'{{Short description|2014 film by Noam Murro}} {{Use American English|date=January 2023}} {{Use mdy dates|date=January 2023}} {{Infobox film | name = 300: Rise of an Empire | image = 300 Rise of an Empire.jpg | alt = In this movie poster, a bare-chested Thermistocles (Sullivan Stapleton) is shown in the midst of battle, his face in combat rage. He carries a shield in his left hand, a bloodied short-sword in his right, and is stabbing downwards at an unseen enemy to the right. In the background floats the movie catch phrase, "Seize Your Glory". | caption = Theatrical release poster | director = [[Noam Murro]] | screenplay = {{Plainlist| * [[Zack Snyder]] * [[Kurt Johnstad]] }} | based_on = {{Based on|''[[Xerxes (graphic novel)|Xerxes]]''{{efn|name="Xerxes"|Unpublished at the time of the release of the film.<ref>{{cite web|last=Schaefer|first=Sandy|title=First Look At '300′ Prequel Comic Book|url=https://screenrant.com/300-prequel-comic-book-xerxes-sandy-62930/|work=ScreenRant|date=June 2, 2010|access-date=February 1, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130130002741/http://screenrant.com/300-prequel-comic-book-xerxes-sandy-62930/|archive-date=January 30, 2013|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Sitterson |first=Aubrey |title=Comic-Con 2011: Xerxes Is Now 300: Battle of Artemisia |url=http://www.ugo.com/movies/the-300-spin-off-xerxes-is-now-300-battle-of-artemisia |work=[[UGO Networks]] |access-date=February 1, 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130219033637/http://www.ugo.com/movies/the-300-spin-off-xerxes-is-now-300-battle-of-artemisia |archive-date=February 19, 2013 }}</ref>}}|[[Frank Miller]]}} | producer = {{Plainlist| * [[Gianni Nunnari]] * [[Mark Canton]] * Zack Snyder * [[Deborah Snyder]] * Bernie Goldmann }} | starring = {{Plainlist| * [[Sullivan Stapleton]] * [[Eva Green]] * [[Lena Headey]] * [[Hans Matheson]] * [[Rodrigo Santoro]] }} | cinematography = [[Simon Duggan]] | editing = {{Plainlist| * Wyatt Smith * [[David Brenner (film editor)|David Brenner]] }} | music = [[Tom Holkenborg|Junkie XL]]<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.300themovie.com/ |title=Junkie XL score composer for 300: Rise of an Empire |publisher=300themovie.com |access-date=August 15, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131003150302/https://300themovie.com/ |archive-date=October 3, 2013 |url-status=live |df=mdy-all }}</ref> | production_companies = {{Plainlist| * [[Legendary Pictures]] * [[Cruel and Unusual Films]] * Atmosphere Pictures * Hollywood Gang Productions }} | distributor = [[Warner Bros. Pictures]] | released = {{Film date|2014|03|04|[[TCL Chinese Theatre]]|ref1=<ref>{{cite news|last=Johns|first=Nikara|title='Unapologetic,' 'Strong' Female Leads Praised at '300: Rise of an Empire' Premiere|url=https://variety.com/2014/scene/news/unapologetic-strong-female-leads-praised-at-300-rise-of-an-empire-premiere-1201125777/|work=[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]]|access-date=March 7, 2014|date=March 5, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140308084107/http://variety.com/2014/scene/news/unapologetic-strong-female-leads-praised-at-300-rise-of-an-empire-premiere-1201125777/|archive-date=March 8, 2014|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}}</ref> |2014|03|07|United States}}<!--- per [[WP:FILMRELEASE]] ---> | runtime = 102 minutes<!--Theatrical runtime: 102:28--><ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.bbfc.co.uk/releases/300-rise-empire-film-0 | title=''300: Rise of an Empire'' (15) | work=[[British Board of Film Classification]] | date=January 13, 2014 | access-date=January 16, 2014 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140307070301/http://www.bbfc.co.uk/releases/300-rise-empire-film-0 | archive-date=March 7, 2014 | url-status=live | df=mdy-all }}</ref> | country = United States | language = English | budget = $110 million<ref name="BOM" /> | gross = $337.6 million<ref name="BOM">{{cite web |url=https://www.boxofficemojo.com/title/tt1253863/?ref_=bo_se_r_3 |title=300: Rise of An Empire (2014) |publisher=[[Box Office Mojo]] |access-date=June 5, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140601021700/http://www.boxofficemojo.com/movies/?page=main&id=300sequel.htm |archive-date=June 1, 2014 |url-status=live |df=mdy-all }}</ref> }} '''''300: Rise of an Empire''''' is a 2014 American [[epic film|epic]] [[historical drama|historical]] [[action film]] directed by [[Noam Murro]] from a screenplay by [[Zack Snyder]] and [[Kurt Johnstad]], based on the then-unpublished comic book limited series ''[[Xerxes (graphic novel)|Xerxes]]'' by [[Frank Miller]].{{efn|name="Xerxes"}} A follow-up to ''[[300 (film)|300]]'' (2006), it takes place before, during, and after the main events of that film, and is a fictionalized retelling of the [[Battle of Artemisium]] and the [[Battle of Salamis]] in the [[Greco-Persian Wars]].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.empireonline.com/news/story.asp?NID=33416 |title=Rodrigo Santoro Back For 300 Sequel? |publisher=Empireonline.com |access-date=August 15, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140307070128/http://www.empireonline.com/news/story.asp?NID=33416 |archive-date=March 7, 2014 |url-status=live |df=mdy-all }}</ref> The cast includes [[Lena Headey]], [[Peter Mensah]], [[David Wenham]], [[Andrew Tiernan]], [[Andrew Pleavin]], and [[Rodrigo Santoro]] reprising their roles from the first film, alongside [[Sullivan Stapleton]], [[Eva Green]], [[Hans Matheson]], and [[Callan Mulvey]]. ''300: Rise of an Empire'' was released theatrically on March 7, 2014, by [[Warner Bros. Pictures]].