Troy (2-Disc Full Screen Edition)

 

 

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Set 32 centuries ago, Troy is one of the most ambitious films to be released in years.

Based on Homer's classic poem "The Iliad", the film depicts the tale of young Prince Paris of Troy (Orlando Bloom), who spirits Queen Helen (Diane Kruger) away from her aged husband, King Menelaus of Sparta (Brendan Gleeson). Menelaus, in turn, enlists the help of his brother, Agamemnon (Brian Cox), and two of Greece's greatest warriors, Achilles (Brad Pitt) and Odysseus (Sean Bean), in order to secure his wife's return. And thus begins a bloody siege around the walls of the doomed city that will end with the most clever military ruse in history. Despite his misdeed, Paris is backed up by his reluctant brother Prince Hector (Eric Bana) and doting father King Priam (Peter O'Toole).

Surprisingly, none of the performances are particularly stellar. As the inspiring and fearless leader in search of glory, the newly buff Pitt plays Achilles as a brooding hero with only two facial expressions: either a pout or a grimace. Though his love for a Trojan priestess complicates his loyalty, Pitt never lets you into his soul.

Bana overacts in an effort to make the noble Hector the centre of attention, while Bloom is eager as the meek Paris but his skills on-screen remain undeveloped. Unfortunately, there is no chemistry between him and Kruger, who serves as little more than eye-candy and the catalyst for the war; though she can hardly be considered ugly, it seems unlikely her face could launch "a thousand ships".

The accomplished Bean is sadly underutilized, but it is hoped that his character's decade-long mysterious journey home will be made as a sequel. The only standout is Cox, who plays the arrogant and ruthless Agamemnon.

David Benioff's screenplay takes a realistic approach to events, omitting the interfering and petty gods which would only clutter the narrative, as well as the prophecies which would give away the fate of many of the principals. While he makes use of the spirituality and superstition of the ancient cultures, he offers little of their customs and rituals. It is important to note that he also condenses the 10-year war into a matter of weeks. Though Benioff tries hard to develop the story like a Shakespearean tragedy, he lacks the Bard's poetry and emotion.

The costumes, meanwhile, are incredibly detailed and impressive, so much so that they outshine the unimaginative art direction. Composer James Horner's score is also cliched, and relies too heavily on brass.

Director Wolfgang Petersen (who hasn't made a picture since 2000's The Perfect Storm) is unable to capture the magic of other ancient epics. The sheer scope of the battle scenes is overwhelming, but his vision lacks feeling and offers only the occasional breathtaking image.

While the story of Troy may last for all eternity, the film -- like the city -- will be lost to the sands of time. Rating: 5 out of 10.

I don't understand the very poor reviews some people gave this movie. Yes - there are many liberties taken and it is not true to Homer's Iliad, but so what? This is a Hollywood movie - what do you expect? It's just a make believe story just as the original Iliad was. I thought Brad Pitt's performance was excellent - he's not just a ripped hunk fighting, slaying and pillaging - he is emotional, conflicted, complex, multi-dimensional & I think, very believable! The lack of involvement of the ancient Greek Gods made it more down to earth and believable for me. I usually don't like violence, but the fighting scenes are magnificent & beautifully done. The scenery is gorgeous too. If this was supposed to be a bigger than life epic - it certainly is! I loved the intensity present with all the characters - especially King Priam when he begs Achilles for his son's body. What beautiful drama! As a female, I have to admit I enjoyed all the gorgeous men, athletic, strong & chiseled - but that doesn't go far without good acting and an engaging story - I was on the edge of my seat even though I well knew what was going to happen to Troy & Achilles. This isn't a lighthearted story by any means - it is intense drama with a lot of violence (but well-done violence). I think overall it was very breathtaking and the characters were believable and the acting was great.

After seeing the trailer, I thought it would be an awesome sword-sandal film; it is, I went to see it in the theatre with my twin sister. An excellent adaptation of Homer's epic poem "The Illiad;" even though the story's altered, and also in the ending of the film is loosely based on Book 2 of Virgil's The Aeneid. The Wooden Horse and the Sack of Troy do not appear in the Iliad, which ends shortly after the funeral of Hector.

Many people may not like, but...I love the film's version of the ill-fated Helen & Paris. Also I like the fact they put Helen in a what I call a "rigid" (bad) marriage ("...every day I was with him, I wanted to walk into the sea and drown"), 'til Paris came along and whisks her away. For other discussions on the film, I am Achilles/Briseis shipper; though no one ever thought of doing a shipping of them. Also one last thing : I never liked Agamemnon - "Peace is for women." What bull-s**t! A tyrant with shot-put for brains.

That is all I have to say about this film, and I don't have any particular scene I like, because I love the film - from beginning to end.

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2.0 out of 5 stars popcorn fluff
Mindless eye-candy and (unfortunately) not too much more...

Reminds one that wonderous images cannot replace great stories and acting (almost always)... Even Mr. Read more

Published on Jun 16 2008 by B. Keith

4.0 out of 5 stars Pitt tried
I put off watching this fill because Pitt just was so miscast. I think he really tried in the role, and he obviously buffed up for it, but it was still a detractor for me. Read more

Published on Aug 23 2007 by Leeanne Grant

1.0 out of 5 stars avoid this troy
what can i say about this film! could have been a very good film!but no where closed to even been good!everything about this film is awful ! Read more

Published on July 7 2007 by kane

2.0 out of 5 stars did these people read the Iliad?
Doesn't seem like it... All right, it's not meant to be a historical documentary, but still, this is pretty far-fetched. Read more

Published on Jun 8 2007 by G. Larouche

4.0 out of 5 stars I expected more and anyone that didn't like the homoerotic tones, needs to read a history book
Overall: kinda cool, kinda boring, overdone.

Summary: a (.....) hollywood version of the war between Troy and Greece. Read more

Published on Feb 11 2007 by Maurice G. Tousignant

5.0 out of 5 stars An epic battle of heroes; the loss of ancient civilizations.
This gorgeous film portrays a portion of Homer's Iliad, Achilles' story. Brad Pitt plays Achilles and brings to life this ancient warrior. Read more

Published on Jun 28 2006 by Snowbrocade

4.0 out of 5 stars A tale for our times?
There are several problems with the film 'Troy', if one is trying to fit it too closely with the literature which inspired it, Homer's Illiad. Read more

Published on Jan 25 2006 by FrKurt Messick

1.0 out of 5 stars Dreadful
This was one of the worst movies I have ever seen. Dreadful acting, and the writers need to be shot immediately. Homer would spit on this rape of his Iliad. Read more

Published on Oct 16 2005 by yourbeatrice

5.0 out of 5 stars I lived in the time of Achilles
This film pretty much follows the story with very few exceptions and possible ending. However the few exceptions and ending is what makes this story work as a movie instead of a... Read more

Published on Sep 22 2005 by bernie

5.0 out of 5 stars The Illiade on the big screen
Troy is the epic story of Achilles and the battle at Troy. It's obvious that it will never be like the book, but I don't think one should at that. Read more

Published on July 15 2005

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