z.

The story concerns Yusuke Urameshi, a teenage boy who dies and comes back to life in an unusual twist of fate. As a side effect, he develops unusual psychic powers and is appointed as the spirit detective of the Earth, defending it from various demonic creatures.

The fights are more interesting than in DBZ, they really keep you on the edge of your seat, and they generally aren't too long and drawn out. The characters powers are also more entertaining and believable at once (i.e. They only get achieve levels capable of destroying the Earth towards the end, rather than in the very first saga, therefore, they usually must rely on strategy).

The characters are realistic and diverse, at least compared to most other shonen anime. They can be despicable, lovable, heroic, tragic and everything else, often all at once.

Of particular interest is the Chapter Black Saga, which tells the story of Sensui.

Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde (1931)

A wonderful film.

[9/10 · 22 July 2007]

The three great classics of horror literature were released as films in 1931, Dracula, which came out as dull and deathlike, Frankenstein, which came off as well done, and Dr. Jeckyll and Mr. Hyde, which came off as perhaps the best of the three.

The story is known in popular culture. A scientist named Dr. Henry Jeckyll who is living in Victorian London, creates a formula that allows the evil side of his soul to take control of his body. This alternative self whom Jeckyll dubs 'Hyde' causes massive chaos before being killed.

Since this movie was pre code, it features scenes that just a few years later would have been condemned as obscene. Particularly Hyde's brutal treatment of a girl, and his violently beating a man to death. It is quite shocking by the standards of the day! The script, acting, and direction are genius. In particular Frederick March's portrayal of Jeckyll/Hyde. Hyde is portrayed as a reversion back on the evolutionary scale, with an Ape like appearance. His behavior is not portrayed as evil, but rather, an embodiment of all the instincts and negative impulses lurking within us, really quite genius for the time, and March's portrayal brings that to life with a menacing, but natural performance when Hyde.

His portrayal of the Jeckyll half, is also impressive. He brings the tortured, tragic man to life perfectly, but this is far overshadowed by the Hyde part.

The direction is brilliant. Under a different director, the film could have turned out as just another horror like Dracula, but this director chooses to take a philosophical take on the story.

The sets, particularly Jeckyll's laboratory set, are very well dome, as are the costumes, they do well in taking you back to the era. This may also be the first usage in horror movies of the famous organ piece often associated with Phantom of the Opera and horror stuff in general(most people probably know what I mean). it appears in the opening credits. The rest of the film doesn't have a soundtrack, which was the rule of the time rather than the exception, though there are several times in which Jeckyll plays a piano.

However, I don't feel I've praised March as Hyde enough. He enjoys the suffering of others which brings us to the instinct to dominate others. His violent behavior can also be tied to that. March is just so great in portraying the negative impulses that I had to mention him again.

So if you want a great movie from the era, check this out. It is much better than the others that year!

Phantom of the Opera (1943)

The Greatest 40s film I have ever seen!

[9/10 · 21 July 2007]

It is rare that horror films can be considered objectively great movies but this can.

The story has a great deal of potential. In 19th century Paris, lives Erique Claudan, a violinist who works at the Paris Opera. Though a veteran of 20 years, he is fired because his hands have developed a condition which interferes with the quality of his playing. However, he is interested in helping the career of Christine Duboise, a young, rising star in the Opera. But he himself needs the money to pay for her lessons, and attempts to have an entire book of music he has written published. When his publisher refuses to give it back to him, Claudan accuses him of stealing his life's work and murders him, in the process horrifying a young woman who throws a pan of acid at his face, disfiguring it. Claudan hides in the sewers, steals a mask to cover his face, and starts terrorizing the Opera into allowing Christine to sing, going as far as to murder the Opera's biggest star, and cutting the chandelier down to crash into the stage. All the while, the Paris chief of police and one of the Opera's biggest male stars, bot of whom are trying to win the affections of Christine, try various plans to catch Claudan after one of them confronted him high up in the place from which the Opera's effects are operated. Claudan However has plans to capture Christine and take her to his hideout under the Opera house, will Claudan be caught?

