Film exhibition began to thrive during the Colonial era, with Glover Memorial Hall playing host to a range of memorable films viewed by “potential Nigerians”, in August 1903. However, the non-availability of proper records reflecting the title of the debut film exhibited has created a lapse in the precedent stock. Notwithstanding the lacuna, the way had been paved for the exhibition of more foreign films at the Hall and other designated venues.

The emotionally traumatizing “Master – Servant” relationship, evident in the constant assaults, batteries, intimidation, segregation, victimization, carried out by the Colonial masters on the colonized, with darkened clouds of resentment, vengeance, thirst for freedom, giving way to splattering drops of such thoughts, instinctively projected through the colonized intermittent in-subordinate actions, began to spread amongst the blacks. The British knew they had to thread with caution if they still wanted to play “god” in their lives when films such as Tales of Manhattan, Trailer horn, Tarzan series began to stir up a revolution in the hearts of Blacks across the globe.

Aware of the lethal power of insurgency which could be unleashed through the Film medium, the British out of fear for their lives and possible loss of the Queen’s sovereignty took the bull by the horn, and swiftly created a Colonial Film Censors Board (FCB) in 1933 to censor and classify films before they were released for visual consumption by the public. Following the establishment of the board, Films such as “The primitive, primitive man, Dixie, Buffalo Bill, The Keys of the Kingdom, Sleepy Town Girl were tagged ’suitable’ to be watched, while Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde, Clive of India, The Isle of Forgotten Sins, House of Frankenstein were considered unsuitable for viewing.

The Censor’s body underwent a transformation process into the Federal Board of Film Censors (FBFC) from the aforementioned, and the laws from which the transformed body derived its powers ranged from the 1948 Cinematograph Laws of Nigeria, the Cinematograph Laws of 1963, to the 1963/64 Cinematograph Law and Regulations. The present National Film and Video Censors Board came into existence by virtue of decree, now Act 85 of 1993. The advent of Nigeria’s Independence (1960) and the Republican status (1963), heralded the dawn of a new era in all sectors.

“The Yoruba Travelling Theatre Group” of the 60’s and 70’s can be referred to as the “Fountain Head” of movie productions in Nigeria. The veterans with great Theatrical skills and great performances took their works beyond the stage, and dove into the sea of film productions using the Celluloid format. Notable film makers on the Roll call of Honour during the Celluloid boom era of the 70’s include Ola Balogun, Eddie Ugbomah, late Herbert Ogunde, Adeyemi Afolayan a.k.a Ade Love (father of Kunle Afolayan of the Irapada fame), Ladi Ladebo, Moses Adejumo, Adebayo Salami and Afolabi Adesanya.

The list of documented films produced during the 70’s era and transcending somewhat into the 80’s is simply astonishing and goes to show that the Movie Industry has been around much longer, contrary to the ‘1992 belief syndrome’ most have been injected with. Such works include Kongi Harvest (1971), Alpha (1972), Bull Frog in the Sun (1974), Amadi (1975), Ajani Ogun (1975), Muzik Man (1976), Bisi, Daughter of the River (1977), Ija Ominira (1978), Aiye (1979), Kadara (1980), Jaiyesimi (1980) Efunsetan Aniwura (1981), Cry Freedom (1981),Ija Orogun (1982) Owo L’Agba (1982)

The cost of producing films in that era was financially back breaking, with Nigerians further frustrating the efforts of the filmmakers by opting to watch films of occidental and oriental origin at the Cinemas and Exhibition centres, rather than the locally produced ones. The Cowboy films were exhilarating to watch while the Chinese films paraded amongst others, the Legendary “Bruce Lee” in (Lo Wei’s, The Big Boss (1971), Fist of Fury (1972), Way of the Dragon (1972), Enter the Dragon (1973), The Game of Death released in 1978) who exhibited Martial Arts dexterity, obviously a fighting technique alien, yet fascinating to us at that time.

Indian films in the late 60’s and well into the 70’s paraded renowned names like Rajesh Khanna, Dharmendra Singh Deol, Mumtaz, Amitabh Bachchan, Anil kapoor, Hema Malini, and produced hits such as “Bobby”, “Sholay”, “Kabhi Kabhi”, “Dharamveer”, “Amar Akbar Anthony”. Their stars displayed great acting skills against the backdrop of love themes, and ear pleasing songs coupled with synchronized dance steps, produced with sound and special effects, though incomparable with what obtains today bought over the indigenes loyalty for their movies.

