There was a call for Iranian and other artists who were outraged by the movie 300 to post their works onto www.300themovie.info as a comeback...

Here is their fine artistry..!

http://i16.tinypic.com/2j2w8ky.jpg

http://i17.tinypic.com/2mg5u6p.jpg

http://i16.tinypic.com/447ejut.jpg

http://i15.tinypic.com/2cq1dvl.jpg

http://i17.tinypic.com/2vtwdg2.gif

http://i19.tinypic.com/43h69tg.gif

http://i16.tinypic.com/2mhslxg.gif

http://i17.tinypic.com/4g3njue.jpg

http://i18.tinypic.com/4htmp2p.jpg

http://i17.tinypic.com/4bqcglh.jpg

http://i17.tinypic.com/2i70qbk.jpg

http://i16.tinypic.com/2m4zj91

http://i16.tinypic.com/2rr88cl.jpg

http://i19.tinypic.com/307usg0.jpg

http://i18.tinypic.com/4i2z98i.jpg

Nice artwork! I loved the panoramic one...I'm guessing it's Persepolis? It looks great!

I dont think it is... as it has a large citadel in the middle and it really does not coincide with the 'Persepolis 3D' renders or the landmarks in Persepolis such as The Gate of All Nations or Appadana Palace (all found in this thread http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=305896)

If you ask me it looks more like what Ecbatana would have looked like... with all the rugged terrain around it... It's certainly not Susa which is located in a vast flat land... It COULD be Babylon.. It's hard to tell :)

http://i17.tinypic.com/4g3njue.jpg

Modern persian "miniature". Wonderful. :)

first one is really nice

Nice drawings...

I forgot about this thread lol...

Some more:

Amazing one:
http://img479.imageshack.us/img479/9450/malekibi2.jpg

How about some new notes?

http://img479.imageshack.us/img479/7585/sheida1ii7.jpg

http://img479.imageshack.us/img479/9133/sheida2yp7.jpg

http://img479.imageshack.us/img479/3361/sheida3yu4.jpg

http://img479.imageshack.us/img479/6843/sheida4jy8.jpg

Shugs - THANKS, very impressive pics! :eek2:

Shugs or anyone else:

The first picture posted, with the panoramic view showing the tower balcony-is that of a particular known city? I don't think it's Persepolis. Is it one of the three other capitals?

Marcia

IMPRESSIVE DESIGNS!!!


buttt....allass...we ALL know that KHOMEINI must be on them ;)

we CANNOT possibly have a bank note without Khomeini, or some revolution-realted subjetc

;)

thanks a million for all those fabulous pics bro!

Shugs or anyone else:

The first picture posted, with the panoramic view showing the tower balcony-is that of a particular known city? I don't think it's Persepolis. Is it one of the three other capitals?

Marcia

Hmmm... Possibly Ecbatana I guess

It certainly is not Persepolis.... Perhaps Babylon, but I don't think a citadel like is existed in Babylon... The citadel looks like the one found in Khorramabad today.. http://i2.tinypic.com/r0p9fk.jpg

Ectabana was my best guess too. I don't think Susa has the mountains, and it doesn't show the Euphrates River or hanging gardens one would expect in Babylon, so by process of elimination... Then again, it could be total fantasy. I haven't seen any pictures or plans of Ectabana for it to be based on.

Marcia

Parse Pasargadae Made a Movie in Response to 300

Parse Pasargadae Research Center has made a short documentary movie about the magnificent of Persepolis historic site in Iranian Fars province in response to the malicious movie of 300.
Tehran, 1 April 2007 (CHN Foreign Desk) -- Parse Pasargadae Research Center in Iranian Fars province has produced a short documentary film in an attempt to bring the dignity of Persian ancient history into light and show its objection to the movie of 300 in which the reality about the history of Iran is distorted.

300 is a 2007 film adaptation of the graphic novel 300 by Frank Miller, itself a loose adaptation about the battle of Thermopylae in 480 BC. There is the controversy brewing over not so subtle bashing of the video game genre by film critics. In this movie the Spartan King Leonidas and 300 Spartans fought to the last man against more than one million soldiers of Xerxes, the Persian Achaemenid King. In this movie the reality about Persian history has distorted to a great deal and it shows an ugly image from Persians which has evoked the emotions of millions of Iranians all over the world and has raised the objection of historians and experts of cultural heritage.

Parse Pasargadae Research Center has voiced its objection toward this movie with producing a documentary film which is a montage of some scenes of 300 and comparing them with the bas relief of Persepolis palace in which the image of king Xerxes can be seen clearly. In this 24-minute documentary, some parts of the 3D movie of Glory of Persepolis made by Fardin Rezayian have been also combined to show the magnificence of Persepolis to people.

