: It stays relatively faithful to Herodotus' accounts , depicting the political maneuvering between the Spartans and Athenians (represented by Themistocles ) and the ultimate betrayal by Ephialtes.
While both films dramatize the stand at the "Hot Gates," they differ vastly in tone and intent. The 300 Spartans
Directed by Rudolph Maté, this "sword and sandal" epic is praised for its attempt at historical groundedness compared to its modern successors. : It stays relatively faithful to Herodotus' accounts