Before Man fought with guns, they had to settle matters with swords and shields, bringing the fight to his opponent up close, personal and brutal. The 2007 American fantasy war film "300" which was based on the 1998 comic book series of the same name by Frank Miller and Lynn Varley gave us a very visual treat of the graphic violence that could have occurred in the past. Since few records about the actual martial arts used by the Spartans survive aside from accounts of formations and tactics, the fight choreography led by stunt coordinator and fight choreographer Damon Caro, was a synthesis of different weapon arts with Filipino martial arts as the base. Whatever the case, I found the film rather entertaining, since I've already read Frank Miller's "300" when it was first released. The film was a visual spectacle, with director Zack Snyder faithfully reproducing the scenes in the comic book onto the big screen. Snyder did say the film is "an opera, not a documentary. That's what I say when people say it's historically inaccurate".
Regardless, Hot Toys was able to secure the movie license and produce this excellent Movie Masterpiece Series MMS114 1/6th scale King Leonidas (Gerard Butler) 12-inch collectible figure from the 2007 movie "300" and it was a gem of its time. The figure has a seamless body without any visible joint lines and yet, the figure's articulation was not necessarily limited or restricted. This figure remains a one-off release and Hot Toys has never produced another seamless figure since. I believe the actual cost of producing this figure did not justify the price it was offered at. This King Leonidas 12-inch figure remains the center-piece of my 1:6 scale "pre-WWII" collection. Not far behind is the ACI Toys 1/6th scale Warriors III Roman General (Maximus Decimus Meridius) 12-inch figure based on the character played by Russell Crowe in the 2000 epic historical drama film "Gladiator" directed by Ridley Scott.
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You can check out the reviews of this Hot Toys Movie Masterpiece Series MMS114 "300" 1/6th scale King Leonidas (Gerard Butler) 12-inch collectible figure HERE, HERE and HERE.
The ACI Toys Warriors III 1/6th scale Roman General Maximus Decimus Meridius 12-inch Figure was reviewed earlier HERE, HERE and HERE
This ACI Toys "Total Rome!" 1/6th scale Roman Legionary Optio 12-inch action figure turned out to be a HUGE disappointment and caused me to lose my faith in the quality of ACI's products. I haven't bought another ACI figure since. You can read my reviews HERE, HERE and HERE to find out what went terribly wrong with this 12-inch figure.
Brad Pitt starred as Achilles, son of Peleus and Thetis, cousin of Patroclus, and leader of the Myrmidons. He is a famous and talented warrior in the 2004 American epic war film "Troy" written by David Benioff and directed by Wolfgang Petersen. It is loosely based on Homer's Iliad, which narrates the story of the 10 year Trojan War. Achilles leads his Myrmidons along with the rest of the Greek army invading the historical city of Troy, defended by Hector's Trojan army. This was a custom-made 1:6 scale Brad Pitt as Achilles 12-inch figure I got way way back after the film was released. You can see more pictures posted HERE
This is the ACI 1/6th scale Warriors Series: Gladiator of Rome "Flamma" 12-inch figure. This was the first figure ever released by ACI back in 2011. Check out the review and pictures HERE and HERE.
Ignite 1/6th scale Knight Hospitaller 12-inch figure. Comes with a Sean Connery head sculpt. You can see the pictures HERE
Marx Toys 1/6th scale Sir Stuart the Silver Knight 12-inch figure (re-issue)
Ignite's 1/6th scale ancient Greek Hoplite 12-inch figure features real metal Corinthian helmet, metal breast plate, metal grieves, metal tipped spear and a metal sword. this highly colorful figure also comes with a decorated shield, sandals and blue tunic.
The warriors of the past were so lightly equipped unlike the modern soldiers of today. The modern soldier is so souped up all he's missing is the kitchen sink! The new age warrior has all the latest technology and gadgets available at his disposal and he's decked up like a Christmas tree from head to toe before he enters the battlefield. Anything to get the edge, that little extra that could tip the balance and turn it into your favor.
Below is a picture my wife took while I was setting up to shoot / take pictures of these 1/6th scale warriors. You can click on it for a bigger and better view. This is one of the ways I shoot the pictures for this toy blog :) hope you guys enjoyed the photos.
NEXT: Check out what a modern warrior dons for battle in the form of the Z.E.R.T. (Zombie Eradication Response Team) 1:6 scale Jameson YoungBlood Deathridge 12-inch Action Figure.
1 comment:
You appreciate only the very best of figures. I loved 300. Everything about it was so visually well done. Why should the action figure be any different. Even the 6 inch one I have is a beautifully designed piece.
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