Referring to some parts of Herodotus history in this film, Parse Pasargadae Research Center has also proved that the story of 300 is absolutely baseless.

According to authorities of Parse Pasargadae Research Center, this documentary movie will be screened during first and second of April 2007 in introducing hall of Persepolis alongside the other related movies.

http://www.chnpress.com/news/?section=2&id=7056

Hmmm... Possibly Ecbatana I guess

It certainly is not Persepolis.... Perhaps Babylon, but I don't think a citadel like is existed in Babylon... The citadel looks like the one found in Khorramabad today.. http://i2.tinypic.com/r0p9fk.jpg

I think it Susa.

Nah Shoosh was in a giant flat land... not in a valley like that...

[QUOTE=shugs;12484466]Parse Pasargadae Made a Movie in Response to 300

I hope this video will be made available over the internet. I went to the site, but it doesn't seem to be available yet, unless I am missing something.

Marcia

I think Iran should make movie about Battle of Carrhae; greed Roman general Marcus Crassus attacked Persia (Parthia) with 45000 Romans, but Persian general Surena and just 9000 Persians defeated Romans.
It would be nice lesson and replication of today's situation: about Western greed and Persian heroism.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_Carrhae

http://img411.imageshack.us/img411/3307/acha7tz0.jpg

http://img411.imageshack.us/img411/9870/acha1tk8.jpg

http://img411.imageshack.us/img411/3663/acha2ym0.jpg

http://300themovie.info/blog/sassan1.jpg

http://300themovie.info/blog/sassan2.jpg

http://300themovie.info/blog/sassan7.jpg

Tons more at www.300themovie.info

If i was the leader of iran, i would put those money in iran

Those are really beautiful :) Im very proud that my ancestors were part of the Persian culture. I love the text about what Darius told his son Xerxes: dont destroy cities. Its very true, when Persians conquered lands they hardly ever destroyed cities or committed any genocides. They loved to preserve cultures, even if it didnt belong to the Persian heritage. Unlike Mongols unfortunately lol. :lol:

AhuraMazda, is that the word for God in Zoroastrianism? :) I wonder why Islam never said anything about Zoroastrianism, considering it was a monotheistic religion?

^^ Islam does say things about Zoroastrians....they describe it as the Religion of the Angels....

That's what I have been told.

Just to say, I am Greek but I totally understand how offended you must be.

OK, some people say "it's just a comic turned to a movie", which is true, but that's no excuse. The "comic book" character explains the aesthetics of the film, which is quite spectacular and enjoyable I must say; it's deliberately unrealistic, and that's not a bad thing. Things like the sky colour etc are totally unrealistic, but that's an artistic choice and does not harm anyone.

BUT, this does not explain or justify the way Persians are shown. I can think of only two ways to explain it:

First is, the director did not realize who offensive it would be, which is careless (not to say rather silly) of him.
Second, it might have been deliberately done, in view of the bad relations between the current Iranian goverment and the US. But that's also ridiculous. The current state of affairs is but a very very small part of your country's history which spans so many thousands of years.

Anyway, popular culture and the media today are so silly in every respect, that nothing surprises me anymore!!!

Best regards from Athens

Thank you my fellow Greek Brother!

P.s: I hope we dont burn each other cities lol

Well said AAL.

I completly was forcing my self not to sleep while watching 300 in the cenima. I thought at that time that this is another example of Hollywood's racism. Yes Hollywood is racist, just look how it portrays asians , indians, arabs, persians and anyone who is differnt.I think it was not a mistake that persians were portrayed in that way, it is no secret that politics did affect , affects and will affect the US film industry. However, objectivity seems to be lacked in many if not most of the political-oriented movies and that's reflected in the way history, culture and even the way "the others" look. This loss of objectivity does more harm to the US reputation outside the US and gives very little credibility to the US.

Those are really beautiful :) Im very proud that my ancestors were part of the Persian culture. I love the text about what Darius told his son Xerxes: dont destroy cities. Its very true, when Persians conquered lands they hardly ever destroyed cities or committed any genocides. They loved to preserve cultures, even if it didnt belong to the Persian heritage. Unlike Mongols unfortunately lol. :lol:

AhuraMazda, is that the word for God in Zoroastrianism? :) I wonder why Islam never said anything about Zoroastrianism, considering it was a monotheistic religion?

Maybe b/c Islam was at was at war with persia!!!!?? duh!
daDZyBSlicQ

Very impressive video! I had no idea about this letter.