This movie is absolutely outstanding. The Technicolor is beautiful, and the cinematography is well done. Phantom of the Opera should have won the following Academy Awards.

Best Picture Best Actor Best supporting actress Best art direction Best cinematography Best costume design Best adapted screenplay Best original song Best original score Best makeup.

The sets and costumes are fabulous in taking you back to the era. The Opera sequences are very impressive and well done with powerful music. Claude Rains performance as Claudan is perfect, he is tragic, sad, and menacing all st once. This is certainly one the the best movies of all time and it's a shame that it's so obscure.

So if you want to see a truly great film from another era of film-making, choose this one!

Count Dracula (1977 TV Movie)

The Best version made produced!

[10/10 · 20 July 2007]

The 1970s were not the best decade for Count Dracula and vampires.(that distinction is still held by the 1960s). The horror movies of the time focused on the slasher sub genre and things were changing. But out of the dark, came the best version of Dracula ever made! The Dracula story is so well known that I will not go into it.

Basically however, it is about a small group of people struggling against an epidemic of vampirism, propagated by the vampire lord known as 'Count Dracula' A vampire as you definitely know, is a dead human who has been brought back by the powers of darkness. In order to sustain this foul 'unlife' as it is called, they must regularly drink the blood of human beings. The victims then die and rise as vampires themselves. Vampires have many supernatural powers which aid them such as the ability to transform into a variety of animals and super strength. They can also control the minds of their victims.

The Script features lines that work WITH Jourdan, and the rest of the dialog is well done as well, giving a perfect description of what a vampire is, and revealing that they exist in order to multiply the evils of the world. They make vampires with each victim they take, and they need victims so they can make more vampires etc. The direction is crisp, with most of the scenes presented flawlessly.

The Music score deserves a special mention. The film is creepy in a subtle way and the music helps that. In particular, is an eerie flute piece which manages to build a feeling of anticipation.

Four of the actors/actresses do extremely well in their roles. Louis Jourdan gives the best Count Dracula performance ever. Of all the Draculas I have seen, he behaves the most like a real person who became a vampire would act in my opinion. He is charismatic, and menacing in a very low key way. For example, in one scene, he is confronted with a cross wielded by Van Helsing saying a prayer in Latin and Jourdan says, ''It's always more convincing in Latin isn't it? You give an order to retreat, using a cross as your talisman.'' In another scene, when he doesn't reflect in mirrors, he calmly removes the mirror from another person and says, ''The trouble with mirrors, is that they don't reflect quite enough.'' He has suave sophistication and pulls the role off better than anyone else ever has or ever will.

Another great performance here is Frank Finley as Van Helsing, the older vampire hunter. He does very well at capturing the essence of the role and will live on in the memories of many!

Also, Jack Shepard does well as Renfield, Dracula's insane minion. He is gentlemanly, yet also eccentric at the same time and is prone to fits of rage and/or sorrow. Shepard really manages to nail the character!

Last, but mentionable. Judy Bowker plays a good Mina. She is very concerned, yet she seems very wise in several scenes. She is also brave enough to take part in the final battle.

As for the rest of the cast, they are adequate in their roles, but nothing special. Yet have no fear, the notorious 'Reeves brand' did not manage to get any of their wood products in here(HAHA!)

What really makes this film unique however, is it's surrealistic quality. In some scenes, things are colored in unnatural ways. Other times, characters faces are superimposed over the screen in a psychedelic style. In one scene, the screen is a fuzzy black and white and everyone's voices are deep. Especially notable, is Draculas second attack on Lucy. Everything is colored red and black in a beautiful, otherworldly way. The surrealism adds a strange feel to the film that works with it to achieve near perfection...

...So if you are in the mood for a Dracula movie that is very well acted, yet strange and otherworldly, pick this one up! It is the best version ever made!

Dracula (1979)

The Greatest presentation of the Dracula Myth ever to be screened!

