Because he couldn't fight in the phalanx formation. Wasn't this explained in the movie? Haven't seen it yet, will probably watch it this weekend. I have read the graphic novel though. As to letting him fight, the pass is only so wide. He'd just be in the way. Same can be said for Herodotus.
I love how everyone loves the Spartans, the ultimate bisexual army. When they were 7 years old they were taken from their families and sent to "boot camp". In boot camp they were given to an older soldier to look after him. This person was known as his "lover". On the night of a young Spartans wedding night to his first female... she has to dress like a boy and cut her hair.
true, but people get an idea of history in their head, and when a movie conflicts with it, it can diminish their movie watching experience. I am trying to tell people to not expect the orthodox telling of the story, and just let this story stand on its own merit.
Oh No. So it's dumbed down and strays from real history? Hopefully it isn't like a comic book or something. I saw a History Channel program about that particular battle and find the whole thing utterly fascinating.
Know a problem I have with Herodotus and the story of Thermopylae? According to Herodotus, Darius (Xerxes' father) sent messengers to Athens and Sparta to ask for earth and water as a sign of fealty. The messengers were thrown down wells. (This was actually quite scandalous, and Sparta later sent two esteemed citizens to Xerxes to offer their lives as payment for the killing of the previous messengers. Xerxes reputedly laughed this off and refused to do the dishonor of killing the messengers as Athens and Sparta had done in the previous generation (which is a strange twist, seeing as how Spartans are known for their standing by doing what is right...)) Anyway. This led to Darius' invasion which ended in his defeat at Marathon (in which the Spartans didn't take part, by the way, they were insistent on defending the Peloponnesus rather than the mainland. They lost face for this.) Then, the next generation does the EXACT SAME THING. It's like Herodotus had the hiccups. I always meant to look into this and see if an explanation could be had, but never made it to it. It seems strange to me that this scandalous behavior (killing messengers) would be done twice. In the exact same manner. Genji, this movie is based on a comic book. And that's how its special effects are geared towards. Of course, not your ordinary comic book. But still a comic book.
Damn. Like Apocalypto, it sounds like I'll be disappointed. Please Register or Log in to view the hidden image!
I was not sure if you were being sarcastic because that is exactly what it is. although, it is still an awesome movie. you simply have to let go of the idea that it is supposed to be realistic, and take the story as it is. the whole movie is a spartan telling the story to troops before battle, so naturally he would have told an exaggerated tale. I thought it was a great movie. I am still looking for a screenshot of that sitar playing goat, if anyone has it, let me know. edit: no, like Sin City.
Aaaahhh, excuse me!!!...that is Thermopylles....thermo (hot), pylles (gates). I was actually born in Sparta....
Yeah, I noted my error. Born in Sparta? Why do I doubt you. Hmm. I was born in Instanbul!! If you really were born in Sparta I need a photo of you. Greek males under 25 are sweet.
Ah Greek males over 25 are sick..... I'm spartan, alright. I had to leave before my deformity cost me my life.
Yah, but not in 500 b.c. or so. They were a pround peoples then!Please Register or Log in to view the hidden image!
Genj, not Ethnicity , you "spliting hairs" gal you. Then they were a major force against Athens, i.e. pelloponese wars, and as far as I am concerned they only lost due to their lack of "political / intellectual" know-how. But yes, in a world of maybe 10 or so countries , they were "different", just as macedonians (remember "Alexander"}, Epirians, Thessalyans, Perisans, Egyptians, Illyrians, and some others.
i havent the patience to read all of the response ha, no offense....but yea this movie was so friggin intense. i loved it. everyone should definitely go see it when the chance arises. cheers.