It exists and it is in the London Museum...

I have been wanting to see it for myself for quite a while now, I don't trust any of the internet translations... Too many blind nationalists with racist agendas have added bits to it that are not legit to the original text... I don't know what parts but I know it has been done for sure.

Yes, I suspected that, some bits of the tranlation sound too "modern"! But anyway, I am sure the essence is there, and it's still impressive.

still discussing the 300 movie:uh:
so much exxageration in it:nuts:
velesh kon dige:nocrook:

Most of the history about Greek Persian war,come Greek vew point specially from Herodotus, is there any ancient written record from the iranian side ?

Hi all
Any news about the documentary of the Parse Pasargadae Research Center ?

Oh good grief.
Welcome to the world of movies!
It's a movie set in a historic background, not a documentary!
It's not real!
Hell, if I got angry everytime they portrayed 19th century America as cowboys, big dresses, and horses I would lose my mind.
Movies pay little attention to the historical facts when they make them, which is why most movies bug me!
It isn't worth getting all upset about. Most people watching this movie were more interested in the graphics and action than they were with the history.
Spartans also wore more than just a strap of leather!

Why was the movie so offensive to Iranians?

Because:

. Xerxes the great and his soldiers looked nothing like what they really look like. They made them look like dark skinned arabs with weird masks and black clothes.

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/2/2b/Xerxes_I%2C_the_Great%2C_King_of_Persia.jpg
Xerxes the great


. Persians worked against slavery and brutality, but the stupid director shows them as savages. Millions of people watched this movie, without any knowledge about Persians or Iran, what do you expect them to learn? That is WHY this movie matters and we have the right to protest about it.

Overall there are many idiots who worship TV and movies and believe what they see on the screen, so we don't care about "It's a movie set in a historic background, not a documentary!" and anything similar. We care about the media impact on people, especially the ones who never knew anything about Persia before. The movie gives a bad impression about Persians, their history, culture, and appearance.

I also find it offensive to portray Greeks as shouting men killing like savages while they had done many better things than that. But that's not the case, because the world already know how the Greeks were different.

^^
Yes, I am aware of these false notions in the movie.
Yes, they got the ethnicity wrong. I wouldn't be offended by it(regardless of how obvious and extremely incorrect it was.), however, it really shows the director was not paying attention to facts and data.
I was upset when they portrayed Spartans as half-naked crazy people, when in reality they wore armor and were not all buffed.
However, I wouldn't get that upset about it. Movies constantly lack facts and falsly represent something, or someone. It gets annoying, but that is movie business I suppose.
However, there are many films that are very true to history.
Like Titanic, had a few mistakes here and there, but the over all setting was very well done! :)

BTW, due to 'wild west' movies many people have the false idea of cowboys and Indians(which is offensive to our native populations that were dominantly wiped out) in 19th century western America. It wasn't until recently that new movies were made that were more accurate, like Deadwood.

It's a rubbish film that is simply out to offend (not only Iranians)... The kind of mentality it ensues is reflected nicely in groups of drunken yobs yelling 'spartaaa' in city centres at 2am.

Also the film came across as a promo reel for the US Marines...

It's a rubbish film that is simply out to offend (not only Iranians)... The kind of mentality it ensues is reflected nicely in groups of drunken yobs yelling 'spartaaa' in city centres at 2am.

Also the film came across as a promo reel for the US Marines...

0_o
I didn't get that. How was it a promo for the marines?
I found the graphics to be the thing that interested me. The movie itself was not historically accurate, yes. In the world of movies, you have to have a thicker skin than that.
Movies pull out bull shit all the time.
But there are many movies that are well done!:cheers:

awsome threat:)

0_o
I didn't get that. How was it a promo for the marines?
I found the graphics to be the thing that interested me. The movie itself was not historically accurate, yes. In the world of movies, you have to have a thicker skin than that.
Movies pull out bull shit all the time.
But there are many movies that are well done!:cheers:

well done bullshit >= bullshit.

0_o
I didn't get that. How was it a promo for the marines?


small group of well trained soldiers who yell 'ah-roo' and 'kick ass' in the name of.... freedom... apparently :|

As I said, the film was made to offend everyone, not only iranians... depicts babies being disposed of via being hurled off cliff sides, negative attitude towards the handicapped, shows lots of flesh and sudo-homosexuality and a negative image of those who are not european (if one would like to take that interpretation)

All in all the film is out to offend, stirring controversy, causing more publicity and bringing in more revenue. Simple really.

small group of well trained soldiers who yell 'ah-roo' and 'kick ass' in the name of.... freedom... apparently :|

As I said, the film was made to offend everyone, not only iranians... depicts babies being disposed of via being hurled off cliff sides, negative attitude towards the handicapped, shows lots of flesh and sudo-homosexuality and a negative image of those who are not european (if one would like to take that interpretation)

All in all the film is out to offend, stirring controversy, causing more publicity and bringing in more revenue. Simple really.

