Truly an epic

Rating: 9/10 (2 July 2004)

With so many attempts at re-creating the bronze age mythical war between the Spartans and Trojans, this film had the biggest budget by far, $200,000,000. Director Wolfgang Petersen (THE PERFECT STORM, IN THE LINE OF FIRE) brings Homer's "The Illiad" to life with the summer epic film, TROY, starring Brad Pitt, Eric Bana, and Orlando Bloom. Brian Cox, Sean Bean, Peter O'Toole, Diane Kruger, Rose Byrne, Brendan Gleeson and Saffron Burrows round out the stellar cast.
In a nation overcome by war, Greek King Agamemnon (Brian Cox) seeks power over all of Greece. Agamemnon's brother Menelaus (Brendan Gleeson), King of Sparta, resides with his beautiful Queen Helen (Diane Kruger) who, unlike Agamemnon, strives for peace with neighboring Troy. After both Sparta and Troy make a pact of peace, Prince Paris of Troy (Orlando Bloom) falls in love with Helen and brings her back to his homeland. The two Greek kings set sail along side 1,000 ships with one fighting for honor and one fighting for power. Achilles (Brad Pitt), who is regarded as the greatest warrior in the world, fights for the greek army while still holding disdain for the cruel Greek King. The weight of the Greek army falls upon Achilles and his Mermidans. On the other hand, the Trojan army is led by Paris' brother, Prince Hector (Eric Bana). Hector is an honorable man who has served his father, King Priam (Peter O'Toole), well through many battles.
Eric Bana and Brad Pitt give magnificent lead performances with Peter O'Toole dominating the supporting role. O'Toole deserves a best supporting nomination. Fight choreography, direction, acting, set design, costume design, and score all deserve praise. Great film. A+