<ref name=comingsoon.net>{{cite web|title=300: Rise of an Empire and All You Need is Kill Pushed Back| date=May 10, 2013 |url=https://www.comingsoon.net/news/movienews.php?id=104080|publisher=ComingSoon|access-date=May 10, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130607183007/http://www.comingsoon.net/news/movienews.php?id=104080|archive-date=June 7, 2013|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.imax.com/community/blog/imax-and-warner-bros-partner-to-bring-20-new-pictures-to-imax-theatres/ |title=IMAX and Warner Bros. Partner to Bring 20 New Pictures to IMAX® Theatres |publisher=IMAX |access-date=November 15, 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121118060109/http://www.imax.com/community/blog/imax-and-warner-bros-partner-to-bring-20-new-pictures-to-imax-theatres/ |archive-date=November 18, 2012 }}</ref> Like its predecessor, it received mixed reviews, with critics praising the action sequences, music, cinematography, visual effects and Green's performance but criticizing the story and overstylized gore. However, the film was a box-office success, grossing $337 million worldwide from a $110 million budget.<ref name="BOM"/> ==Plot== Queen Gorgo of [[Sparta]] narrates about the [[Battle of Marathon]], in which King [[Darius I|Darius]] of [[Achaemenid Empire|Persia]] was killed by [[Themistocles]] of [[Classical Athens|Athens]]. Darius's son, [[Xerxes I of Persia|Xerxes]], witnesses his father's death and is advised to never wage war against the Greeks. Darius's naval commander, [[Artemisia I of Caria|Artemisia]], persuades Xerxes to become a god and sends Xerxes on a journey through the desert. Xerxes reaches a cave and bathes in an otherworldly liquid, emerging as a "God-King". He returns to Persia and declares war on Greece to avenge his father. As Xerxes's forces advance towards [[Battle of Thermopylae|Thermopylae]], Themistocles meets with the council and convinces them to provide him with a fleet to engage the Persians at sea. Themistocles travels to Sparta to ask King Leonidas for help but is informed by Dilios that Leonidas is consulting the Oracle, and Gorgo is reluctant to side with Athens. Themistocles reunites with his old friend Scyllias, who infiltrated the Persian troops, and reveals Artemisia was born Greek but defected to Persia after her family was murdered by Greek [[hoplite]]s. A Persian emissary took her in and trained her, and she eventually rose to become a naval commander. Themistocles also learns that Leonidas has marched to fight the Persians with only 300 men. Themistocles leads his fleet of fifty warships and several thousand men, which include Scyllias, Scyllias's son Calisto, and Themistocles' right-hand man Aeskylos to the [[Aegean Sea]], starting the [[Battle of Artemisium]]. They ram their ships into the Persian ships and attack them before retreating. The following day, the Greeks feign a retreat and lead the Persian ships into a crevice, where they become stuck. The Greeks attack the Persian ships from the cliffs above. Impressed with Themistocles, Artemisia brings him onto her ship and attempts to seduce him to the Persian side as her second-in-command, but he refuses her offer. The Persians attack the Greek ships with tar and flame bombs, but an Athenian kills one of the Persians, who falls into the tar carrying a torch, damaging ships from both sides. Themistocles is thrown into the sea by an explosion and nearly drowns before being rescued by Aeskylos, and stands by Scyllias's side as he succumbs to his injuries. Believing Themistocles to be dead, Artemisia and her forces withdraw. After recovering from his injuries, Themistocles learns that only a few hundred of his warriors and six of his ships survived the disastrous attack. Daxos, an Arcadian general, tells Themistocles that Leonidas and his 300 men were killed after [[Ephialtes of Trachis|Ephialtes]] betrayed the Greeks to Xerxes. Themistocles returns to Athens and confronts Ephialtes, who reveals that Xerxes plans to attack and burn Athens. Ephialtes regrets his betrayal and welcomes death but is spared so he can warn Xerxes that the Greek forces are gathering at [[Salamis Island|Salamis]]. Themistocles visits Gorgo in Sparta to ask for help, but Gorgo, mourning Leonidas's death, refuses. Before departing, Themistocles urges Gorgo to avenge Leonidas. In Athens, Xerxes's army is laying waste when Ephialtes arrives to deliver Themistocles' message. Upon learning he is alive, Artemisia leaves to ready her navy for battle. Themistocles inspires all of his remaining forces to continue fighting. The remaining Greek ships charge into the Persian ships, beginning the decisive [[Battle of Salamis]]. Themistocles and Artemisia engage in a duel, which ends in a stalemate. Gorgo arrives at the battle along with ships from numerous Greek city-states including [[Delphi]], [[Thebes, Greece|Thebes]], [[Olympia, Greece|Olympia]], [[Arcadia (Crete)|Arcadia]], and Sparta, all united against the Persians. Xerxes, watching the battle from a cliff, turns back, acknowledging his naval defeat and continuing the march of his army.<!