First, I do not know if Spartans threw infants into pits, but they did abandon or kill infants who were deformed or too weak, that has been a known fact for ages.
Greek freedom is not the same as freedom today. I don't think they screamed 'kick ass' in ancient times though.
Yes, there is nudity and a lot of the body. That is just the human body! The Spartans did not wear such little clothing though. :)
Homosexuality? Homosexuality was a part of Hellenic culture. It was not that big of a deal. Look at Alexander the great, he was bisexual and he had a Persian wife. ;)

^Jeez I bloody know all of that! What do you take me for? An idiot?

My point is the film is made to shock and offend... though these are historical facts the film is very tasteless and after all it is based on a comic, not a documentary regarding the nitty gritty details of these ancient civilisations (I can state the obvious too)... All in all 300 was made to roll in the millions via controversy.

Since I feel as though I need to make myself clear to you because you are continually missing my point... another example of what 300 had done in gaining publicity via controversy is the Da Vinci Code and the new film adaptation of the book 'Angels and Demons', where controversy regarding it's plot based loosely on historical events, attacking the Catholic Church caused billions in revenue.

^Jeez I bloody know all of that! What do you take me for? An idiot?

My point is the film is made to shock and offend... though these are historical facts the film is very tasteless and after all it is based on a comic, not a documentary regarding the nitty gritty details of these ancient civilisations (I can state the obvious too)... All in all 300 was made to roll in the millions via controversy.

Since I feel as though I need to make myself clear to you because you are continually missing my point... another example of what 300 had done in gaining publicity via controversy is the Da Vinci Code and the new film adaptation of the book 'Angels and Demons', where controversy regarding it's plot based loosely on historical events, attacking the Catholic Church caused billions in revenue.


Good, I just want to make sure! :) No, I do not take you for an idiot! :)
I think the reason movies that attack the Catholic religion is based on the growing dislike towards actions the Catholic Church has made. If such a film were made in say 1960, it probably would not have too much support.
Yes but what I am trying to say is that this is no new thing. Movies do this all the time and it is extremely annoying but hell, there really is not anything to do about it. If people want to watch the movie than hey, they can watch it. I personally would not watch a movie that is so inaccurate and poorly done.
In the world of movies (as we all know) you have stupid dumb movies and than 'okay' movies and than awesome movies!
I suppose 300 could be offensive, but I do not think it is extremely offensive.
These drawings though are amazing.

I was just browsing and was surprised to see this thread on a SKYSCRAPER forum!!! But whatever!

I, on the other hand, do think Shugs is an idiot! (just to strike up some controversy of course...because that is just how some movies make their money apparently:bash:) I actually personally know the LA manager for Dark Horse Entertainment (the production company who has the rights to the comic) and that was not in their mind in the slightest!! My best friend is also in the film industry and I assure you that movies do not get signed on because they think that the controversy will roll in the dough!:nuts: (example; Passion of the Christ...no way did Mel think he was going to roll it in with that film) Most of those movies don't even start with a wide release because they are not expected to be profitable.

Simply put, the movie is based on a 'graphic novel' by Frank Miller who happens to base the story on a historical event...that's it!!! There is nothing more to it than that! I'm an Iranian and saw the movie and love it! It had nothing to do with accurately depicting Persians or slamming them. Way too many Iranians have gotten butt-hurt over this issue...of an extremely obvious misrepresentation and the fact that it is based on a comic!!!

Now, that's not to say that other movies are not guilty of this or that they were more responsible for the public's perception like 'Not Without My Daughter' which was horrible, but there again it IS a movie and not to be confused with a documentary or factual video.

I just think that Iranians should get over this movie and enjoy the great imagery, artwork, and strong characters this movie provides...it's a true comic book!

My point is valid, people should not be so easily swept away by sensationalism, I see the hypocrisy... I even gained some enjoyment from the mindless violence the film delivers. However like so many film adaptations of comics, it is crap. Just my opinion.

Adaei99 what your saying is like telling a person from Kazakhstan to enjoy borat

and you don't get to see the point why we're not keen about this movie, it's more about the negative impact on society and Persian people's image rather than what it is based on. And actually even if it's based on a graphic novel he still is using history as his source. If we are feeling attacked or offended in any way we shall complain and protest about it.

