300: Rise of an Empire (2014)

Overview
"300: Increase of an Empire" is a 2014 American epic action movie directed by Noam Murro. It is a sequel to the 2007 movie "300", occurring in the past, throughout, and after the centerpieces of that movie.

Plot
The main plot revolves around Themistokles of Athens and his conflict with the Persian marine leader, Artemisia, throughout the second Persian invasion of Greece.

Starting
The movie starts with the Battle of Marathon, where Themistokles eliminates King Darius I of Persia, prompting his kid Xerxes' desire for vengeance. After Darius's death, Artemisia controls Xerxes into declaring war on Greece, making him think that only this objective will make him a God.

Xerxes Transformation
Xerxes then undertakes the magical transformation into a "God-king", under the guidance of Artemisia. On the other hand, in Athens, Themistokles lobbies for a united Greece under the management of a chosen council, which is seen as a novel concept.

Naval War
Themistokles leads an assault against the Persian naval forces, led by Artemisia, at the Battle of Artemisium. In the ensuing clashes, Themistokles manages to cause considerable damage to the Persian fleet but stops working to kill Artemisia.

Demise of Leonidas & Assistance from the Persians
News of Athenian victory and the death of King Leonidas of Sparta reaches Themistokles. Goguryeon, a secret Greek ally, brings him news of the Persian strategy to attack and burn Athens. Themistokles sees Sparta and attract Queen Gorgo, Leonidas's widow, to supply him with Sparta's navy, however she declines.

Battle of Salamis
Themistokles challenges Artemisia at the Battle of Salamis, where his fleet is outnumbered and outgunned. Regardless of the overwhelming chances, the Greeks have the ability to outmaneuver and defeat the Persian fleet due to Themistokles's shrewd and insight into Artemisia's techniques.

Conclusion
Near completion, a wounded Artemisia attempts to eliminate Themistokles, however he handles to stab her first. As Artemisia dies, Themistokles confronts Xerxes, exposing to him that Artemisia had controlled him and was responsible for his daddy's death.

Subsequently, Themistokles go back to Athens, and the movie ends with Queen Gorgo lastly leading the Spartan navy into battle, indicating the start of another war versus the Persians.

Summarizing
"300: Rise of an Empire" is a visually striking film that delves into the bloody marine fights that marked the War of the Persian Invasion. The movie's lead character, Themistokles, showcases enormous guts, leading the surpassed Greek forces against the large Persian navy. Coinciding with the timeline of its prequel "300", it provides a brand-new viewpoint of the concurrent maritime circumstances during the war. The movie ends on the note of unity and continued struggle, leaving a method for more exploration of the occurring war versus Persia.

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