Thus, the Movie Founding Fathers began to face the challenges of recouping their investments, which gradually became virtually an impossible task, an anthem they constantly rendered much to the discomfort of potential financers. They counted their losses and licked their wounds sustained in the financial battle with every film they released. The deluge of VCRS in the 80’s created a paradigm shift from the Cine to the VHS format, which made productions easier, faster and cheaper by a milestone in comparison to the former. Cinema houses and other Exhibition centres were finally shut down and the Baton of Cine film making slipped from the hands of the Founding founders as they attempted to hand over the movie baton to the next generation within the stipulated Baton Exchange Zone. The dream of becoming a re-nowned Movie Industry was shattered when the flow of the Film Relay cycle was broken.

Home Videos were produced which served as an alternative to the cinemas, and the name naturally stems from the fact that you could seat within the comfort of your home and watch the movies produced in the VHS format via your VCR. Film Makers capitalized on the gains of the Home Video concept offered, and began producing movies using the Yoruba language as the means of communication. However, the year “1992″ has overtime been widely accepted as the triggering period of Home Video productions, with Ken Nnebue’s “Living in Bondage” said to be the first movie made for commercial purposes using the Igbo/English language.

The movie no doubt struck the “Movie Well”, which invoked a mass exodus of people from other spheres into the art of movie productions, having seen the opportunities that lay in the Gold mine region. Thus, did the Home Video Industry tagged “Nollywood” emerge.

The fact that “Living in Bondage” was ascribed with the honour of being the first movie made for commercial purposes and the one upon which the Home Video revolution was allegedly founded on, culminating into Nollywood, didn’t go unchallenged. Late Alade Aromire before his death, ignited a controversial fire, insisting that his and not Ken’s movie ought to have been conferred with such an honour. When confronted by a reporter on the issue he’d stated that Ken had produced over 40 Yoruba movies, and had started with “Aje N’yami”.

There had been a flourishing movie industry before he came on board, so ken couldn’t have started it.
The confusion stems from the Censors board of the day, whose hands were amputated by the Law it drew its powers from, (1963/64 Cinematograph Law and Regulations). The powers conferred on it to regulate the Industry did not extend to “Home Video”. The present National Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB) did not exist till 1994. On this raging issue, Late Alade Armoire produced movies such as Ekun, Omije (pts 1-3), Obirin Asiko, Ayo ni o, Adun, Orire which were released to the public between 1985 and 1991.

Ken Nnebue still insists that his movie “Living in Bondage” was the first Home Video movie made for commercial purposes. His stand on the matter is rather shaky, having prior to the production of Living in Bondage sponsored commercial movies in Yoruba language such as Ina Ote, Aje N’iyami and others. Let’s not forget the barrage of Yoruba TV dramas that were mass produced on VHS tapes and sold to the public before 1992. One can’t fail to mention the legendary Eddie Ugbomah’s movie “The Great Attempt” (1989), which would have made history as the 1st Nigerian cine movie in the video tape format to have been censored by the defunct Federal Board of Film Censors (FBFC) based on a “special concession” granted him officially by the permanent secretary of the Federal Ministry of Information and Culture at that time.

Unfortunately the strong contents projected in the movie were considered unsuitable for public viewing by the Board, hence the movie was never released. Tunde Alabi -Hundeyin’s “Iyawo Alhaji” is officially on record as the first commercial (direct to exhibition hall) video film to be censored and classified by the NFVCB in 1994 at the National Theatre, (Cinema Hall) Iganmu. Despite the controversial fire raised, the global publicity given to “Living in Bondage” over the years invariably imputed the movie into our memory banks as the flag bearer of the Home Video revolution of all times. People, irrespective of Nationality, race, gender, and tribe are confronted with challenges on a daily basis. Some of these problems are of a global nature, while others are peculiar to various societies. Movies offer people the opportunity of telling their own stories, free from alien interference.