--The first film clearly shows Xerxes's army fighting a year after the events of this film--> Artemisia attacks Themistocles, but he stabs her, killing her. While Dilios leads the Greek assault, Themistocles and Gorgo charge at the Persians with the entire Greek army. ==Cast== {{Div col}} *[[Sullivan Stapleton]] as [[Themistocles]] * [[Eva Green]] as [[Artemisia I of Caria|Artemisia]] ** [[Caitlin Carmichael]] as 8-year-old Artemisia ** [[Jade Chynoweth]] as 14-year-old Artemisia * [[Lena Headey]] as [[Gorgo, Queen of Sparta|Queen Gorgo]] * [[Rodrigo Santoro]] as [[Xerxes I|King Xerxes]] * [[Jack O'Connell (actor)|Jack O'Connell]] as Calisto * [[Hans Matheson]] as [[Aeschylus]]<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.300themovie.com/synopsis.html |title=synopsis |publisher=300themovie.com |access-date=August 15, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130805224649/http://www.300themovie.com/synopsis.html |archive-date=August 5, 2013 |url-status=live |df=mdy-all }}</ref> * [[Callan Mulvey]] as Scyllias * [[David Wenham]] as Dilios * [[Andrew Tiernan]] as [[Ephialtes of Trachis|Ephialtes]] * [[Yigal Naor]] as King [[Darius I]]<ref>{{cite web|url=https://pro.imdb.com/title/tt1253863/ |title=IMDb Pro : 300: Rise of an Empire Business Details |publisher=Pro.imdb.com |date=July 27, 2007 |access-date=August 15, 2013}}</ref> * [[Andrew Pleavin]] as Daxos * [[Ben Turner (actor)|Ben Turner]] as [[Artaphernes (son of Artaphernes)|General Artaphernes]] * [[Ashraf Barhom]] as General Bandari * Christopher Sciueref as General Kashani * [[Peter Mensah]] as Artemisia's trainer / Persian messenger * [[Gerard Butler]] as [[Leonidas I|King Leonidas]] (archive footage)<ref name="variety1">{{cite news |author=Scott Foundas |url=https://variety.com/2014/film/reviews/film-review-300-rise-of-an-empire-1201122602/ |title='300: Rise of an Empire' Review: Eva Green Stars in Entertaining Sequel |work=Variety |date=2014-03-03 |access-date=2014-03-08 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171210183500/http://variety.com/2014/film/reviews/film-review-300-rise-of-an-empire-1201122602/ |archive-date=December 10, 2017 |url-status=live |df=mdy-all }}</ref> ** Additionally, a [[computer-generated imagery|computer-generated]] facsimile is used to represent Leonidas in a separate scene. * [[Michael Fassbender]] as [[Dienekes|Stelios]] (archive footage) {{Div col end}} ==Production== === Development === In June 2008, producers [[Gianni Nunnari]], [[Mark Canton]], and Bernie Goldmann revealed that work had begun on a sequel to ''[[300 (film)|300]]''.<ref>{{cite web |author=Frosty |url=https://www.collider.com/entertainment/interviews/article.asp/aid/8326/tcid/1 |title=Producers Mark Canton, Gianni Nunnari and Bernie Goldmann Exclusive Video Interview |work=Collider.com |date=June 25, 2008 |access-date=June 26, 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080628132855/http://www.collider.com/entertainment/interviews/article.asp/aid/8326/tcid/1 |archive-date=June 28, 2008 |url-status=dead |df=mdy-all }}</ref> [[Legendary Entertainment|Legendary Pictures]] announced that [[Frank Miller]], who wrote the 1998 comic book limited series on which the film ''300'' was based, was writing a follow-up graphic novel, and [[Zack Snyder]], co-screenwriter and director of ''300'', was interested in directing the adaptation, but instead chose to develop and direct the Superman reboot ''[[Man of Steel (film)|Man of Steel]]''.<ref>{{cite journal |url=https://www.variety.com/article/VR1117988284.html |title=New ''300'' rallies troops |author=Diane Garrett |journal=[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]] |publisher=[[Reed Business Information]] |date=June 29, 2008 |access-date=June 30, 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080703114423/http://www.variety.com/article/VR1117988284.html |archive-date=July 3, 2008 |url-status=live |df=mdy-all }}</ref><ref>{{cite journal |url=https://www.deadline.com/2011/06/xerxes-pic-down-to-noam-murro-and-jaume-collett-serra-for-300-spinoff/ |title='Xerxes' Pic Down To Noam Murro And Jaume Collett-Serra For '300' Spinoff |author=Mike Fleming |journal=[[Deadline Hollywood]] |date=June 27, 2011 |access-date=June 27, 2011}}</ref> [[Noam Murro]] directed instead, while Snyder produced and co-wrote. The film was centered on the Greek leader [[Themistocles]], portrayed by Australian actor [[Sullivan Stapleton]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://moviepilot.com/#movies/43660-300-the-battle-of-artemisium/stories/356994-sullivan-stapleton-to-star-in-the-prequel-of-300 |title='300' The Prequel: Meet The New Xerxes |work=Moviepilot.com |date=February 8, 2012 |access-date=February 9, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120207220941/http://moviepilot.com/#movies/43660-300-the-battle-of-artemisium/stories/356994-sullivan-stapleton-to-star-in-the-prequel-of-300 |archive-date=February 7, 2012 |url-status=dead |df=mdy-all }}</ref> During pre-production, the film was titled ''300: Battle of Artemisium'' (although this was widely misreported as "Battle of Artemisia");<ref name="empireonline1">{{cite web |url=https://www.empireonline.com/news/story.asp?NID=35187 |title=300 Follow-Up Gets Official Title &#124; Movie News &#124; Empire |publisher=Empireonline.com |access-date=October 8, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121127194721/http://www.empireonline.com/news/story.asp?NID=35187 |archive-date=November 27, 2012 |url-status=dead |df=mdy-all }}</ref> the film was retitled ''300: Rise of an Empire'' in September 2012.<ref>{{cite news|last=Kit|first=Borys|title=Warner Bros. Gives '300' Sequel a New Title|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/heat-vision/warner-bros-300-new-title-370080|work=The Hollywood Reporter|access-date=September 13, 2012|date=September 13, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120913172040/http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/heat-vision/warner-bros-300-new-title-370080|archive-date=September 13, 2012|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}}</ref> === Filming === [[Principal photography]] commenced in early July 2012 at the [[Nu Boyana Film]] Studios in [[Sofia]], [[Bulgaria]].<ref>{{cite journal|url=http://www.europost.bg/article?id=5163|title=A James Bond girl arrives in Bulgaria|journal=EuroPost|date=July 13, 2012|access-date=July 16, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140202233209/http://www.europost.bg/article?id=5163|archive-date=February 2, 2014|url-status=dead|df=mdy-all}}</ref> Underwater greenscreen scenes were also filmed at Leavesden Studios.