Here's what this idiot said:
"300's director Zack Snyder stated in an MTV interview that "[t]he events are 90 percent accurate. It's just in the visualization that it's crazy.... I've shown this movie to world-class historians who have said it's amazing. They can't believe it's as accurate as it is." He continues that the film is "an opera, not a documentary. That's what I say when people say it's historically inaccurate." However he is quoted in a BBC News story that the film is, at its core "a fantasy film." He also describes the film's narrator, Dilios, as "a guy who knows how not to wreck a good story with truth."

Who were those historians Zack, your grandma? :| and lol at Dilios who prefers lies

Obviously the director wants to up-raise and value his 'film' .Even if you want to make 'a fantasy film' you shouldn't make it racist and yet not full of lies.

To me this is a simple propaganda, just like what you would read in any Historian books published in the West.

Obviously the director wants to up-raise and value his 'film' .Even if you want to make 'a fantasy film' you shouldn't make it racist and yet not full of lies.

To me this is a simple propaganda, just like what you would read in any Historian books published in the West.

Yes, there is a big conspiracy in the history books against Persians. ;)
You are quiet wrong. My 9th grade world history book talked about ancient Persia and its vast empire. It discussed the arts the Persians created along with the many ideas and traditions Europeans later borrowed.
If this is propaganda than you are not thinking. I have seen propaganda and this is just a poorly done film.
Hell, I could sit here and try to be logical but many of you seem sold on this idea that it is an insult against Persia, and others just need to get thicker skin.
I am used to seeing historical inaccuracy in films. My own region was portrayed as trashy many times but no one really bitched about it, we just did not watch the film. No one thinks of us Hoosiers as trashy though.
They think of us as reserved and religious, but not trashy.
If Iran ever becomes a big player in the world it has got to get thicker skin and get over these little things.

I dont realy care about the film, but my point is that ppl make a film the way they like, and dis a certain group

Films always dis groups.
Often you see film 'battles'.
Recently there was one between the right and left here in the states.

I think that there is some kind of social movement by Iranian youth in using Persian tradition (their gods, empires and iconography) as a means of mobilization, protest and identity construction. A subtle movement, but a great value movement, from those who do not accept the way they are seen in the world because of their government.

Maybe that is why 300 hits so much these Yong Iranians. Perhaps a movie with criticism against the Ayatollah wouldn't hit. I mean, to put these values, that young iranians want to preserve and recover, in so bad terms, must be terrible for them.

Adaei99 what your saying is like telling a person from Kazakhstan to enjoy borat

and you don't get to see the point why we're not keen about this movie, it's more about the negative impact on society and Persian people's image rather than what it is based on. And actually even if it's based on a graphic novel he still is using history as his source. If we are feeling attacked or offended in any way we shall complain and protest about it.

Here's what this idiot said:


Who were those historians Zack, your grandma? :| and lol at Dilios who prefers lies


Shapoor, I understand what you mean about the Kazakis and them enjoying a movie that offends them but what I am saying is that they should take the movie for what it is...just a movie...and enjoy it as entertainment, especially a movie like Borat where is more of a play on the stupidity of sooo many American. I am sure you know about the many Americans that filed suit.

And also they can criticize the movie as a movie, if it wasn't funny, or didn't go anywhere, or if had poor acting, or if it was too successful in convincing people it was real! There is also a certain degree of maturity and responsibility of the audience to know that what they are watching in the cinema is not accurate and primary function is to entertain. Many movies touch, move, inspire, educate, and enlighten but that shouldn't be confused with all movies.

I feel that TOO many Iranians took it TOO personal :ohno:. I definitely see the flaws or negative impacts on ones culture and history but it's another thing to say they did it INTENTIONALLY!

As for the historians...they are looking at the facts of the event, names, 300 soldiers, the different troops (ie Immortals), the days, and what the greek government did or didn't do, etc, etc. On that basis it was very accurate.

Yes, there is a big conspiracy in the history books against Persians. ;)
You are quiet wrong. My 9th grade world history book talked about ancient Persia and its vast empire. It discussed the arts the Persians created along with the many ideas and traditions Europeans later borrowed.
If this is propaganda than you are not thinking. I have seen propaganda and this is just a poorly done film.
Hell, I could sit here and try to be logical but many of you seem sold on this idea that it is an insult against Persia, and others just need to get thicker skin.
I am used to seeing historical inaccuracy in films. My own region was portrayed as trashy many times but no one really bitched about it, we just did not watch the film. No one thinks of us Hoosiers as trashy though.
They think of us as reserved and religious, but not trashy.
If Iran ever becomes a big player in the world it has got to get thicker skin and get over these little things.

