Review: If I could describe this movie relating to others, it would probably be comparable with Master & Commander: Far Side Of The World along with Gladiator. Both really good Russell Crowe movies. But Rise Of An Empire uses a lot of battles at sea rather than on land such as in the original 300. Rise Of An Empire actually takes place before, during and after the events of the original movie. Greek General Thermistokles during the battle of Marathon, killed Persian King Darius I with an arrow and Darius' son watched and couldn't help defend his father. Once his father died, he became the God King Xerxes, and decided to have his revenge against the Greeks. Accompanied by Greek born Artemisia, who's family was raped and killed by the Greeks, she ruthlessly attacks the Greeks and is the right hand woman to Xerxes commanding the powerful Persian Navy. 

The acting was superb in 300: Rise Of An Empire. Sullivan Stapleton (Gangster Squad) was actually fairly decent as Themistokles, but didn't quite match up to the original 300's lead, Gerard Butler. But the one character that really stole the show was Eva Green (Casino Royale) who played Artemisia. She was a very ruthless character who hated the Greeks and was a very powerful leader. The battle scenes are tremendous. It is a very bloody movie though. Lots of limbs, blood and guts so if you don't like blood, this would not be a good movie to see. But if you like naval combat, this is the movie to see. It's really awesome to see the ancient triremes going up against the massive Persian ships. 300: Rise Of An Empire definitely delivers a great thrill and is worth checking out.

Overall: 8/10