<ref>{{cite web |last=Romano |first=Sal |date= March 23, 2014|url=https://www.fxguide.com/fxfeatured/inside-the-battles-of-300-rise-of-an-empire/|title=Inside the battles of 300: Rise of an Empire|publisher=FX Guide.com|accessdate=April 20, 2021}}</ref> On May 10, 2013, it was announced the film's release date would be pushed back from August 2, 2013, to March 7, 2014.<ref name="comingsoon.net"/> === Music === {{Main|300: Rise of an Empire (soundtrack)}} The [[Film score|film's score]] was composed by [[Junkie XL]], being the first film in an ongoing partnership with Snyder.<ref>{{cite web |title=Junkie XL Scoring '300: Rise of an Empire' |url=http://filmmusicreporter.com/2013/05/07/junkie-xl-scoring-300-rise-of-an-empire |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131012045524/http://filmmusicreporter.com/2013/05/07/junkie-xl-scoring-300-rise-of-an-empire/ |archive-date=October 12, 2013 |access-date=August 15, 2013 |publisher=Filmmusicreporter.com |df=mdy-all}}</ref> He attempted to research on the ancient Persian and Greek music instrumentation to match the time period and culture, while also being a fantasy film, he tried to blend the sounds with electronic instruments here and there.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |last=Roberts |first=Sheila |date=2014-03-18 |title=Junkie XL Talks 300, Divergent, Mad Max, Interstellar and More |url=https://collider.com/junkie-xl-mad-max-300-rise-of-empire-interview/ |access-date=2023-04-17 |website=Collider |language=en}}</ref> The album featuring Junkie XL's score was released by [[WaterTower Music]] on March 4, 2014. ==Reception== ===Box office=== ''300: Rise of an Empire'' grossed $106.6 million in North America and $231 million in other territories for a worldwide total of $337.6 million, against a production budget of $110 million.<ref name="BOM"/> In North America, the film opened at number one in its first weekend with $45 million.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.boxofficemojo.com/weekend/chart/?yr=2014&wknd=10&p=.htm |title=Weekend Box Office Results for March 7–9, 2014 |website=Box Office Mojo |access-date=2014-03-14 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141009210504/http://www.boxofficemojo.com/weekend/chart/?yr=2014&wknd=10&p=.htm |archive-date=October 9, 2014 |url-status=live |df=mdy-all }}</ref> In its second weekend, the film dropped to number two, grossing an additional $19.2 million.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.boxofficemojo.com/weekend/chart/?yr=2014&wknd=11&p=.htm |title=Weekend Box Office Results for March 14–16, 2014 |website=Box Office Mojo |access-date=2014-03-26 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141009211523/http://www.boxofficemojo.com/weekend/chart/?yr=2014&wknd=11&p=.htm |archive-date=October 9, 2014 |url-status=live |df=mdy-all }}</ref> In its third weekend, the film dropped to number five, grossing $8.5 million.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.boxofficemojo.com/weekend/chart/?yr=2014&wknd=12&p=.htm |title=Weekend Box Office Results for March 21–23, 2014 |website=Box Office Mojo |access-date=2014-03-26 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141009204400/http://www.boxofficemojo.com/weekend/chart/?yr=2014&wknd=12&p=.htm |archive-date=October 9, 2014 |url-status=live |df=mdy-all }}</ref> In its fourth weekend, the film dropped to number nine, grossing $4.2 million.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.boxofficemojo.com/weekend/chart/?yr=2014&wknd=13&p=.htm |title=Weekend Box Office Results for March 28–30, 2014 |website=Box Office Mojo |access-date=2014-04-01 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141009210005/http://www.boxofficemojo.com/weekend/chart/?yr=2014&wknd=13&p=.htm |archive-date=October 9, 2014 |url-status=live |df=mdy-all }}</ref> ===Critical response=== Review aggregation website [[Rotten Tomatoes]] gives the film an approval rating of 45% based on 200 reviews, with an average rating of 5/10. The site's critical consensus reads, "It's bound to hit some viewers as an empty exercise in stylish gore, and despite a gonzo starring performance from Eva Green, ''300: Rise of an Empire'' is a step down from its predecessor."<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/300_rise_of_an_empire/ |title=300: Rise of an Empire (2014) |work=[[Rotten Tomatoes]] |access-date=July 6, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180323155342/https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/300_rise_of_an_empire/ |archive-date=March 23, 2018 |url-status=live |df=mdy-all }}</ref> On [[Metacritic]], the film has a score of 48 out of 100 score, based on 34 critics, indicating "mixed or average reviews".<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/movie/300-rise-of-an-empire |title=300: Rise of an Empire |work=[[Metacritic]] |access-date=March 4, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140307124446/http://www.metacritic.com/movie/300-rise-of-an-empire |archive-date=March 7, 2014 |url-status=live |df=mdy-all }}</ref> Audiences polled by [[CinemaScore]] gave the film an average grade of "B" on an A+ to F scale, down from the A− received by its predecessor.<ref name="CinemaScore">{{cite web |url=https://www.cinemascore.com |title=CinemaScore |work=cinemascore.com |access-date=December 10, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180102130540/https://www.cinemascore.com/ |archive-date=January 2, 2018 |url-status=live |df=mdy-all }}</ref> Several critics compared the film negatively to its predecessor. Todd Gilchrist of ''[[The Wrap]]'' wrote: "''Rise of an Empire'' lacks director Snyder's shrewd deconstruction of cartoonish hagiography, undermining the glorious, robust escapism of testosterone-fueled historical reenactment with an underdog story that's almost too reflective to be rousing."