Nigerian movie producers leveraged on this and produced movies projecting our lifestyle, culture, local fashion, burning issues, problems plaguing our society, irrespective of the choking stench of tribalism perceived in all sectors. Movies were made for the viewing pleasure of Nigerians initially, (before the mass exportation craze), with messages to inspire, motivate, reprove, and correct anomalies especially in the Political, Social systems, to eschew violence and all forms of evil.

The tactical use of the English language as the communication tool, marketing strategies and execution through the use of trailers via T.V, Posters (now banned in Lagos State), recorded a boost in sales, and expanded the viewership base beyond the shores of our Nation to countries such as Ghana, Togo, South Africa, Kenya, U.S.A and even the U.K.. Unfortunately, the movies churned out at an alarming rate were technically deficient in key areas considered as germane in the production process.

The popular “shoe string budget” tag has become synonymous with the Industry’s antecedent of making movies on extremely low budgets compared to other movie bodies in other countries, ($10- $15,000 initially), but currently stretches to $25,000, with a microscopic number of producers further stretching the seemingly financial limit to N 7,10,20 Million and more. The movies were and are still shot dominantly between 10-12 days, via Beta cam (now HDV cameras), were produced in the VHS format (now VCD & DVD), replicated in mass and sold by the Marketers who also doubled as Distributors.

Over a thousand movies were being churned out yearly by producers and utterly amazed by the staggering statistical data of movie productions, the International movie spotlight was shone on the Multi Million naira Industry “Nollywood”. The Industry’s net worth as at 2008 stood between an estimated $250 and $300 Million dollars. It is worthy of note that a Global cinema survey, conducted in 2006 by the UNESCO Institute for Statistics (UIS) and released sometime in May 2009, ranked Nollywood as the second largest producing movie body in the world behind Bollywood and ahead of Hollywood based on the numerical data of the movies produced.

So long… auggiepo@yahoo.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Augusta_Okon

Do you absolutely love watching movies? Well, most of us do! But what you probably don’t know is how internet can be an effective tool for getting and watching movies.

One way internet can be used to get the latest movies is ordering them from stores on CDs or DVDs. Yes, this is much easier than driving around and trying to find the needed one in stores. But after The Movie is found and the money is paid you have to wait. It can be hours, days or weeks… or just minutes! Here is the most nerve-saving way to buy movies online.

How to download movies?

With the use of internet you can download movies directly to your computer. First you look through the site or use a search to type in the movie’s name. If the name consists of two or more words, use parentheses around it. For your convenience there are various catalogues: by name (a special catalogue for each letter), by year, genre or country. For those who are looking for something fresh the latest additions are always on the main page. Found something you like? Then sign into to your account so you can make purchases. If you don’t have an account, create one on our website for free!

Finally, here’s how to buy movies online two different ways:
1-Click. You can buy and download using 1-Click. When you click a ‘buy’ button, the item is charged to your account and downloaded to your iTunes library
Shopping Cart. You can buy using the shopping cart. You can add items to your shopping cart to purchase or delete later.

What kinds of movies there are?

In the internet you can find greatest collection of different genres – comedy movies, drama, beautiful romance movies and musicals, action and horror movies, great adventures and fantasy, powerful historical ones, well-loved westerns and much, much more. Though source is quite new, there are old movies too. Your children will love the great animated cartoons, serials and family movies. So not only you, but all of your family members can enjoy!

Exactly like the movies in stores, which can be on VHS, CDs or DVDs, movies you get from online can be different in format as well. We offer movies in three most common versions – DVD, DivX and PDA.
The DVD version matches the original DVD resolution (720px wide) and its quality is almost like the one of original DVD. It fits PC, laptop or home video the best. It is for those who prefer the highest quality of both video and audio. If you have a home theatre, this version is the only possible one, because of the 6 channel surround sound and high image resolution.

DivX’s stereo sound and high resolution can satisfy the requirements of most PCs, laptops and TVs. This version is smaller in size and it will take you much less time to download a movie. This version is the most popular one because it’s space-saving, yet good enough in terms of quality.

The PDA version is designed for portable digital devices. (yes, you can use those, too!) Its resolution and sound are optimized for these portable devices and the size of the file is even smaller then for a DivX.

There’s no optimal choice – you download what you think is best!

