Iranian Government Ramps Up Anger At 300 Film

The new film 300, which depicts an ancient battle in which 300 Spartans held off a large army of Persian soldiers in 480 B.C. is being used by the Iranian government to ramp up antiWestern anger. At the same time some film analysts see some semblence of antiIranian sentiment in the film 300 which portrays the Persians as brutal and evil beings, compared to the far more civilized Greeks.

In a highly surreal style, the film 300, portrays this ancient battle where this small group of Spartans helped to defend Greece for three days from the onslaught of the Persian army.

It is a strange event when a popular Hollywood film depicting ancient history in a largely fictionalized manner with many historic inaccuracies is helping to drive current tense relations with Iran. It was hoped that a dialogue with Iran which has recently opened up over Iraq would help to improve relations, but this new film is proving to be something of a setback for a more constructive dialogue.

Strange how culture sometimes drives foreign relations for better or worse. DR. STRANGELOVE once drove many in the public to seek arms limitations with the old Soviet Union. Al Gore's film on global warming is helping to drive public policy to promote a more green lifestyle with a lessened carbon imprint by mankind on nature. Philips Light Bulbs, are heavily interested in phasing out current bulbs in favor of the compact fluorescent designs in response to public interest in more green products.