<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.thewrap.com/300-rise-empire-review/ |title='300: Rise of An Empire' Review: More of the Same, But Slightly Less |website=TheWrap |date=2014-03-03 |access-date=2014-03-08 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140306041935/http://www.thewrap.com/300-rise-empire-review/ |archive-date=March 6, 2014 |url-status=live |df=mdy-all}}</ref> Nicolas Rapold of ''[[The New York Times]]'' gave a mixed review: "The naval collisions and melees play out in panel-like renderings that are bold and satisfying for the first half-hour but lack the momentum and bombastic je ne sais quoi of ''300''."<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2014/03/07/movies/in-300-rise-of-an-empire-greeks-under-siege-again.html?smid=tw-nytmovies&seid=auto&_r=0 |title=In '300: Rise of an Empire,' Greeks Under Siege Again |work=The New York Times |date=2014-03-03 |access-date=2014-03-08 |first=Nicolas |last=Rapold |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181118124952/https://www.nytimes.com/2014/03/07/movies/in-300-rise-of-an-empire-greeks-under-siege-again.html?smid=tw-nytmovies&seid=auto&_r=0 |archive-date=November 18, 2018 |url-status=live |df=mdy-all }}</ref> Todd McCarthy of ''[[The Hollywood Reporter]]'' thought it was "more monochromatic and duller in appearance, lacking the bold reds and rich earth tones" of the earlier film.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movie/300-rise-an-empire/review/684621 |title=300: Rise of an Empire: Film Review |work=The Hollywood Reporter |date=2014-03-03 |access-date=2014-03-08 |first=Todd |last=McCarthy |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140306041723/http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movie/300-rise-an-empire/review/684621 |archive-date=March 6, 2014 |url-status=live |df=mdy-all}}</ref> Scott Foundas of ''[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]]'' gave a positive review: "This highly entertaining time-filler lacks the mythic resonances that made ''300'' feel like an instant classic, but works surprisingly well on its own terms."<ref name="variety1"/> Soren Anderson of ''[[The Seattle Times]]'' thought it "very impressive in its single-minded dedication to creating a moviegoing experience designed to totally engulf its audience."<ref>{{cite web |last=Andersen |first=Soren |url=http://seattletimes.com/html/entertainment/2023051509_300risexml.html?syndication=rss |title='300: Rise of an Empire': This violent sequel means war &#124; Entertainment |publisher=The Seattle Times |access-date=2014-03-08 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140829074159/http://seattletimes.com/html/entertainment/2023051509_300risexml.html?syndication=rss |archive-date=August 29, 2014 |url-status=live |df=mdy-all }}</ref> James Rocchi of [[Film.com]] gave the film a zero out of ten and called it "a 3D joke."<ref>{{cite web |author= James Rocch |url= http://www.film.com/movies/review-300-rise-of-an-empire |title= Review: '300: Rise Of An Empire' |publisher= Film.com |access-date= 2014-03-08 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20140311090531/http://www.film.com/movies/review-300-rise-of-an-empire |archive-date= March 11, 2014 |url-status= live |df= mdy-all }}</ref> [[James Berardinelli]] wrote, "The movie delivers all the necessary elements but their impact is dull."<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.reelviews.net/php_review_template.php?identifier=2734 |title=Reelviews Movie Reviews |publisher=Reelviews.net |access-date=2014-03-08 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150318101811/http://www.reelviews.net/php_review_template.php?identifier=2734 |archive-date=March 18, 2015 |url-status=live |df=mdy-all }}</ref> Joe Neumaier of the ''[[New York Daily News]]'' thought it looked "like an ashen video game. It's even more muddy in IMAX and 3-D."<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.nydailynews.com/entertainment/tv-movies/300-rise-empire-movie-review-article-1.1712967 |title='300: Rise of an Empire,' movie review |publisher=NY Daily News |date=March 6, 2014 |access-date=2014-03-08 |location=New York |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140307042425/http://www.nydailynews.com/entertainment/tv-movies/300-rise-empire-movie-review-article-1.1712967 |archive-date=March 7, 2014 |url-status=live |df=mdy-all }}</ref> Colin Covert of the ''[[Star Tribune]]'' felt it "plays like a collaboration between the Marquis de Sade and Michael Bay. Or maybe the History Channel and the ''Saw'' franchise."<ref>{{cite web |author=Colin Covert |url=http://www.startribune.com/entertainment/movies/248870491.html |title=Sequel to '300': In your face, Themistokles! |publisher=Star Tribune |access-date=2014-03-08 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140307114547/http://www.startribune.com/entertainment/movies/248870491.html |archive-date=March 7, 2014 |url-status=dead |df=mdy-all}}</ref> Guy Lodge of ''[[Time Out (magazine)|Time Out]]'' wrote, "It's flesh and carnage that the audience is here to see, and Murro delivers it by the glistening ton, pausing only for stray bits of backstory."<ref>{{cite web |author= Guy Lodge |url= https://www.timeout.com/london/film/300-rise-of-an-empire |title= 300: Rise of an Empire &#124; review |date= March 4, 2014 |publisher= Timeout.com |access-date= 2014-03-08 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20140311232444/http://www.timeout.com/london/film/300-rise-of-an-empire |archive-date= March 11, 2014 |url-status= live |df= mdy-all}}</ref> Ann Hornaday of ''[[The Washington Post]]'' said "''Rise of an Empire'' is no fun at all – even those famous six-pack abs from ''300'' seem to be missing a can or two."