Has it's flaws, but doesn't everything?

Rating: 8/10 (23 May 2004)

I've been looking forward to seeing Troy for a while now, despite negative reviews. Finally I had a chance to view it last night and beside the fact that the running time is two and a half hours, I found it to be a pretty good movie.
If you're looking for a date movie, well, don't see Troy. Actually, forget that, if you want to have a girl clinging to you then see Troy. I know I cringed at the fight scenes (and violence is usually a plus for me!), actually at a few points I almost climbed on top of the seat trying to protect myself! It's just a movie like that, where you can really get into it.
The real tragedy of Troy is that there is no bad side. Discounting Agamemnon (Brian Cox) both sides can be sympathized with. You've got the Spartan's side who believes they are fighting for Helen (Diane Kruger) and then you have the Trojans who are protecting their prince, Paris (Orlando Bloom), and their land. However sad it was to see all the deaths, I left the theatre feeling satisfied.
Now to the actors, unlike some I found Brad Pitt to pull a masterful performance - maybe it's because I didn't have any preconceived ideas of what Troy would be like or who Achilles would be, but I truly enjoyed him in this. I found him to be tormented, yet capable of love.
Eric Bana (Hector) held his own as well as Orlando Bloom (Paris) -- they sure did look like brothers, and I found myself believing that they were in fact brothers. And Peter O'Toole (Priam) was a great ruler, believable as the King of Troy. I loved the scene between Pitt and O'Toole, it made me cry. (not going to say anymore than that for those who have not yet seen Troy).
Another notable performance was that of Sean Bean (Odysseus). I found him to be my favourite character in Troy. He was funny, smart and extremely sexy (whoops, did I say that? I meant likable!)
As for the ladies in Troy, I thought that they were all great. The performance that stood out the most was Diane Kruger, she fit every image I had of what Helen would look like. Sure she's not the present-day-strikingly-beautiful but she looked like a mythical goddess and I can't see anyone doing a better job!
All in all I give this movie an 8/10