If you’ve seen the film adaptation of Frank Miller’s graphic novel 300, you know that one of King Leonidas’ Spartans survives the Battle of Thermopylae. If I just ruined the ending for you, or if our previously featured Threadless “Movie Spoiler” tee’s did you in, I sincerely apologize. As imitation is the most sincerest form of flattery, Miller must be blushing thanks to world renowned photographer, Erwin Olaf, who borrowed the 300 theme for a new series of Euro Championship inserts for AD newspaper.
Olaf directed Dutch Footballers: John Heitinga, Edwin van der Sar, Gio van Bronckhorst, and Rafael van der Vaart to strike their most convincing Spartan-like poses while wearing torn and tattered uniforms. Slathered in mud, and spattered with blood, the images are as good as those we all remember from 300. They undoubtedly succeed in getting the adrenaline pumping, if only I could say the same for soccer. More body contact, and less bad acting would be a start.