<ref>{{cite news|author= Ann Hornaday|url= https://www.washingtonpost.com/goingoutguide/movies/300-rise-of-an-empire-movie-review-sequel-is-no-fun-at-all/2014/03/05/ec76dd3e-a46f-11e3-84d4-e59b1709222c_story.html|title= '300: Rise of an Empire' movie review: Sequel is no fun at all|newspaper= The Washington Post|date= March 6, 2014|access-date= 2014-03-08|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20171210183459/https://www.washingtonpost.com/goingoutguide/movies/300-rise-of-an-empire-movie-review-sequel-is-no-fun-at-all/2014/03/05/ec76dd3e-a46f-11e3-84d4-e59b1709222c_story.html|archive-date= December 10, 2017|url-status= live|df= mdy-all}}</ref> In a negative review, Drew Hunt of the ''[[Chicago Reader]]'' wrote: "The slow-motion battle scenes are technically impressive and occasionally elegant, but there's enough machismo here to choke a thousand NFL locker rooms."<ref>{{cite web |last=Hunt |first=Drew |url=http://www.chicagoreader.com/chicago/300-rise-of-an-empire/Film?oid=12496704 |title=300: Rise of an Empire &#124; Chicago |date=March 6, 2014 |publisher=Chicagoreader.com |access-date=2014-03-08 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140320043137/http://www.chicagoreader.com/chicago/300-rise-of-an-empire/Film?oid=12496704 |archive-date=March 20, 2014 |url-status=live |df=mdy-all }}</ref> [[Richard Roeper]] called the film "A triumph of production design, costumes, brilliantly choreographed battle sequences and stunning CGI."<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.richardroeper.com/reviews/300riseofanempire.aspx |title=300: Rise of an Empire" Review |publisher=RichardRoeper.com |access-date=2014-03-08 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140311224247/http://www.richardroeper.com/reviews/300riseofanempire.aspx |archive-date=March 11, 2014 |url-status=live |df=mdy-all}}</ref> Scott Bowles of ''[[USA Today]]'' gave the film two out of four stars: "For anyone looking for a sense of script (forget plausibility), ''Empire'' is a Trojan horse."<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/life/movies/2014/03/06/300-rise-of-an-empire-review/5807971/ |title='300' sequel amps up blood, tamps down believability |publisher=Usatoday.com |date=2014-02-18 |access-date=2014-03-08 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171127221338/https://www.usatoday.com/story/life/movies/2014/03/06/300-rise-of-an-empire-review/5807971/ |archive-date=November 27, 2017 |url-status=live |df=mdy-all }}</ref> Betsy Sharkey of the ''[[Los Angeles Times]]'' thought "The spectacularly brutal fighting is the film's main calling card, and in that ''Rise of an Empire'' doesn't disappoint."<ref>{{cite news |last=Sharkey |first=Betsy |url=https://www.latimes.com/entertainment/movies/moviesnow/la-et-mn-300-rise-movie-review-20140307,0,18039.story#axzz2vDXLviEI |title=Review: '300: Rise of an Empire' looks great but is weak in plot |work=[[Los Angeles Times]] |date=March 6, 2014 |access-date=2014-03-08 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140307232844/http://www.latimes.com/entertainment/movies/moviesnow/la-et-mn-300-rise-movie-review-20140307,0,18039.story#axzz2vDXLviEI#axzz2vDXLviEI |archive-date=March 7, 2014 |url-status=live |df=mdy-all }}</ref> David Hiltbrand of ''[[The Philadelphia Inquirer]]'' praised "its slo-mo ultraviolence" and "impressive 3-D effects", calling it "a fan boy's fantasy, a four-star wonderment."<ref>{{cite web |author=David Hiltbrand |url=http://www.philly.com/philly/entertainment/movies/20140307_The_Athenians_are_coming__The_Athenians_are_coming_.html |title=The Athenians are coming! The Athenians are coming! |publisher=Philly.com |date=2012-10-22 |access-date=2014-03-08 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140307122947/http://www.philly.com/philly/entertainment/movies/20140307_The_Athenians_are_coming__The_Athenians_are_coming_.html |archive-date=March 7, 2014 |url-status=live |df=mdy-all }}</ref> Tom Long of ''[[The Detroit News]]'' gave the film a D, "a bloodbath and not much else."<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.detroitnews.com/article/20140307/ENT02/303070006 |title=Review: '300: Rise of an Empire' celebrates excessive, pointless violence |publisher=The Detroit News |date=2014-03-03 |access-date=2014-03-08 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140308102437/http://www.detroitnews.com/article/20140307/ENT02/303070006 |archive-date=March 8, 2014 |url-status=dead |df=mdy-all }}</ref> Adam Nayman of ''[[The Globe and Mail]]'' called it "an add-on content pack for a video game."<ref>{{cite news |author=Adam Nayman |url=https://www.theglobeandmail.com/arts/film/film-reviews/300-rise-of-an-empire-a-brutal-campaign-with-an-xbox-aesthetic/article17345647/ |title=300: Rise of an Empire: A brutal campaign with an Xbox aesthetic |publisher=The Globe and Mail |date=March 7, 2014 |access-date=2014-03-08 |location=Toronto |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171210183458/https://www.theglobeandmail.com/arts/film/film-reviews/300-rise-of-an-empire-a-brutal-campaign-with-an-xbox-aesthetic/article17345647/ |archive-date=December 10, 2017 |url-status=live |df=mdy-all}}</ref> Mark Jenkins of [[NPR]] gave the film a negative review, saying "If the movie's action recalls video games, the dramatically artificial lighting suggests 1980s rock videos. Indeed, ''Rise of an Empire'' is so campy that it might work better as a musical."<ref>{{cite web |last=Jenkins |first=Mark |url=https://www.npr.org/2014/03/06/285871058/300-an-empire-rises-dripping-in-gore-and-glamour?ft=1&f=1045 |title=Movie Review – '300: Rise Of An Empire' – Gore, Glamour, And A Goth Warrior Maiden |website=NPR |date=March 6, 2014 |access-date=2014-03-08 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171201030046/https://www.npr.org/2014/03/06/285871058/300-an-empire-rises-dripping-in-gore-and-glamour?ft=1&f=1045 |archive-date=December 1, 2017 |url-status=live |df=mdy-all}}</ref> Stephen Whitty of the ''[[Newark Star-Ledger]]'' gave the film one and a half stars out of four, saying "There is much grinding of teeth, and mauling of history, and anachronistic use of gunpowder, until we plug our ears and desperately pray to the gods of Olympus, or the brothers of Warner, that they might make an end."