Modernize the myth

Rating: 8/10 (18 September 2008)

It seems to me that movies that tell ancient stories are in general taking on a more modern approach to telling them. Some may think that may devalue the original story, however it's up to us to decide how much such stories are changed before they are written down in the first place. My point being that stories are changed through out the ages to better fit the societies they are told in. To appreciate the story in its "original" form or should I say, the form it was originally written in, you should no doubt read it and get a glimpse of the kind of myth that compelled people of that time and place.
I always try to view stories like this for their metaphorical meaning and the value of what's being told. In this version of the story the hero has to battle with and finally overcome what I would call his own demons in order to "be set free." The end I believe is a symbolic representation of the temptation that looms in the background of all our lives. This is why this movie stands out for me. It is a classic representation of the trials and tribulations that we all have to face. Even if it does not follow the original, it is still a good story.