[10/10 · 18 July 2007]

Dracula, the ultimate character. There is something in him for all of us, superhuman physical abilities, eternal life and youth, the power to take over the soul of another and induct them as another immortal, being able to control others, being controlled by the supernatural etc. Though there have been many portrayals of the Dracula character, Perhaps none of the actors do as well as Frank Langella in this movie!

The story is well known enough that I will not go into it, and I'm sure everyone here knows what a vampire is. But here are the films good points.

1. Some of the scenes are extremely well done. In particular, Dracula's romanticized and eroticized attack on Lucy. The screen turns red, with only the characters shillouetes(I hope I spelled that right) visible. A black image on a bat is shown flying towards the camera, All the while, Dracula kisses and bites Lucy. This should have won an academy award!

2. The script is well written, featuring lines of dialog that only Dracula can say without it being silly.

3. John Badham's direction is very good, The Camera angles well planned, and the lighting appropriate. The sets and costumes well recreate the world of the 1915-1925 era(when this film is set). And The Music score is absolutely FABULOUS!.

4. This Movie is very well acted. Langella portrays a wise, romantic, and sinister Dracula. Nelligan is splendid. Trevor Eve is the best Harker I have ever seen, and veteran actor, Laurence Olivier is the best Van Helsing there ever was!

5. The Special effects of Dracula's transformation into bat and wolf, are very well done by any standard.

Here are my problems with this movie.

1. The year is never revealed, though it seems to take place between 1910 and 1930.

2. Haygarth's performance as Renfield is not up to standards. Even now, Dwight Frye is looking down very unhappy about it.

Final Thoughts...

...Dracula barely has flaws and is the quintessential vampire flick. A must see for Vampire/Dracula fans!

The Return of the Vampire (1943)

A neglected gem in the history of vampire films, but overall very insignificant to the development of this sub genre of horror.

[8/10 · 16 July 2007]

Return of the Vampire, is a mixed bag. The plot is very simple. In 1918, a Dracula copycat vampire named Armand Tesla is preying upon young women in London England, but this all stops when Professor Walter Saunders and his colleague, Lady Jane Ainsley drive a metal spike through his heart, destroying him and freeing his werewolf servant Andreas. But 23 years later, a couple of civil defense workers recklessly remove the it(the spike), bringing Tesla back to life. Lady Ainsley must save the professor's granddaughter Nicki from being vampirized by Tesla, and Andreas, who has been enslaved by him again, must decide whether to serve good, or evil.

To start out, this movie has plot holes. Andread carries around Tesla's clothes for no apparent purpose, and the professor is referred to as both Nicki's father, and her grandfather.

However, the script is very well written and the direction is sold. The themes are entertaining as well.

But the real asset here, is the atmosphere! Wonderful Foggy graveyard sets, Bela Lugosi's Tesla walking through them. Andreas in werewolf form approaching the camera. And so many more! Lugosi's commanding portrayal of Tesla adds to it all, and solidifies the entire film! Overall, it is very creepy!

So if you are in the mood for your typical black and white 40s horror film, choose this one! You will not regret it!

The Black Cat (1934)

The greatest Universal horror movie ever!

[10/10 · 15 July 2007]

The Black Cat is the greatest. Lugosi and Karloff are at their peak, the sets and costumes are excellent, and it is much more believable than the Universal Monster films due to not having any supernatural elements.

Oh, where to start. The Story/Plot is exciting. It draws you in and takes you on an adventure.

The sets are absolutely brilliant by 1934 standards and the villain's high tech home would still make a highly exceptional house today. His basement even contains a type of elevator-like room which slides sideways! truly amazing! The costumes are also admirable. The Villain's robe is especially effective.

The Music score fits very well. Rather notable, is the fact that this is the first time I know of in any film in which that horror associated organ piece appears. Im sure most people will know what I'm talking about.

The Silence of the Lambs (1991)

A magnificent Classic of cinema!

[10/10 · 14 July 2007]

I have always been interested in serial killers. How exactly they go through the process of killing their victim etc. Well, this serial killer ridden dramatic masterpiece was a very interesting attempt to tell of the subject.