<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.nj.com/entertainment/index.ssf/2014/03/300_rise_of_an_empire_review_its_greek_to_me.html |title='300: Rise of an Empire' review: It's Greek to me |date=March 7, 2014 |publisher=NJ.com |access-date=2014-03-08 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140315050623/http://www.nj.com/entertainment/index.ssf/2014/03/300_rise_of_an_empire_review_its_greek_to_me.html |archive-date=March 15, 2014 |url-status=live |df=mdy-all }}</ref> Despite mixed reviews for the film as a whole, [[Eva Green]]'s performance as the naval leader [[Artemisia I of Caria|Artemisia]] received positive reviews, with some going so far as to say she was more interesting than the heroes, and saved the film. [[Ty Burr]] of ''[[The Boston Globe]]'' stated, "''Rise of an Empire'' may strike some as an improvement on the first film, if only for two reasons: naval warfare and the glorious absurdity of Eva Green."<ref>{{cite news|last=Burr |first=Ty |url=https://www.boston.com/ae/movies/2014/03/06/takes-sidetrip/haLCZxBGjcGhR5TJpafe9I/story.html |title='300' takes a side trip, in 3-D – Movies |publisher=Boston.com |access-date=2015-12-10 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140310030038/http://www.boston.com/ae/movies/2014/03/06/takes-sidetrip/haLCZxBGjcGhR5TJpafe9I/story.html |archive-date=March 10, 2014 }}</ref> According to Rafer Guzman's ''[[Newsday]]'' review, "The one bright spot is Eva Green as Xerxes' machinator, Artemesia, a raccoon-eyed warrior princess... Green plays a snarling, insatiable, self-hating femme fatale and completely steals the show."<ref>{{cite web |last=Guzman |first=Rafel |url=http://www.newsday.com/entertainment/movies/300-rise-of-an-empire-review-pointless-swordplay-1.7295401 |title='300: Rise of an Empire' review: Pointless swordplay |publisher=newsday.com |date=2014-03-06 |access-date=2014-08-02 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140309064737/http://www.newsday.com/entertainment/movies/300-rise-of-an-empire-review-pointless-swordplay-1.7295401 |archive-date=March 9, 2014 |url-status=live |df=mdy-all }}</ref> Stephanie Zacharek writing for ''[[The Village Voice]]'' exclaimed, "Mere mortals of Athens, Sparta, and every city from Mumbai to Minneapolis, behold the magnificent Eva Green, and tremble!"<ref>{{cite web |last=Zacharek |first=Stephanie |url=http://www.villagevoice.com/2014-03-05/film/300-rise-of-an-empire/ |title=300: Rise of an Empire Offers Delights for People of All Sexes and Persuasions |publisher=villagevoice.com |date=2014-03-05 |access-date=2014-08-02 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140803092341/http://www.villagevoice.com/2014-03-05/film/300-rise-of-an-empire/ |archive-date=August 3, 2014 |url-status=live |df=mdy-all }}</ref> ==Historical accuracy== ''[[The Guardian (newspaper)|The Guardian]]'s'' historical films reviewer, [[Alex von Tunzelmann]], discredited the film's historical legitimacy, giving it the classification of "History grade: Fail." She itemizes numerous historical discrepancies in the film, including the pivotal scene in which [[Themistocles]] kills [[Darius the Great]] at the [[Battle of Marathon]] even though he was really absent and died of natural causes only years later.<ref name="von_tunzelmann_the_guardian">[[Alex von Tunzelmann|von Tunzelmann, Alex]] [https://www.theguardian.com/film/filmblog/2014/mar/12/300-rise-of-empire-reel-history-persians-greeks-salamis "''300: Rise of an Empire'' – doesn't know its Artemisia from its elbow; Scarred by racist political stereotyping, the mighty Persian empire is dealt a blow by plucky freedom-loving Greeks – with the help of Bondage Nymphomaniac Revenge Barbie,"] March 12, 2014, ''[[The Guardian (newspaper)|The Guardian]],'' retrieved February 20, 2020</ref> Tunzelmann further quotes the ''[[Persian Fire]]'' author and historian Tom Holland, who translated [[Histories (Herodotus)|Herodotus's ''Histories'']], and who is an expert on the [[Greco-Persian wars]], as comparing the film to a wild fantasy substitute for actual historic reality.<ref name="von_tunzelmann_the_guardian" /> [[Paul Cartledge]], a professor of [[Ancient Greece|Greek culture]] at [[Cambridge University]], also noted historical inaccuracies in the film. For example, Darius was not killed as depicted, and neither he nor [[Xerxes I|Xerxes]] was present at the Battle of Marathon. [[Artemisia I of Caria|Artemisia]], historically a queen and not an abused orphaned slave, actually argued against sailing into the straits and survived the Persian Wars. In addition, the Spartan Navy contributed a mere 16 warships to the Greek fleet of 400 warships in the ending battle scene, rather than the huge armada shown.<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/blogs-magazine-monitor-26484784 |title=300: Five historical errors in the new film |work=BBC News |date=March 8, 2014 |access-date=June 21, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180902225707/https://www.bbc.com/news/blogs-magazine-monitor-26484784 |archive-date=September 2, 2018 |url-status=live |df=mdy-all }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.historyvshollywood.com/reelfaces/300-rise-of-an-empire/ | title = ''300: Rise of an Empire'' | work = History vs. Hollywood | access-date = March 8, 2014 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20140315073025/http://www.historyvshollywood.com/reelfaces/300-rise-of-an-empire/ | archive-date = March 15, 2014 | url-status = live | df = mdy-all }}</ref> Some critics have identified the film as an example of [[Iranophobia]].