Last night I watched the movie 300, which was about the 300 Spartans that took a stand against the entire Persian army and at first successfully held them.
I’d heard many good things about it. I was warned the historical accuracy was questionable, but the special effects rocked. I was curious to see it, not because of the nearly-naked very buff men that dominate it, but because I’ve ended up liking the other Frank Miller movies I’ve seen. (Although the muscle-rippling hunks in this one were a nice bonus. 😉
But when it started I thought to myself, “There probably won’t be any women in this.”
It was a random sort of thought. Not sure why I had it. I think maybe because the women in Miller’s other movies have all been interesting and I liked how he treated their characters. (Sexy yet strong but not overbearing brutes.) However, given this movie’s time period I didn’t see how a woman would factor in.
Well, surprisingly one did. The wife of Leonidas, the king of Sparta, who leads the 300 in battle against the Persians. (Quick sidetrack: King Leonidas is played by Gerard Butler, who portrayed the Phantom in the movie version Phantom of the Opera. His performance is equally as charismatic in this one…with less clothes!) In the movie her name is Queen Gorgo and she rocked!
I was expecting all violence (which there was plenty of) but not a sort of love story too. It wasn’t about them falling in love. They were well past that phase. Rather, it was about the depths of their bond.
Leonidas was a proud, arrogant Spartan. He refused to bow to Xerxes, the ruler of Persia bent on conquering and ruling the world, and hail Xerxes his leader. But this meant Xerxes was gunning for him and all of Sparta. If Leonidas would not bow, his people would be forced too.
Enter the inevitable exchange of military might. But before Leonidas could take any troops to battle he had to consult the oracle and get the approval of the elders. Well, the elders were already being bribed by the Persians to advise Leonidas against war and encourage his submission.
With a heavy heart Leonidas returned home and shared his woes with his queen. He felt he had to make a stand, lest their people and way of life be completely ruined. Queen Gorgo advised him to follow his heart, that whatever he believed was the right thing was the right thing and she would stand by and support his decision. Even though in this case he’d be breaking laws and subject to death for doing so.
Either way Death would find him. He’d die if Xerxes came calling, he’d face death on the battlefield, or the council would find him guilty of breaking Spartan law and sentence him to death.
Still she stood by him.
Moreover, she fought for him at home while he was away. He had enemies within, and one of those, Senator Theron, propositioned the queen: sex in exchange for his support at the council meeting to determine whether they should send more troops to support Leonidas. She unwillingly agreed in hopes of procuring the additional warriors she knew her husband needed.
But when Theron betrayed his word and accused her of adultery (not with him, but with someone else) instead of helping her at the meeting like he said he would, she grabbed the nearest sword and ran him through.
I’ve never been faced with something as serious and severe as Queen Gorgo endured, but Wayne’s had to fight his fair share of battles during our marriage. As have I.
I don’t know if the queen doubted her king’s judgment when she lent him her support. There have been times, I’ll admit, that I have questioned the worthiness of the some of the battles Wayne’s waged. As has he with me.
“Wouldn’t it be easier to acquiesce than brawl?” we’ve contended.
But I do believe if it ever came down to life and death, liberty or conformity, truth or deceit, no matter the cost, I’d back my king.
At least I’d like to think so. I hope I’ll never be put in the position of finding out.
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