Thank You!! At least someone else also thinks they are overreacting!

I also think part of it has to do with all the propaganda the Revolution brought about and so many were lied to. That has lead to a lot of Iranians, especially the older generation, to completely be open to conspiracy theories and governments involvement in EVERYTHING and how they are trying to 'fool' everyone with tv shows, news, movies, drugs, music, etc.

I agree with PauloLescaut, in my opinion that movement exists and many of us (Iranians) are part of it. I am proud of it, because it is peaceful and effective.

Socrates#1fan, we might not have thick skin but ignorance cannot be tolerated.

Anyway there's no point to argue. This movie doesn't even get mentioned in Iran and eventually it'll be forgotten after a few years hopefully.

I agree with PauloLescaut, in my opinion that movement exists and many of us (Iranians) are part of it. I am proud of it, because it is peaceful and effective.

Socrates#1fan, we might not have thick skin but ignorance cannot be tolerated.

Anyway there's no point to argue. This movie doesn't even get mentioned in Iran and eventually it'll be forgotten after a few years hopefully.

Ignorance cannot be tolerated.
I know what it is like, I want to get into historical preservation. ;)
But this is just a movie and I cannot tell them to be ignorant or not.
It is up to the people whether they watch it or not though I personally would not.

I'm glad Iranians are having this movement.
Persia was an amazing empire and is something to be proud of.
I don't know that much about Iranian politics or it's political movements, I do hope that it becomes a little more open in the future.

I agree about the ignorance and it is not acceptable.

My perspective is much like Maz Jobrani, the Iranian comedian with the Axis of Evil Comedy Tour, we need to have a good sense of humor about ourselves and not take things so seriously! If we become sensitive to such things as the accuracy of how Iranians/Persians are portrayed in a movie, BASED ON A COMIC BOOK! :nuts:, then how can we(or any society) be able to respond in a mature way so that they are respected rather than just outraged! It's like a friend in a group who is fat and gets real sensitive and aggressive when someone mentions exercise or dieting!

I think Iranians DON'T have a light heart about this and SHOULD! We are in the 21st century and people ARE more educated about the middle east and Iran then they were back in the 80's! Not that it's still at an acceptable level, but...

I believe how a person, society, or nation responds to a particular stimulus, says a lot about them and greatly impacts how they are treated in the future!

^^ Sorry but you are talking about a society of which a certain niche who with any slight upheaval riot in front of embassies. I think it is possible to generalise that as a people Iranians have always had extremely short tempers, why be in denial?

Such short tempers are ridiculous.
It is childish and makes people look like fools(Especially to people trying to understand nations better).
Such reactions make grown men and women look like little children and they turn off outsiders wishing to learn more about the general culture.
The worst thing Iran can do in such a touchy time is be so sensative.
Americans don't get all bitchy when people say we are fat, lazy, and evil, because quiet frankly we don't care!

I think that there is some kind of social movement by Iranian youth in using Persian tradition (their gods, empires and iconography) as a means of mobilization, protest and identity construction. A subtle movement, but a great value movement, from those who do not accept the way they are seen in the world because of their government.
.

Ι have noticed that and I find it very interesting; because of the current political situation Iran is not getting the credit it deserves as one of the world few continuous civilizations on Earth for the last few thousand years. I hope this movement helps move things forward.

My impression is that the Shiraz/Persepolis celebrations in the early '70s was an attempt to do just that: project the culture and history of Iran to the world. I find the reactions about the costs at the time were totally short-sighted: if it wasn't for 1979, Iran would probably be a major tourist destination, and this expense would be seen as an investment.

Such short tempers are ridiculous.
It is childish and makes people look like fools(Especially to people trying to understand nations better).
Such reactions make grown men and women look like little children and they turn off outsiders wishing to learn more about the general culture.
The worst thing Iran can do in such a touchy time is be so sensative.
Americans don't get all bitchy when people say we are fat, lazy, and evil, because quiet frankly we don't care!

I think you have slightly missed my point, perhaps my statement was a little bit ambiguous. like everyone else has a short temper. I mean, have you seen Italian parliament? Or how about another example closer to your shores, New Yorkers have a reputation for being short tempered, rude, impatient, etc. this hardly repels outsiders.

