Reply #15: I was just looking at them. Note the comment about Spartan homosexual relations:

[Hissyspit]

That may explain Drudge's interest
"bond the unit more tightly" Heh, heh.

19 out of 19 people found the following comment useful :-
Very credible job, 16 May 2004

Author: boethius-4 from New York


This was one of the last of the great sword-and-sandal epics. Unlike many before it or since, it managed to get the facts generally correct. The story, recorded in Herodotus, concerns a small band of troops from Sparta who held off the advance of the Persian army in the 5th century B.C. In doing so, they gave their fellow Greeks time to organise a larger army. Themes include: democracy vs. despotism, and sacrifice for the sake of the common good. Ever stoic Richard Egan (star of "Pollyanna," "Esther and the King," and other fun films) does a great job of projecting the inner strength of Spartan leader Leonidas. This film is not to be missed and ranks with other memorable epics of the 1960s, such as "The Long Ships". Note: this is newly remastered and should not be confused with the botched version released some months prior.

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26 out of 35 people found the following comment useful :-
Should be shown more often., 17 November 2003
Author: Rob Halpin from London , England

I remember this film, it was well set and the acting was good. I notice comments directed at Spartan culture and social organisation has been reflected on. Yes, Spartan life was extremely tough. Spartan warriors practised a strict code of coming back with their shield or lying on it. In other words, they did not yield or surrender, they fought to death or to victory. The warriors were also encouraged to pursue homosexual relations with their fellow warriors as a means to bond the fighting unit more tightly. Believe it or not, this was extremely effective in battle. I have the honour of actually visiting Thermopayle, and a massive statue dedicated to Leonidas can be viewed. I did notice the battlefield and how it must've looked a long time ago. It is extremely narrow and the area is extremely rugged, yet very beautiful.Leonidas chose his defensive position well. High hills to his left and deep water to his right, an army of Persian soldiers heavily armoured were compelled to attack the thin passage held by Leonidas. However, imagine 3 days of continuous hand to hand fighting in a hot climate such as Greece, these men were indeed super-men. The film did it great justice, but this is a film that should be shown either more often or re-made completely. We owe Leonidas that much.