What it takes you to get movies this way

Unlike you might think, you will never be asked to download or install any additional software. Just use your favorite browser and media player. After you download movies, you own them and use for as long as you wish.

A complete movie is usually from $1.99 to $4.99.

And, of course, you need Internet connection. You can buy movies online even with a modem, but the higher the speed, the faster you get the movie you are dying to see!

…And even more options for you!

What if you don’t know if you want this movie? Find out more about it! Here’s how:

- Video & Audio Previews. This way is probably the best if you want to get into the atmosphere of the movie and find out how well it is directed. Though it takes a couple of minutes to download, it’s worth it!

- Stills. They are our favorite pictures taken from the movie. Like little snapshots of the most important scenes, stills can be seen in no time to help make the right decision.

- Storylines. A little bit of reading – and you know what this all is about… except for what happened in the very end. By the way, what do you expect it to be?

And one more feature you’ll love. After you download movies, you can burn them! To CDs or DVDs, to keep on the shelf or to share with friends and family – an extra copy is never a problem.

It’s faster, easier and cheaper to buy movies online. No more rental late fees!

If you are interested for more detailed information about how to buy movies online, please visit our website, where you can find a big choice of all your favourite movies.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Leonard_Stam

1) Newspaper film reviews – This is an old approach to finding which movies to watch. And yet it still works! Well, not always, The challenge is for you to find a movie critic that has a taste in movies that is similar to your tastes. This takes time and effort on your part. You might find a good critic right away, but it generally takes time. The critics are only people, and they make mistakes too. The strategy is for you to read a critic’s reviews and judge how well their opinion matches with yours. After a while, you’ll get a good sense of which critic agrees most with your tastes. Once you find a critic that you like, stay with them! It’s hard to find a good one.

2) RankAMovie.com – RankAMovie is a web site that allows anyone to add movies and rank movies in various categories. We all know the classic categories: best horror, best comedy, best drama, etc. Well, this web site helps you find recommendations for the best movie to watch at 2 o’clock in the morning when you don’t feel like sleeping. It’s a good way to find a recommendation for a good Baseball movie. Simply view a category that interests you, and read the description of any movies that you have not already seen. Once you do see a film, go back and rate it with a happy or sad face, to help tell others whether it’s a good film to watch.

3) Netflix – The netflix web site has revolutionized the modern day approach to renting movies. You can browse their vast stocks of movies, and add movies to you queue. As you watch movies and return them, they’ll mail you the next movie in your queue. Your account type determines how many movies you can have rented at any one time. You can rent a movie and then rate it on a scale from 1 to 5, with 5 being the best. The web site has a tool that will acknowledge which movies you have enjoyed in the past, and it tries to match your interests with other movie fans. Based on other people’s ratings of movies, you’ll get recommendations of what you can watch next.

4) Fan sites – This is not necessarily a way to find new movies to watch, but can help you find other movies fans with similar tasts to yours. Of course, you’ll need to be a fan of some actor or type of movie first. Let’s say you love horror movies, then you could find a horro fan site and read the site for recommendations. Sometimes the fan site will help you find good movies. But, sometimes these sites are not so helpful.

5) Friends -Yes, your friends are a great way to find new movies to watch. Simply ask them during lunch for a recommendation. You could send them a quick email to ask for recommendations. Better yet, pick up the phone and ask them for recommendations. And, of course, ask how they are and say hello. They’ll thank you for calling.

Your free time is limited. Use these various methods to find good movies. Don’t waste your free time with bad movies. And remember to visit these web sites or contact friends to help others find good movies to watch!

Mike Chalek is a research analyst for http://www.RankAMovie.com/ which is an online movie ranking system. The RankAMovie.com web site is a community-based system for maintaining and organizing lists of movies. All movies are added by users! There are many movie categories. Each category has many movies. These lists can be used for finding a new movie to watch.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Mike_Chalek

As name suggests each genre of the movie is filled with the named element, such as action with great stunts, comedy with nerve-tickling sequences and like that. Along with traditional genre movie kinds there are also non-genre movie categories. Some of these non-genre movie categories may be Animated Movies, Classic Movies, Cult Movies, Children Movies and like that. Whatever the genre is whatever the categories are, this is a true fact that movies entertain truly and they lead us to a whole new world of fantasies.

