Just read a brief post over on SCIFI.com titled, “Iranians Decry 300 Portrayal” and I’m in disbelief…
Iranians Decry 300 Portrayal
Zack Snyder’s hit 300, about the Greco-Persian Battle of Thermopylae in 480 B.C., has drawn the wrath of Iranians for showing their ancestors as bloodthirsty “savages,” the Agence France-Presse news service reported. (The Persian Empire evolved into what is now modern-day Iran.)
Iranian press, officials and bloggers have united in denouncing the film as another example of “psychological warfare” against Tehran by its American archenemy at a time of mounting tension over its nuclear program, the AFP reported.
A cultural advisor to President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad described the film as “American psychological warfare against Iran.”
The film, based on Frank Miller’s graphic novel, has been a huge hit in North America and other countries, notably Greece. The AFP reported that it is highly improbable the film would ever be screened in the Islamic republic, but contraband DVDs of the latest American movies are often available on the streets no sooner that they are internationally released.
I nearly choked when I read the quote that 300 was “American psychological warfare against Iran.” The 300 graphic novels came out nearly a decade ago… They are a work of fiction and fantasy (and a wonderful read at that!). Yes, the storyline is based on the Battle of Thermopolyae, but never once has the film or the graphic novels been presented as a complete work of fact. People get too mired in analyzing the details and finding flaws and faults, that they fail to see the big picture: It’s only a movie.
Battle of Thermopolyae - In the Battle of Thermopylae of 480 BC, an alliance of Greek city-states fought the invading Persian army at the pass of Thermopylae in central Greece. Vastly outnumbered, the Greeks held back the invader in one of history’s most famous last stands. A small force led by King Leonidas of Sparta blocked the only road through which the massive army of Xerxes I could pass. After three days of battle, a local resident named Ephialtes betrayed the Greeks by revealing a mountain path that led behind the Greek lines. Dismissing the rest of the army, King Leonidas stayed behind with 300 Spartans and 700 Thespian volunteers. Though they knew it meant their own deaths, they held their position and secured the retreat of the other Greek forces. The Persians succeeded in taking the pass but sustained heavy losses, extremely disproportionate to those of the Greeks. The fierce resistance of the Spartan-led army offered Athens the invaluable time to prepare for a decisive naval battle that would come to determine the outcome of the war.[1] The subsequent Greek victory at the Battle of Salamis left much of the Persian navy destroyed and Xerxes was forced to retreat back to Asia, leaving his army in Greece under Mardonius, who was to meet the Greeks in battle one last time. The Spartans assembled at full strength and led a pan-Greek army that defeated the Persians decisively at the Battle of Plataea, ending the Greco-Persian War and with it Persian expansion into Europe.[2]
What’s funny to me is that they think Americans know that Persia became Iran.
What’s funny to me is that they think Americans know that Persia became Iran.
lol, you’re absolutely right. Matter of fact, most probably think a Persian is the same thing as an Arab…
I couldn’t agree more. What ever happened to using movies to “escape” from reality? Instead, they are trying to claim that movies are propaganda. I go to the movies to enjoy the film and get away from the drama in my own life.
I think this movie was amazing. I was completely lost (in a good way) in the movie. The way it was filmed was totally captivating. I hope that more action movies, or even movies in general, start to film in this format.
I also found some really cool behind the scenes videos and pictures on Zannel. You can even send them to friends and your mobile phone. I really enjoyed seeing how the movie was made. I am still amazed that they completed it in such a short time frame. But you should definitely check out the 300 content on Zannel. If you liked the movie, then you will definitely like what they have to offer.
lol, you’re absolutely right. Matter of fact, most probably think a Persian is the same thing as an Arab…
Oscar, you hit the nail right on the head. Movies are, for the most part, an escape from reality. Zannel actually did have some pretty cool videos. Thanks for mentioning that. Do you work for them or something? (It seems like it.)
Zannel: 300
I couldn’t agree more. What ever happened to using movies to “escape” from reality? Instead, they are trying to claim that movies are propaganda. I go to the movies to enjoy the film and get away from the drama in my own life.
I think this movie was amazing. I was completely lost (in a good way) in the movie. The way it was filmed was totally captivating. I hope that more action movies, or even movies in general, start to film in this format.
I also found some really cool behind the scenes videos and pictures on Zannel. You can even send them to friends and your mobile phone. I really enjoyed seeing how the movie was made. I am still amazed that they completed it in such a short time frame. But you should definitely check out the 300 content on Zannel. If you liked the movie, then you will definitely like what they have to offer.
Oscar, you hit the nail right on the head. Movies are, for the most part, an escape from reality. Zannel actually did have some pretty cool videos. Thanks for mentioning that. Do you work for them or something? (It seems like it.)
For anyone interested, check out: Zannel: 300
I watched the movie and never thought about Iran. If I even knew there was a connection between the two I had long since forgotten it. Good movie though.
I liked your review, Jigsaw. I think it pretty much sums up how I feel about the movie as well. Most Americans aren’t going to know that Persia = Iran. If they did, we wouldn’t have shows like “Are you smarter than a fifth grader?” on television…
I watched the movie and never thought about Iran. If I even knew there was a connection between the two I had long since forgotten it. Good movie though.
I liked your review, Jigsaw. I think it pretty much sums up how I feel about the movie as well. Most Americans aren’t going to know that Persia = Iran. If they did, we wouldn’t have shows like “Are you smarter than a fifth grader?” on television…
First I will note that I have not seen the movie so I will not comment on the content/story of the film, however I will point out the source of the “psychological warfare” comment and discuss that.
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I am sure that 300 is a great movie and deserves all of its praise, but we need to keep an open mind and understand that our views may not be shared by all. A movie that depicts certain things may offend others. However, with that said, I do believe that the “psychological warfare” comment was made by a man who hates all things American and looks for anything to comment on to get that point out to the people and the world.
A cultural advisor to President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad (President of IRAN), the man who claims that the Holocaust did not happen and Israel has no right to exist, made this politically motivated comment about the movie. This man’s outcry is based on a belief that Western world wants to destory his country and conquer his rule. IRAN has been at “war” with the United States for many decades and this is just another round of the “war of words.” It is an opportunity to take advantage of a movie that is popular and get in the news.
Ah, what would this world be without it’s bias and ignorance?
First I will note that I have not seen the movie so I will not comment on the content/story of the film, however I will point out the source of the “psychological warfare” comment and discuss that.
—–
I am sure that 300 is a great movie and deserves all of its praise, but we need to keep an open mind and understand that our views may not be shared by all. A movie that depicts certain things may offend others. However, with that said, I do believe that the “psychological warfare” comment was made by a man who hates all things American and looks for anything to comment on to get that point out to the people and the world.
A cultural advisor to President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad (President of IRAN), the man who claims that the Holocaust did not happen and Israel has no right to exist, made this politically motivated comment about the movie. This man’s outcry is based on a belief that Western world wants to destory his country and conquer his rule. IRAN has been at “war” with the United States for many decades and this is just another round of the “war of words.” It is an opportunity to take advantage of a movie that is popular and get in the news.
Ah, what would this world be without it’s bias and ignorance?
Who cares if people are offended. We’ve become a world of sissies! Suck it up people!
lol, shut up wuss!
Who cares if people are offended. We’ve become a world of sissies! Suck it up people!
lol, shut up wuss!