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When it comes to graphic novels brought faithfully to cinematic life, 300 is one to beat. It’s the simple story of how three hundred proud Greek soliders stood valiantly against overwhelming Persian forces in the Battle of Thermopylae. More than anything, 300 is an exercise in style, and with its equal doses of bloodshed and ripped male torsos, it’s probably one of the most overt manifestations of sex and violence ever put to celluloid. Fortunately, 300 appeals to more than our baser instincts — not a whole lot, but enough. The story is a tragedy, and before it comes to a close, you actually start to feel for these guys and the families they’ll never see again. The drama and much of the acting is over the top, but given the hyperstylized nature of the piece, it works. My only complaint with 300 is Tyler Bates’ music, which heavily plagiarizes Elliot Goldenthal’s fine score to Titus. (After a lawsuit, home video packaging for 300 now comes with a disclaimer about the soundtrack.) With Gerard Butler, Lena Headey, David Wenham, and Michael Fassbender. Directed by Zack Snyder (The Watchmen).