Having a short temper does not denote a society is evil (i know you did not say that), on the other hand a placid society indicates that they are defeated, preferably in a content manner rather than oppressive. You see the problem, Iranians chill out and become content with their plight, we can look forward to a never ending rein of the Ayatollahs (a bit of a cliché I know).

^^ What about China? Italy? and Egypt?

^ what do you mean?

Italy is one of my examples, Italian parliament is split up into 15 parties who constantly hurl verbal and physical abuse at each other.

When I first saw that film I was outraged.

However, the second time I laughed. In fact no person can be so dumb to think that there is any truth in the film. It was just a story for the battle between good and evil. However, it is not pleasant to equalize evil with an existing nation like the Persian. I wonder is it so difficult to understand that the Persian Empire was the most tolerable state in the Ancient World. The Persian society was obviously more advanced and civilized than the Spartan society :)

^^ Thanks. But some people think it's all true, especially young people. The first thing that comes into their minds when they hear Persian is 300. Not everyone's smart -_-

^^ Thanks. But some people think it's all true, especially young people. The first thing that comes into their minds when they hear Persian is 300. Not everyone's smart -_-

That's not the first time young people have done some stuff stupid.
I'm sure the people of Iran know that.

BTW, most people can't even remember that they were Persians, it isn't a movie that sticks to you.
I would say more people remember the popular game Prince of Persia(ESPECIALLY young people).

^ what do you mean?

Italy is one of my examples, Italian parliament is split up into 15 parties who constantly hurl verbal and physical abuse at each other.

No, I meant like Rome and how much of the culture has lived on.

When I first saw that film I was outraged.

However, the second time I laughed. In fact no person can be so dumb to think that there is any truth in the film. It was just a story for the battle between good and evil. However, it is not pleasant to equalize evil with an existing nation like the Persian. I wonder is it so difficult to understand that the Persian Empire was the most tolerable state in the Ancient World. The Persian society was obviously more advanced and civilized than the Spartan society :)

Sparta was more advanced than a lot of the world, but it wasn't like Persia.
It was more isolated and didn't have the same power.
Athens, now Athens was advanced and civilized.
We do know that when the Spartans and Athenians came together they can beat Persia! ;) (all good nature).

I was just thinking this! Has one on this thread actually talked to or encountered a 'mislead' or 'ignorant' or 'impressionable youth' that watched 300???

What did they actually say? Were they serious? How did you respond??

Or you know what??? Better yet! Out of ALL the people you have talked to about the movie (including this thread), how many people can you count that were really mislead and misunderstood Persians/Iranians??? It seems to me that no one on this thread was confused about it....and no one I ever talked to about the movie ever said 'those persians are disgusting/ruthless/ugly/tyrants/etc'. Most understood that it was a movie and did not make such huge judgments...and if they were mislead it was just a minor thing rather them really sticking to that perspective when they met an Iranian/Persian.

That's why I would say that it's the really sensitive Iranians that are making a big deal of it and everyone else is ok. How those people are responding to the situation is what is the actual damage cause they are judged on their real actions!

^^ Actually many of my friends have a wrong image...one of them think Persians never conqured Greece again, the other one who's an Afghan (what a shame) thinks 300 is all true and some arabs start acting ignorant. I count about 20 people I know.

And I don't think we're making a big deal... Imagine if someone made a wrong impression about Israelis or muslims, don't you think they'd not be offended more? Some might even get violent (like the protests against the Danish newspaper). What we have done against the movie so far is to inform people about Iranians and practise our traditions.

Actually, I think by arguing so much; this makes a much bigger deal.

^^ Actually many of my friends have a wrong image...one of them think Persians never conqured Greece again, the other one who's an Afghan (what a shame) thinks 300 is all true and some arabs start acting ignorant. I count about 20 people I know.

And I don't think we're making a big deal... Imagine if someone made a wrong impression about Israelis or muslims, don't you think they'd not be offended more? Some might even get violent (like the protests against the Danish newspaper). What we have done against the movie so far is to inform people about Iranians and practise our traditions.

Actually, I think by arguing so much; this makes a much bigger deal.

Persians took Greece and burned down Athens, and then later Alexander took Persia and so on so on.
Also, there were 300 Spartans but added with the other Greeks from another city-state and there were about a 1000.
Those two nations had the most disfunctional relationship for awhile. -_-
I will say this, when people get violent because someone says something about their faith it makes them look nuts and dangerous(add the whole conservative extremes).
Seriously, the Church is still learning that here in the states.

300 didn't tarnish peoples view of Iran.
Iran already has a pretty bad image(for now) to the developed world.

And so did Soorena and the Parthians take Iran back after ;)

"300 didn't tarnish peoples view of Iran.
Iran already has a pretty bad image(for now) to the developed world."