The story has potential. Clarice Starling, an FBI trainee is sent by her boss, Jack Crawford, to Dr. Hannibal Lector. A former psychiatrist who murdered many people, eating them shortly after. Lector is held in an asylum in Baltimore Maryland, where he is dealt with very carefully. Lector's brilliance and genius are renowned and he is very dangerous, even behind bars. It will be a real advancement into the field of forensic science to be able to unlock Lector's mind. And a huge career advancement for Starling, but when she actually meets Hannibal, he attacks her mind with his strange workings and is only semi-cooperative. At the same time, another serial killer, Nicknamed 'Buffalo Bill' is on the loose who kills women to cut off parts of their skin. Starling takes it upon herself to get information from the reluctant Lector who directly knows the answer to the case, but he reveals it in hints, thus Starling must interpret them before Bill kills his next victim, who is being starved for several days in order for her skin to loosen up.

First of all, I would like to say that this movie's photographic quality is like someone trying to curl a barbell that is barely too heavy for them. The weight is almost lifted, but just can't be. The photography is weighed down from an acceptable quality.

This movie is overall very well directed however, the lighting is perfect, and the other artistic elements run together very well. The sets are well constructed, the score fits flawlessly, and the story is handled in a gritty, disturbing manner. The entire production is just amazingly well done, and has a very strong atmosphere.

But Hopkins really makes this movie. I don't see why everyone thinks that Foster gave such a great performance. As Lectr, he is sophisticated, yet quite psychopathic at the same time. His performance really makes this movie. Also worth mentioning is Anthony Heald as Dr. Chilton who runs the asylum Lector is in. He brings a vanity and villainy to the role that contrasts well with Hopkins's demeanor.

So overall, Silence of the lambs was a very entertaining and compelling drama. I fail to see any flaws except for a bad performance by Scott Glen as Jack Crawford. Silnce of the Lambs will be remembered as one of the better films of the 1990s

Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix (2007)

A Worthy successor to Goblet of Fire!

[9/10 · 12 July 2007]

While not as good as it's predecessor, Order of the Phoenix is definitely one of the top three in the series.

The story is well known among Potter fans but I'll say this. It is about Harry and his friends preparing for a war with the newly resurrected Lord Voldemort. Plus, Hogwarts has to put up with an agent from the Ministry of Magic who is attempting to take over Hogwarts because her boss feels that Dumbledore, the headmaster of the school, is after his job.

I have to say that I went in expecting a lot. The film turned out to be roughly as good as I had hoped, with drawbacks that were counterbalanced by an incredible level of emotional intensity.

First, the direction is good. This movie is beautifully photographed, like the last two in the series. The camera angles are solid, and the colors have a level of vibrancy that suits the story well. The lighting is good. The costuming is well done, and the production has a good felling to it. The sets however, leave much to be desired! The script is imperfect, but adequate. Some of the dialog could have been done much better.

The Music score is exceptional, as always in Potter films.

This is probably the most emotional Potter film so far. The viewers feelings are summoned powerfully and potently.

But what really make this movie, are the actors!!! Radcliffe as harry, is very believable as a teen facing all kinds of emotional stress. Grint as Ron, does well, and Watson once again is exceptional as Hermione! Alan Rickman once again does perfect as Snape! Most of all however, is Fiennes as Voldemort. He is very believable as this villain, oozing evil and frightening! He really makes this movie even though he doesn't have much screen time. However, they are all weighed down by Michael Gambon as Dumbledore. Jeez a miss Richard Harris! Gambon is unbelievably wooden as the wise elder! So overall, the good far outweighed the bad and here we have by far the best movie of 2007!

Hannibal Rising (2007)

IThe Legend of Lector starts here!!!!

[8/10 · 11 July 2007]

We all know the tale of the gruesome Dr. Hannibal Lector. How he captured and ate people. We have all heard about his cunning, a twisted, monstrous mind. But we haven't heard how it all began. Hannibal Rising tells us the beginning of one of the most disturbing sagas of modern times.

