This is a magnificent documentary produced by BBC in similar style to ¨Anibal¨, here is again splendidly brought to life the heroic events about the battle of Thermopylae. The deeds (480 B. C) are correctly re-enacted by a plethora of actors and extras , adding background made by 3D computer generator. Every little detail has been given so much attention, as costume, environment and production desig n. This historic tale completes to enlarge the story by extending the deeds developing in the picture titled ¨300¨ (2006) by Zack Snyder, starred by Gerard Butler as Leonidas, and ¨The 300 Spartans¨(1962) by Rudolph Mate with Richard Egan and Ralph Richardson as Themistocles , both movies limit the story to the battle . As ¨The last stand¨ adds the history about kings Persians : Ciro the Great and Jonican riots ; king Dario and battle of Marathon, including the famous race carried out by Filipides until Athens , the fire of Athens ordered by Xerxes and his imperial body guard of 10.000 immortals, etc... These events aren't exposed in ¨300¨ by Zack Snyder that restricts its filming on the preparation and battle of Thermopylae , the only way to arrive to Athens. The impact of the battle was impressive and the Hellens lost their fear for the Persian conqueror and organized their defense and allowing the Greek city states to create an army to retain the Persians .
Thanks this documentary movie we learn a lot of knowledges. As how king Leonidas led a small army called Falange formed by 300 Spartans named Hoplitas and wielding the shield Heplon , plus 700 Thespians, while the soldiers Phocios sent by Leonidas to protect their flanks flee . They hold off an invading Persian army formed by thousands of soldiers, the great historian Heredotus , possibly exaggerating, wrote that they were 1.700.000, commanded by king Xerxes. We also know of how the Athenian leader Themistocles managed as a great leader by formally placing the Athenas polis under supreme command of Sparta and navigating along strait at Artemisum gets defeat Persian navy . Themistocles commanded a large navy formed by ships called Trirremes which vanquished the Persian warships in the battles of Salamian, Platea and Mycala. This phenomenal documentary-movie will appeal to history and epic events buffs.