The movie show most beautiful faces, most ugly faces, most tender love-filled heart and at the same time the most ruthless heart, that is, we can see every emotion of our life in these movies. The movies have great dance sequences, music and views. No one can spare oneself with the magic of these movies. Social movies spread good message for making the society a good place for living. These films inspire us a lot. Movies do impart education in that sense.

One genre of movie which attracts a huge mass of movie lovers is horror movies. The horror movies have strange characters with unusual faces and body structures. These movies show sound effects which are very scary that causes chills and shudders. Horrors movies excite us also and they are full of spine-chilling sequences.

Horror movies have often a terrifying and shocking finale. They scare us while captivating and entertaining us at the same time in a cathartic experience. Horror movies feature a wide range of styles, from the earliest silent Nosferatu classic, to today’s CGI monsters and deranged humans. They are sometimes combined with science fiction. Here the menace or monster is related to a corruption of technology, or when Earth is threatened by aliens. The scariest movies show sequences of an old and deserted big palace with no one, but a ghost and a group of people meet him or her in bizarre consequences. These movies are full of special sound effects and light effects.

Everyone loves to get oneself scared by watching these horror movies. It scares, excites and sometimes makes us laugh under fear also. There are many sub-genres of horror movies also like slasher, teen terror, serial killers, satanic, Dracula, Frankenstein, etc. You would love to move away in a fantasy land with these movies so often. Movie industry has produced many excellent horror movies. Some of the top rated horror titles are Psycho, The Innocents, Dead of Night, Peeping Tom, The Wicker Man, The Haunting, Theatre of Blood, Dracula, Brides of Dracula, Dead Man’s shoes and Dr. Jekyll And Sister Hyde to name a few. The horror movies are generally a tale of repression, superstition and sexual hysteria. These movies boast excellent cinematography, superb acting and seriously scaring moments.

It is very difficult to find the movie of your choice particularly in horror movies genre. New-age online shopping portals are offering many titles under this category. They have classical horror movies, cult horror movies, scariest horror movies and like that. The titles available wouldmesmerise you for sure. Shopping for these titles is also very easy and full of fun. Just check one of these sites and you can see lots of excitement is waiting for you.

Alden Jerry is an expert writer. Visit to know more about latest horror movies at movie stores from price comparison shop

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Alden_Jerry

We may not be able to comprehend the technology behind plasma TV, but what we can comprehend is the quality of the picture that can be seen on the screen of a plasma TV. Some of them have the 3D function that you can see with the help of goggles and other gadgets. But the 3D technology is still in its nascent stage and hopefully will be perfected soon.

These TVs with its flat screen can be viewed from every angle without distortion. A rather dramatic change from those bygones curved screens. You can distinguish all the colors perfectly from every angle. The plasma TV can display millions of colors shades that will baffle you. Therefore in order to protect your eyes some screens are provided with anti-glare coating. Special filters are also provided in order to enhance the picture quality further.

Widescreen ratio in these TVs allows you to see movies in the appropriate format. Movie viewing has become a pleasure. You will feel as though you are watching a movie in a theater. The normal TVs do not come with this widescreen ratio, as a result the images are cut; you can know this by seeing the credits cut in half or you will see black bars at the top and bottom of the screen.

Another non-technical benefit that you derive from a plasma TV is its physical appearance. It is so stylish that it can act as a home decor when not in use. It’s no more than four inches thick and takes up less space than the conventional TV. You can mount it on the wall or even the ceiling, whichever is convenient for your viewing. There is provision to mount it on a stand also.

Viewing such a TV requires a minimum distance that you have to maintain to enable you to view better; please check this out when buying a plasma TV.

For thorough reviews of Heated Mattress Pads, please visit http://theheatedmattresspads.com.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Brian_Patterson

Have you ever planned of joining a film festival, a film-making contest or just simply express your natural cinematographic talent? With the necessary tools and today’s technology, it’s very attainable. Whether it is a highly commercialized film with a sky-high budget or an indie film with minimal budget, it’s always achievable.

However, film-making is not as simple as it looks. Although you may have all the tools you need, you cannot do a film on your own. You cannot be the writer, director, cameraman, make-up artist and actor all in one. There is a need for you to search for your team of film-makers, becausefilm-making is not a one-man show. Once you have found your crew, or you are part of a crew, you can start working.

