Blockbuster '300' hits P100-M mark in RP, years biggest movie yet

Warner Bros.' epic smash hit "300" passes the milestone century mark at the Philippine box office yesterday as it grosses a resounding P101-million after only 27 days of release, officially becoming the biggest hit yet of 2007 (and overtaking "Night at the Museum" and "Ghost Rider"). This was announced Tuesday by Francis Soliven, general manager of Warner Bros. Philippines.

Overall, the groundbreaking, digital-effects-packed blockbuster now ranks as the eighth biggest Warner Bros. film ever in the country, going past 2005's "Batman Begins." Soliven adds, however, that at the rate "300" is tracking, the film is likely to up its ranking to seventh by next week when it is expected to beat the P102-million final gross of 2004's "Troy."

Warner's six all-time most successful titles in RP are last year's "Superman Returns," the four "Harry Potter" films and 2003's "Matrix Reloaded," respectively.

"300" has been at the No. 1 spot at the local box-office for the three consecutive weeks, attracting gung-ho audiences of all ages despite its potentially restrictive R-13 rating from the MTRCB. Approved by the Board without cuts, "300" has been praised for its poetic style of depicting battle scenes and sensuality.

In its fourth weekend of release in Metro Manila alone, "300" still racked up a solid P5.49-million gross, which is the second biggest 4th weekend sales in history, bested only by "Superman Returns."

Worldwide, the film has already grossed a mythic $308.1-million as of April 1.

Directed by Zack Snyder, "300" stars Gerard Butler, Lena Headey, David Wenham, Rodrigo Santoro and Dominic West.

Based on the popular epic graphic novel by Frank Miller, "300" is a ferocious retelling of the ancient Battle of Thermopylae in which King Leonidas (Butler) and 300 Spartans fought to the death against Xerxes and his massive Persian army. Facing insurmountable odds, their valor and sacrifice inspire all of Greece to unite against their Persian enemy, drawing a line in the sand for democracy. The film brings Miller's ("Sin City") acclaimed graphic novel to life by combining live action with virtual backgrounds that capture his distinct vision of this ancient historic tale.

Still playing across the Philippines, "300" is distributed by Warner Bros. Pictures, a Warner Entertainment Company.