A War about the Beauty of a Woman -- Still told 3200 Years Later.

Rating: 10/10 (15 May 2004)

Wolfgang Petersen has made a true match for "Das Boot" (1981). Give him a serious war and he will give you a serious film. This is the shortest 163 minute movie I have ever seen.
Perhaps a little short on the Iliad legend, the movie carries a lot of punch. From a film full of stars, three excel. Peter O'Toole gives Priam one of his best performances in the last 20 years -- since his Oscar nominated role in "My Favorite Year" (1982). His scene with Brad Pitt pleading for the body of Hector is pure power.
Brad Pitt as Achilles brings back memories of Kirk Douglas as another doomed hero in "Spartacus" (1960). Am I really comparing Brad Pitt to Kirk Douglas? Unlike the wacky Jeffrey Goines character in "Twelve Monkeys" (1995), this hero had to be fleshed out. I felt his disdain for Brian Cox's Agamemnon, his camaraderie with Sean Bean's tricky Odysseus, his rage with Eric Bana's Hector, and eventually his compassion and tenderness with Priam are more push than I have ever seen him give.
The personal hit with me was Eric Bana's Hector. This pivotal role was fleshed out in the finest heroic tradition. To my reading, Hector is the true unsung hero of the Trojan war who is overwhelmed by events and super heroes. This film makes the dedication and heroism clear. Bana does a knock down job.
I have singled out these few of the many stars of the film. Cheers has to be given to Wolfgang Petersen for finding the performances from so many competing egos.
There is a lot of combat, but nothing like Saving Private Ryan (1998). This was war fought by warriors, not soldiers. Even the weakness shown by Achilles in his revenge against Hector is restored to strength in his chivalry towards Priam.
There are a few bare asses, but nothing to stop the kids from seeing this harshly "R" rated movie. Eating a heart would have been an interesting "R" touch -- but omitted in this film. This is a classic movie about a classic legend.
I give the movie a 10 for action, story, direction and stars.
My only disappointment was the cinematography and effects. Perhaps it was a hard movie to film due to the logistics, but I would have hoped for more in this area.
- Michael