Ok, since Defjoe won't do it...I'll step in this one time.
I suppose I wasn't as excited about seeing this movie, since being a bit of a history buff I usually can spot a hundred blunders that Hollywood is always making, be it storyline or the equipment used. What made this movie great was the story telling itself. There are few classic tales that can be put on screen and have the same effect which has made them timeless. Troy achieved that.
One might think that the cast of characters would indeed make this a "glamour" film. Not so. Like him or not, Brad Pitt is one of the most talented of the "younger"film stars(though he's getting up there in age) and is a versatile, character actor. His role of Achillies was perfected, the cocky, confident andsomewhat cold hearted soldier he portrayed was in my mind, a very accurate representation of the manner in which warriors of the classical and medieval era's behaved. Yet in the movie, we also see with Achillies, that despite a life devoted to war, there is still room for respect, honour and even love. Aspects that in the movie, gave Achillies a very high degree of depth and believability.
Eric Bana (The Hulk, Black Hawk Down) was Hector, the Hero and General of Troy. A great warrior like Achillies, though also a very devoted husband and family man. I found myself emphatic towards Hector more so than perhaps Achillies, for though the two were warriors, they represented, in my mind, two seperate ethos regarding warfare. Hector was almost the reluctant warrior, prefering to stay home and "watch his boy grow tall". It was these sentiments though, which made him a great character, for he was able to put his own life's desires and wants next to the defence of his country and home. He was a true patriot and what some would say is the definition of a good,honourable man.
Prince Paris, brother to Hector was played by Orlando Bloom. Yeah, he's a bit of a pretty boy, but he nailed this part.Fallingin love with the Spartan bride Helen, Paris's poor judgement basically ignites the entire war, though going to war for love, is better than going to war for money, power or land. Or so hisfather, theKing stated. At first, Paris isthe somewhat wimpy, spoiledyounger brother of Hector, relying on him for protection. Yet as with Achillies, we find Paris changes throughout the movie, living up to his heritage as a trojan. Very well done.
Other characters of note were Odysseus, played by Sean Bean (Sharpe's Rangers, Boromir in Lord of the Rings, Equilibrium), King Priam (Peter O'toole...bad teeth...not sure if they were real or fake!) King Agamemnon (Brian Cox...Uncle Arguile in Braveheart, the bad guy in X-Men 2), Brandon Gleeson (Hemish from Braveheart), and Dianne Kruger as Helen. This girl is god damn hot.
Anyway, there was a fair bit of nudity, though more in favour of you ladies, as Brad Pitt, Eric Bana and Orlando Bloom weren't shy to show their "nekid" upper bodies...indeed there is even a shot of brad's buttocks from a profile angle.
What I think is unniversally appealing about this movie, is that like the Illiad, it doesn't rely one element to carry the story. Not the start studded cast, special affects, love story, battle scenes, or any of that. Rather, it combines them all in a flawless masterpiece which can only be described as a true epic. The costuming, dialogue and character development was all exceptional. The attention to detail was awesome. Even the fighting style of both armies was original. Little written evidence survives from this time, as the greeks didnt' begin to record history on paper until about 800 BC, 250 or so years after the battle of troy. As such, there is little actual evidence to go on. Bearing that in mind, I feel this is a great representation of one of themost famoushistorical battles ever fought in man's history.
For a three hour movie, the time flew by. At no point was I thinking when is this going to end, for the story and the characters had such a gripping pull. I would recommend this movie to anyone, in fact, as the Odyssey and Illiad are required reading in school (used to be anyway), this flick would be a great supplement to get the feel of these dynamic historical figures.
Memorable quotes that Magnus liked:
Hector:No son of Troy will ever submit to a foreign ruler!
Agamemnon: Then every son of Troy shall die.
Messenger Boy: I'd be too afraid to fight him!
Achillies: That is why no one will remember you.
Magnus says two thumbs up.
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There is a difference between knowing the path, and walking the path.
Post Edited (Magnus) : 5/17/2004 4:29:24 PM GMT
not 100% positive if we are going this weekend though. It's early... like at 7:30 and your lucky to get me up by 10 on a weekend. We'll see.
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