They don't make movies like this anymore..

Rating: 8/10 (17 September 2017)

So, recently I checked out the film again on bluray after a very long while because I just felt like it. I do remember watching the film in theaters back when I was like, 6 years old. It was the first time in my life I went to see a movie that wasn't an animated one, so in a way this film is special for me. I remember enjoying it then, but after re-watching it again last night (the longer director's cut, that is) I found myself appreciating the film even more. They truly don't make films like this anymore.
First and foremost, I don't really care if this was loyal or not to Homer's texts. I'm judging it as a movie. One of the aspects that stands up noticeably after 13 years of being released is the scale of it all. The action in this movie is insanely brutal, realistic, engaging, and exhilarating, and most of it is due to its practicality. Real stunts, real people are fighting "real" wars, and the film allows you to see this in many close-up shots, making you feel part of the action and truly selling the epicness of it all.
I highlight the practical aspect of the film because nowadays, most war films heavily rely on CGI armies performing CGI battles, and it just.. it doesn't feel the same when you make the comparison. Films like Seventh Son, The Legend of Hercules, The Hobbit, Warcraft, among many others forget the importance of practical effects and the assemblance of lots of extras, in costume, performing actual stunts in front of our very eyes. This things help make the film feel more grounded, and you get to develop higher empathy for every soldier, raising the stakes and making you feel you're part of the action. CGI done wrong can work in detriment of the film, making the action feel bland and repetitive instead.
The film doesn't only offer epic war sequences, though. The romantic side of the film is also skillfully realized, and all of the main characters have their time to shine and showcase some necessary emotional bits. Brad Pitt as Achilees is perfect casting, and he embodies the imposing physicality and agility of the character quite nicely. Eric Bana and Orlando Bloom are also given substantial roles and they both have great chemistry with each other. The supporting cast is also pretty good, with the talents of Diane Kruger as Helen, Brian Cox as Agamemnom, Sean Bean as Odysseus, among others giving their all whenever they show up.
Cinematography is, indeed, spectacular, and some of the shots I could consider iconic at this point (the upper shot showcasing the Greek boats heading towards Troy, Achilles standing in front of the soldiers, panoramic shots of armies clashing into each other, just to name a few). Soundtrack is equally amazing, the chorus in particular is entrancing, and allows the emotions to hit home whenever they must.
As for flaws, there are a few for me. Some characters are somewhat annoying and you sometimes have the urge to punch in the face, in spite of understanding their role in the film. The pacing can sometimes alter, in particular during the first act. We start with a brief action scene, and then it takes a while before it, once again, gets going. You could easily cut some shots or scenes that I felt were unneeded during the first half and the main narrative wouldn't have been affected in the slightest. Also, while I did mention that the romantic aspect of the film is well realized, sometimes it can come off as excessively melodramatic. Not necessarily cheesy, but heading towards there.
"Troy" is really something to behold. It is an achievement in filmmaking that does stand the test of time. Easily one of the better sword and sandal epics ever produced (not quite as great as Lord of The Rings, but great nevertheless) and still a clear example of how to make an epic movie properly. Here's hoping future directors realize what makes films like these work and click with audiences, and borrow an element or two from Wolfang Petersen's picture.