The story goes like this, Lector is the child of a Lithuanian nobleman, living a happy life in a castle there. That all changes when his home is invaded by the Nazis, who defeat the Russians in a battle for control over the area, and take young Hannibal and his sister, 'Mishka' as prisoners after killing their parents. They cannibalize Mishka due to lack of food availability.

Eight years later Lector is still living in his old home which has been made into an orphanage. One of the workers there always torments him due to him being 'different'. One day however he goes too far and cuts his enemy's hand. He is locked up in a back room and told he will suffer every day for the rest of his life. He manages to escape, and cuts his enemy's throat. Then he leaves, and takes up a quest to find and brutally kill Mishka's murderers.

First I would like to say that this movie could have been dome better. The direction is poor, as is the script. The film focuses too much on Lector finding Mishka's killers, rather than on his development into the Lector we know. In fact, it seems like his personality is already established when he leaves the orphanage.

The acting is above average. Gaspard Ullieli's portrayal of Young Lector is different from Anthony Hopkins's portrayal in several important ways. Gone is Lector's humorous view of people's psychological troubles, as is his British accent. This Lector is simply out to kill and murder those whom he hates, although the taunting is still here, it is more in tune with the persons past wrongs. Li Gong also gives an adequate performance of his Japenese Aunt.

The musical score works well with the film, and the costuming is fairly good as well. The sets manage to nicely recreate the era.

One of the biggest problems for me, was the abrupt ending. I would love to see some kind of directors cut of this to figure out what happens to the main Nazi.

So finally to the important parts. Will fans of the other three like this one? It depends. If you are primarily a Hopkins fan or a Harris fan, I don't suggest seeing this. But if you are interested in Hannibal's past- go right ahead and watch it! Just prepare for some minor setbacks in an otherwise entertaining movie.

Murders in the Rue Morgue (1932)

The worst Universal movie(not including some sequels).

[7/10 · 7 July 2007]

One year after becoming a superstar playing Count Dracula, Bela Lugosi turned in a performance as the mad scientist 'Dr. Mirakle' in Murders in the Rue Morgue. The result- innovative, but rubbish.

The story has potential. The year is 1845, and a large carnival is proceding in Paris, France. One of the exhibits is 'Eric' a huge Ape owned by the mysterious 'Dr. Mirakle'(pronounced Meer-ack-al rather than 'Miracle') who talk with a very strange accent. Mirakle explains man's evolution from lower primates. When he refers to Eric as 'The First Man' he is ridiculed as a heretic by a member of the crowd...

...This leads to a heated Creationism VS. Evolution argument between Mirakle and the crowd until the latter announces, ''I tell you I will prove... your kinship with the Ape...'' He announces that he will mix Eric's blood with that of a human. He then invites everyone up to examine Eric, who nearly strangles a crowd member and steals the bonnet of his fiancée, who Mirakle says, he(Eric) has become fond of.

Later that evening, Mirakle and his servant kill a man and abduct his wife. Mirakle experiments with her back at his lab, forcing her to take an injection of Eric's blood. However it turns out that her blood is according to Mirakle, 'rotten', and she dies from the injection. Suposedly, Mirakle is searching for the person with just the right blood for his experiment.

When several murders come to light, one of the crowd members happens to be the one who analyzes the blood of the victims, he realizes that they died because they were injected with the blood of a gorilla! Eric is released to kidnap the woman he stole the bonnet from, and Mirakle looses control of him! How will things turn out?

First off, this film is slow paced. Many long scenes are filmed that have no purpose to the story. It is barely over an hour but it feels like a much longer than average movie.

The sets are adequate, but nothing special.

The costumes are good, and really manage to recreate the clothing of 1840s Paris.

The direction by Robert Florey is a mixed bag. Florey could have gotten much better performances from the actors, and could have turned the film into one about the controversy of evolution, making it a moral tale like Frankenstein.

The acting leaves much to be desired. Everyone fills a stereotype. Lugosi does somewhat good, but the script is not into his character enough for him to make much of an impression.