<ref>Weiler, Yuram Abdullah. "United States’ Cultural Terrorism against Iran: Punishing nonconformity to the American Protestant and republican image." (2015).</ref> Tunzelmann found the film being the same "massive gilded embodiment of [[orientalism]] from [its predecessor]".<ref name="von_tunzelmann_the_guardian"/><ref name="Llewellyn-Jones">{{cite book |last1=Llewellyn-Jones |first1=Lloyd |author1-link=Lloyd Llewellyn-Jones |editor1-last=Augoustakis |editor1-first=Antony |editor2-last=Richie |editor2-first=Stacie |title=Epic Heroes on Screen |date=2018 |publisher=Edinburgh University Press |location=Edinburgh |page=199 |chapter=Trouble in the Tehran multiplex: Iranian perceptions of the heroic in 300 and 300 Rise of an Empire}}</ref> According to [[Lloyd Llewellyn-Jones]], Professor of Ancient History at [[Cardiff University]]: "Indeed, the Persians of ''300: Rise of an Empire'' remain the incarnation of every Orientalist cliché imaginable: they are as decadent and oversexed as they are weak and spineless. They are also incapable of winning battles without the help of a Greek traitor: Artemisia, a woman who may be costumed like [[Xena]], a warrior princess, but whose heart is consumed by a crazy desire for power and destruction."<ref name="Llewellyn-Jones"/> ==Home media== ''300: Rise of an Empire'' was released on the [[iTunes Store]] on June 3, 2014, and was released on DVD and [[Blu-ray]] 3 weeks later, on June 24.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.blu-ray.com/news/?id=13890 |title=300: Rise of an Empire Blu-ray |publisher=Blu-ray.com |access-date=2014-05-07 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150416034649/http://www.blu-ray.com/news/?id=13890 |archive-date=April 16, 2015 |url-status=live |df=mdy-all }}</ref> ==Sequel== In a 2016 interview, Snyder stated that more sequels to ''300'' would focus on topics beyond Ancient Greece, such as the [[American Revolutionary War]], the [[Battle of the Alamo]], or a battle in [[China]].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://collider.com/300-sequels-new-countries-zack-snyder/ |title=Exclusive: '300' Sequels Could Go Beyond Ancient Greece Says Zack Snyder |publisher=Collider |last=Goldberg |first=Matt |date=March 18, 2016 |access-date=March 21, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160322074306/http://collider.com/300-sequels-new-countries-zack-snyder/ |archive-date=March 22, 2016 |url-status=live |df=mdy-all}}</ref> In May 2021, Snyder revealed that he had written an [[Alexander the Great]] film that was intended to function as a conclusion to the ''300'' trilogy, adapting the ''Rise of Alexander'' segment of ''[[Xerxes (graphic novel)|Xerxes]]'', but it evolved into having a greater focus on a love story between Alexander and [[Hephaestion]], leading Snyder to think it could not function as a third ''300'' film, but rather a stand-alone entry in the same [[fictional universe]]. The script was retitled ''Blood and Ashes'' but it failed to be greenlit by Warner Bros. Pictures.<ref>{{cite web|last=Barfield|first=Charles|title=Zack Snyder Wrote The "Final Chapter" Of '300' During Lockdown But WB Passed On It|url=https://theplaylist.net/zack-snyder-300-final-chapter-20210517/|date=May 17, 2021|publisher=The Playlist|access-date=December 4, 2022|df=mdy-all}}</ref><ref>[https://www.indiewire.com/2021/05/zack-snyder-third-300-movie-warner-bros-killed-1234638081/ Zack Snyder Says Warner Bros. Passed on His Third {{‘}}''300''{{’}} Movie, an Alexander the Great Romance]</ref> In December 2023, Snyder revealed that he had regained the rights for ''Blood and Ashes'' from Warner Bros. Pictures and was planning on developing the film in the future.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Kit |first=Borys |date=2023-12-01 |title=Zack Snyder Regains Rights to 'Blood and Ashes,' Script Originally Pitched as a '300' Sequel (Exclusive) |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/zack-snyder-regains-rights-to-300-spinoff-1235705412/ |access-date=2023-12-02 |website=The Hollywood Reporter |language=en-US}}</ref> ==See also== * [[List of historical drama films]] ==Notes== {{notelist}} ==References== {{Reflist}} ==External links== * {{Official website|https://www.warnerbros.com/300-rise-empire}} * {{IMDb title|1253863|300: Rise of an Empire}} * {{mojo title|300sequel|300: Rise of an Empire}} * {{rotten-tomatoes|300_rise_of_an_empire|300: Rise of an Empire}} * {{Metacritic film|title=300: Rise of an Empire}} * {{allmovie|545646}} {{Navboxes |title=''300: Rise of an Empire'' |list= {{300}} {{Dark Horse Comics films}} {{Frank Miller}} {{Zack Snyder}} }} {{Authority control}} {{Portal bar|Film|United States|2010s|Comics|Ancient Greece}} {{DEFAULTSORT:300 Rise Of An Empire}} [[Category:2014 films]] [[Category:2014 3D films]] [[Category:2010s action war films]] [[Category:2010s historical action films]] [[Category:American 3D films]] [[Category:American action war films]] [[Category:American sequel films]] [[Category:The Stone Quarry films]] [[Category:American historical action films]] [[Category:Legendary Pictures films]] [[Category:Warner Bros. films]] [[Category:2010s English-language films]] [[Category:Films scored by Junkie XL]] [[Category:Films about naval warfare]] [[Category:Films based on Dark Horse Comics]] [[Category:Films based on works by Frank Miller]] [[Category:Films produced by Deborah Snyder]] [[Category:Films produced by Zack Snyder]] [[Category:Films set in the 5th century BC]] [[Category:Films set in ancient Greece]] [[Category:Films set in Greece]] [[Category:Films set in the Mediterranean Sea]] [[Category:Films shot at Warner Bros. 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