And you expect people to sit back and get over it? :| 300 was just a small part of the things that made Iran look bad by the media. As Persians say "drop to drop they join, suddenly there is a sea".

Shapoor, I agree that it's a good thing that the community is bringing this up but to blast the movie is extreme in my opinion. Lets face it, movies are definitely not the same as the 'media' which does the 'real' reporting on Iran and the middle east! That is another whole thing!

The difference is that you are saying they did 300 that way on purpose as to 'taint' the image of iranians/persians....but I'm saying that was only a byproduct of doing the movie. The writers didn't sit down in a room trying to write the screenplay and say 'lets see how we can damage the persian image along with this movie' or fall into a conspiracy theory and say the gov't is in on this and THEY forced the movie to do this! That is extreme.

Believe it or not, I do agree with you but not in the same way. Iranians SHOULD stand up for ignorance and misrepresentation but the way they are doing it, and especially Ahmadinejad's public statement, just doesn't help. And I think that if the Israeli's or muslims did the same in that situation, I would also think they would over re-act....as they do!

It's like the incompetent black guy who keeps getting fired and always blames it on racism! Even if his bosses are prejudice(where most are), it's his incompetents that will always get the best of him.

I don't believe there's any conspiracy and I don't think that the main point of that film was to undermine the image of Iranians. But, given the fact that (as already pointed out) Iran's current image is already tainted by the present government, this portrayal in the film is unfortunate; I mean, what is really desirable today is to dissociate the country's current image from its long history. The achievements of Iranian civilization over the millenia deserve much more publicity than what they have now. It would be good if more people realize that the current regime is but a glimpse compared to Iranian history; so more positive representation of the past is desirable, and this film is doing the opposite.
It is, none the less, quite pleasant to watch in terms of special effect etc.

Shapoor, I agree that it's a good thing that the community is bringing this up but to blast the movie is extreme in my opinion. Lets face it, movies are definitely not the same as the 'media' which does the 'real' reporting on Iran and the middle east! That is another whole thing!

The difference is that you are saying they did 300 that way on purpose as to 'taint' the image of iranians/persians....but I'm saying that was only a byproduct of doing the movie. The writers didn't sit down in a room trying to write the screenplay and say 'lets see how we can damage the persian image along with this movie' or fall into a conspiracy theory and say the gov't is in on this and THEY forced the movie to do this! That is extreme.

Believe it or not, I do agree with you but not in the same way. Iranians SHOULD stand up for ignorance and misrepresentation but the way they are doing it, and especially Ahmadinejad's public statement, just doesn't help. And I think that if the Israeli's or muslims did the same in that situation, I would also think they would over re-act....as they do!

It's like the incompetent black guy who keeps getting fired and always blames it on racism! Even if his bosses are prejudice(where most are), it's his incompetents that will always get the best of him.

Completely agree with what you say. I never said this movie was planned to offend people right from the start, it was meant to entertain but it wasn't healthy.
We don't care about what the president says and I think others shouldn't too. Due to theocracy it's people that represent Iran today not the officials.

Can amyone tell me wat this symbol means?
I really want to know do All Iranians follow it? Non Muslims - Bahai' Zoroastrian. Is it religious, cultral?

Thanks guys

http://www.mailstar.net/Ahura-Mazda-wings.jpg

Can amyone tell me wat this symbol means?
I really want to know do All Iranians follow it? Non Muslims - Bahai' Zoroastrian. Is it religious, cultral?

Thanks guys

http://www.mailstar.net/Ahura-Mazda-wings.jpg

Faravahar (Middle Persian: prʾwhr) is one of the best-known symbols of Zoroastrianism, a state religion of the ancient Persian Empires. In Iran, the present-day successor state of the ancient Persian Dynasties, Zoroastrianism is no longer the official state religion; however, the Faravahar has now come to represent a national Persian symbol that reflects both ancient and modern Persia, which is now known as Iran.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Farvahar

Sometimes you can see Iranians wear a Faravahar necklace, religion doesn't matter much.

a multiple choice question :
when did the Spartan and Athenian union beat persia ?
1-just before time they were defeated by persians
2-just after time they were defeated by macadonians
3-exactly when they were defeated by romans
4-afternoon of day they were defeated by ottomans
just fun ;) :lol:

Here is my response:

http://a.imageshack.us/img228/5023/posterjpeg.jpg

Here is my response:

http://a.imageshack.us/img228/5023/posterjpeg.jpg

^^ :lol:
NICE RESPONSE MAN