The Script is horrible. Some of the worst dialog of all time, and bad characterization.

However, the film was cencored from it's original 80 minute running time to 61 minutes because of content considered too disturbing and such. Im sure it would have A. been much better, and B. made a lot more sense with the excised footage.

There is one thing that saves this film however. It's atmosphere of repulsion. The whole concept is disgusting. This works in the movies favor.

So overall, it was a bad film that was saved by the utter horror of the events.

Enter the Dragon (1973)

The Greatest Martial Arts Film I have ever seen.

[10/10 · 29 June 2007]

This is often hailed as the first mainstream Martial Arts Movie, and it is probably the best.

The story is easy to follow. Lee, a shaolin monk, discovers that Han, a reclusive business-man who owns and lives on an island where he holds Martial Arts tournaments, has been instrumental in the recent death of his sister and mother. Because of his vengant feeling, he is hired by British government forces to investigate events on the island because they suspect that Han uses it as a base to sell illegal drugs. Lee agrees and masquerades as a participant in the tournament, although he really intends to kill Han. When Lee gets mixed up in the conflicts between Han, and some of the other participants, he battles through Han's army of henchmen to get to the man himself.

First I would like to say, that this movie has the best action sequences ever on film. Particularly in Lee's final battle with Han, and his earlier battle with Han's henchmen, O'Hara. Some of the moves he pulls on them are just amazing. Bruce Lee(as the character Lee) is easily the fastest man I've ever seen. The action has never been equaled- and never will.

The action is almost the sole appeal of the film, but three performances stand out. Bruce Lee's portrayal of Lee is wonderful. Lee brings a stoicism and strength to the role that makes his spectacular fighting skill completely believable. Second, Kien Shih's portrayal of Han perfectly captures the essence of a ruthless businessman, he even brings a certain self-discipline and strength to the role when he says "It's not easy being completely ruthless." Third is John Saxon's portrayal of Roper. He really seems like an American tough guy.

This movie also has wonderful, lavish sets, and a very fine music score which sounds like a mixture of 70s sounds, and traditional Chinese compositions.

I would like to finish my review by saying this. Enter the Dragon was my first exposure to the work of Bruce Lee. I must say that he was a true Martial Arts genius and master, and I plan to check out some of his other films. May he rest in peace. He, Bruce lee, the unequaled master of combat.

1408 (2007)

The best Horror Film since The Grudge

[8/10 · 29 June 2007]

Years of Slasher film after Slasher film have been brought to an end with the release of 1408. This has to be the best film released since 300.

The story goes like this- A man named Mike has a career of debunking legends of places being haunted. His next place is a hotel in New York called the Dolphin. Room 1408 on the top floor, is rumored to be haunted. When Mike goes to check in the manager takes him to his(the manager's) office. There, the manager insists that Mike not stay in 1408. His attempts fail however, and eventually he gives in and escorts Mike to 1408.

At first everything seems normal, however, strange things start happening. The radio goes on by itself, the window slams shut while Mike just happens to have his hand through it. A strange apparition attacks Mike with a weapon. And Mike hears the voice of his daughter, who died a year ago. Eventually more bizarre things start to happen and Mike, unable to get out of the room, must battle the mind tricks and attacks of a room that is trying to drive him to suicide.

The Good -- First of all, the acting from Jackson and Cuzak is well done, as is the acting of Mike's wife.

This film is genuinely scary. From the siren that causes Mike to nearly fall from the ledge he is attempting to cross in order to get to the window of another hotel room to the scene where the noose for Mike to hang himself appears, to the painting of the old woman reading a story to deranged children. It is almost terrifying.

The Bad -- Not enough time ios spent detailing Mike's profession.

This takes me back to the classic horror of the 20s-70s. I hope t directs horror back to a more atmospheric approach and away from hack and slash.

300 (2006)

Best film yet this year!

