Iranian Artists Response To The Movie '300'

[shugs]

Originally Posted by socrates#1fan

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.

[socrates#1fan]

Originally Posted by shugs

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.

[shugs]

^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.

[socrates#1fan]

Originally Posted by shugs

^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.

[Adaei99]

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) 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! (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!

[shugs]

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.

[Shapoor]

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

[sinasina]

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.

[socrates#1fan]

Originally Posted by sinasina

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.

[sinasina]

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

[socrates#1fan]

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

[PauloLescaut]

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]

Originally Posted by Shapoor

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 . 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.

[Adaei99]

Originally Posted by socrates#1fan

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.

[Shapoor]

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.

[socrates#1fan]

Originally Posted by Shapoor

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.

[Adaei99]

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! , 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!

[shugs]

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?

[socrates#1fan]

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!

[AAL]

Originally Posted by PauloLescaut

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.