Despite emphasizing how 300 should be seen as a faithful adaptation of the Frank Miller graphic novels, Christian J. Holoka's review article (via Zenpundit) of the film shows how said reviewer remains acutely aware of the "baggage of history" and attempts to recover "the abandoned historical narrative" (see also Loy's post on Muk Gong).

Holoka begins with an account of the Battle of Thermopylae which draws on the authority of Herodotus's Histories; he lays out the influences and events behind Miller's creative journey from graphic novel to movie screen; the film's cinematographical achievements are also set against previous developments; he then concludes by contrasting the various reactions to the film but remains troubled by the simple good vs evil characterizations, lamenting: "As always with Hollywood, entertainment is the first imperative, historical fidelity a distant second."

Nonetheless, 300's box office success shows how it simultaneously resonated with and entertained many audiences. A particularly interesting unintended consequence has been the proliferation of numerous spoofs, including mrbrown's Singapore 300. Audiences continue to be entertained by particular facets of 300 - occasionally with serious socio-political points wrapped in a delicious coat of parody.