One of the things you and your group need to think about is how to produce the film. Who is going to pay for the expenses? You can invest some money and produce the film yourselves, or you can check for independent producers. Producers would help launcha film if they see that it has a lot of potential. You should also consider whether or not you would want to enter a film festival or not. Most young film-makers join film festivals to be immediately recognized.

When making a film, you cannot just place actors in front of the camera and ask them to act. Of course there should be a concept, a story line and a script, not unless you are making a documentary where everything is natural and nothing is scripted. Filmmakers ought to know the type of movie they are planning to make. Is it a horror film, a chick flick, a drama anthology or a suspense-thriller? There are a lot of options to choose from. Generally, the movie writer and scriptwriter have this task.

Once your script is complete, you have to distribute the character portrayals of your actors. Movies are unlike stage productions where a person can take multiple roles; here you have to assign only one role per individual, lest you want to confuse your viewers. Studying, memorizing and internalizing the script are one of the specialties and responsibilities of the actors.

Next thing you need to do is hire a crew who will set-up your location. But if you are working on a small budget, you can fix the place with the help of your group. Even if you are a novice film-maker working on a meager budget, this should not be an obstacle for you. After all, this is just the beginning.

Once everything is prepared and you have your equipment, you can start filming your movie. The best thing about recent digital technology is that filmmakers do not use film rolls, hence it doesn’t matter how many takes you make to perfect a scene, because digital memory is easily attainable. After all the shoots, you then have to have your film edited. The director must be involved in the editing so that the editor would know which scenes should be included and which should not.

Once everything is complete, you can then send your movie to independent producers or you can send it as your entry for the film festival that you want to join.

about the author

Rob Giunta is author of this article on film-maker.

If you desire to set free your acting ability and sharpen your theatrical skills, then this article absolutely will be your goldmine. Acting is equal with glitz, glamour and personality. If you are an inspired person, a keen observer of human mind and perceptive to the events around you then you fit the bill to be an actor. Every possible actor like you needs to chisel his dramatic skills through proper training and experience to various forms of theatre and cinema. If you’ve ever enjoyed a movie, been obsessed on a TV show or been encouraged by a play, you’ve witness the power of acting. This timeless art form of storytelling has come a long way from ancient Greek theater and has ignited many life with its obsession. Drama class is simply astonishing, and while I have a few plays under my belt, I have never closed learning new and breathtaking thing about acting. Ecole De Theatre in Acting is not easy, pleasing, painful, and in my lowly opinion some of the best fun you can have! Confidently you learn at least a little from my instructions. And they are only guidelines, if you’re attracted in exploring and establish a thorough background or information of performing I suggest you search via your favored web browser.In acting you have to set physically up to win. If effective at the local bank is your idea of this, I don’t think it is going to be victorious. A general job is bartender or waiting tables. It’s good money and it’s stretchy. You might also come across further actors and artists as well. an additional angle to look at is a outworker. This is one of the best one’s out there and so usually over looked. I know actors who have their own picture, Landscaping, and Computer Companies. It gives them the chance to take time off from work to do all the things you need to support yourself in acting. Success in drama is very personal. To be honest I don’t know anyone who is pleased with their current condition in acting. Which is good? Acting is an voracious thing.You’ll take a break and desire to get back at it.Take classes from a sound coach. Ask questions concerning his or her background and experience before signing up for any acting lessons. It is also a good obsession to check up on reference that any coach may offer. You must make sure the acting coach is a fine fit for you; because he or she may have the key to helping you ace the next test. Look at yourself in the mirror as you present your monologues. Pay awareness to your facial language, and look for any awkward gestures you may have a practice of making. You will become a superior actor when you can let the words speak for themselves. Many auditions will be videotaped, and you must be comfortable in front of the camera to set out. Watch the tapes carefully for unnecessary movement, head bobbing and eyebrow raise. Perform your test pieces in front of anybody who will be present.

about the author

Acting International a professional acting school Ecole De Theatre in France. We are a professional internet marketing company visit us Link Building Services.