[10/10 · 24 March 2007]

300 is an epic tale of war, pride, determination, and spirit. Set several centuries before the birth of Christ, in a time were Modern Greece was divided into many tiny countries called ''city states'', it tells the story of one of those states-Sparta.

Sparta is a powerful military state, it's warriors are Iron hard in their personalities as a result of a tough training program in youth, which molded them, into the fineist soldiers on the ancient Greek continent, as a result they stand out as an exceptionally powerful kingdom, led by none other than the great warrior king, Leonidas.

But that is changing, a MASSIVE army is invading Greece, it is the army of the huge and terrible Persian Empire, ruled by the cruel, and much feared King Zerkzeez, who has set his sights on conquering the Greek states.

King Zerkzees sends a messenger with a small part of his army to demand that Sparts surrender to him and as proof of their obedience, give him an offering of Earth, and water. In a demonstration of Spartan spirit and warrior ship, King Leonidas and his bodyguards kill the Persian messenger and his troops, setting off a war.

King Zerkzees leads his army to Sparta, intent on conquering it and the other Greek states. Leonidas meanwhile, seeks permission from a group of Supernatural beings who are the guardians of Sparta to battle the Persians, the guardians decline, but Leonidas brings 300 troops to fight the Persians anyway. But no one, not even the king is above the law in Sparta, and thus King Leonidas is breaking it.

King Zerkzees sends one of his generals with a legion of his troops, to demand a surrender. The Persian generals troops are useless, but he is armed with a huge whip, which he badly injures several Spartan's with, before being defeated, and held at the point of a Spartan sword, they let him go, ordering him to tell king Zerkzeez that the Spartans are not slaves. The Persian general replies before leaving that their civilians will be slaves but by noon they will be dead men.

A deformed Spartan asks king Leonidas for permission to fight to redeem himself(the disabled are killed shortly after birth in Sparta, but this one's parents fled with him). Due to his deformity, Leonidas decides he cant fight. Heartbroken, the soldier betrays and joins the Persians.

King Zerkzees, and king Leonidas meet, and Leonidas is once again offered a chance to surrender, being offered anything he wishes. Leonidas refuses, saying even Zerkzeez can bleed, and leaves.

The Spartan's and Persians begin battling, and the Spartans are defeating the invaders, which is surprising as King Zerkzees. The Persians have in their army such terrors as captured rhinoceroses, gigantic elephants with Persian troops riding them into battle to do damage with them, a huge hulk of a man who is big enough to send troops flyng with blows, and survive a wound threw the eye, a similes hulking brute slightly smaller and with sword/claw like hands, and an army of elite troops called the immortals. The Spartan army manages to defeat them all, showing that although vastly outnumbered by the Persians, the Spartan's have a spirit, and warrior ship that can challenge anything. But when most of the Sparta troops desert King Leonidas, and Sparta wont send him more, he must face the showdown of his life against Zerkzeez army with the few that remain on his side. Even with all of their spirit and Spartan ferocity, can they win when now so outnumbered? Especially when the Persians have discovered a secret path the spartan's have been using to their advantage.

the good- First I would like to say that this film is very visually arresting. The color scheme shows shades of dark blue in the sky, and in the mountains that really gives a feel of true dark, gruesome warfare. The color scheme is truly marvelous.

Second The battle scenes are spectacular. Better than those in troy. It's very gory with several severed heads etc..., which adds to the entertainment, and epic feel of the battles.

Third some of the performances are magnificent such as the Spartan Queen, and King Zerkzeez.

Fourth the sets really take you back to ancient times. The costumes are marvelous, and the general feel of the whole thing is awesome!

the bad-King Leonidas makes a less than inspiring protagonist, and some of the acto0rs are weak in their performances.

What I didn't understand was what the two strange monster men were. This movie is also very derivative, some Lord of the Rings, some gladiator, some troy, some star wars, Brave Heart etc... but it is the good kind of derivative where all of the best elements of the greats are brought together in a stylish way.

Overall I would recommend this to fans of Lord of the Rings, Gladiator, Troy, and Braveheart, people who like movies like those should like this two.