In March of 2007 an American made action film “300″ was released by Warner Brothers. The movie was a fictionalized, dramatization of the historic Battle of Thermopylae fought in 480BC. Although successful, “300″ was the 24th largest box office opener in history, the movie was awash in controversy from its production style to its historical accuracy. Critics were split worldwide with some loving it and others hating it – there was seemingly no middle ground with this movie.

“300″ opened to the public in Greece to standing ovations and condemnation in Iran. Iranian President Ahmadinejad denounced the film, outraged over the portrayal of the historical identity of Iran. Adding fuel to the controversy, “300″ director Zack Snyder, in an MTV interview called the film 90% historically accurate.

In the film the Persians are depicted as a monstrous, semi-human horde of demonic, magical and weak willed beings. The movie even goes so far as to suggest that Persians were prone to pedophilia and portrays their leader Xerxes, played by Rodrigo Santoro, as an androgynous “God King.”

As for “300″ being historically accurate – an examination of history reveals the movie to be grossly lacking.

The film centers around Spartan King Leonidas’ journey from boyhood to King of Sparta and his education into the Spartan way, but historically very little is known about King Leonidas prior to his reign over Sparta.

The movie is a recount narration by Spartan soldier Dilios played by David Wenham. The character Dilios was actually a Spartan warrior named Aristodemus, the only Spartan survivor from the Battle of Thermopylae.

Dilios is revealed as the narrator in the movie at the end when he is rallying 10,000 Spartans, commanding 30,000 Greeks, as they prepare to avenge Leonidas and the 300. In the movie Dilios is sent home by Leonidas after a battle in which Dilios suffers an eye injury. Leonidas asks Dilios to take a message to the Queen. History tells us that Aristodemus (Dilios) was stricken with an eye infection, along with Eurytus, (not mentioned in the film) and ordered home by Leonidas as they were not fit for battle. Eurytus however turned back and died in battle. Aristodemus was regarded in Spartan history as a coward for not having done the same.

In the film, King Leonidas, played by Gerard Butler, is credited with having provoked the Persian King Xerxes into war by killing his messengers, sent to negotiate terms. When Leonidas cannot get the Spartan council to agree to battle, he formulates a plan to take 300 Spartan soldiers to defend the Hot Gates (Thermopylae), in the hope that their sacrifice spurs the council to send the Spartan army to war with the Persians.

Leonidas, though a true heroic figure in history had very little to do with the decision to hold Thermopylae and absolutely nothing to do with starting a conflict with the Persians. Athenian General Themistocles is due the credit for the battle plan having proposed that the Allied Greek forces block the advance of the Persian army at the pass of Thermopylae while simultaneously engaging the Persian fleet in a naval battle at Artemisium. Furthermore, the Persian aggression was not caused by Leonidas’ actions with Xerxes messengers, but rather was in response to the Persian defeat at the hands of the Athenians in the Battle of Marathon.

The Battle of Thermopylae lasted just seven days, three of these days spent in battle. After the second day, a local resident of the area named Ephialtes betrays the Greek forces by revealing to the Persians a path that leads behind the Greek lines. Leonidas at that time was holding the Persians at bay with a force of nearly 7000 soldiers, which he amassed from various Greek states during his march to Thermopylae, not the mere 300 the movie would have us believe.

Ephialtes is portrayed in the movie as a deformed hunchback formerly of Sparta, whose family left in disgrace because of his physical deformities. Ephialtes offers himself to Leonidas for battle, stating that he has local knowledge of the terrain and wishes to fight as a Spartan and restore his father’s name. Leonidas, though sympathetic, declines his offer, explaining that his physical deformities would compromise the Spartans’ famed – phalanx formation.

The real Ephialtes was from Trachis, a village near Themopylae and was little more than a local who informed the Persian generals of the existence of the path for a reward. He is never compensated by the Persians and is later killed by Athenades of Trachis for an unrelated matter.

In the final hours of the actual conflict, Leonidas defends Thermopylae with 1,000 soldiers; he dismissed the bulk of the Greek army when he realized he was being outflanked. The group remaining with the King were a mix of Thespians, Thebans and of course the 300 Spartans, which were in fact the King’s bodyguards.

The story of Leonidas and the “300″ is one of history’s great last stands and although the movie is entertaining it is not and should never have been, offered as a history lesson on the silver screen.