I'll watch it again and then if I'm still not satisfied, once again

Rating: 10/10 (18 May 2004)

Having been an extra on the Malta Unit I must say that at last my hunger for the screening of this movie has been partly satisfied.
Bloom (Paris) kicks of the Trojan War immediately at the beginning of the movie by stealing Helen and sneaking her below the deck of their sail ship
Brian Cox: his performance as the malignant Agamemmnon is outstanding as is the contrasting gentleness of Peter O'Toole's King Priam.
Brad Pitt's Achilles, is a warrior best unleashing his sword after his opponents all attempted strikes fail; whether they come from spears, swords, or arrows, he parries them and dodges them in impulsive manner. His knee backward twist is the best avoiding those sword slashes. Even when training with his cousin back home, the fluidity of the motion is impressive. Defending as well as attacking their moves are unprecedented in all Hollywood epic movies.
Achilles strolls up the beach on his chariot and stands alone below the mighty Trojan walls and its warriors demanding to fight Hector (Eric Bana). The fight that ensues is a full spear / sword showdown with one winner.
What I found dragging is the common references to the gods by the Trojans. They depend on them too much as opposed to Hector, who insists on that it's the soldiers who defend Troy and not Apollo and his 'signs'. But I am sure the screenplay David Benioff adapted, left most of the Gods out. Perhaps that's why Achilles slashes Apollo's head off.
In fact this movie is not about Helen, or Paris and their love for each other. Its more about fighting, excuses to attack each other, deceptiveness, and finally a full surprise Greek flow attack at night through the Trojan gates.
Having seen this film last Sunday, 2 hrs. & 43min compared to the first screening of 3 hours, I feel that a lot was left out, referring to the fight scenes at night, and the aftermath of the burnt Trojan city. Because its not as bloody as people say it is. All the pulp was left out.
As to the digital work, I did not appreciate the scenery as much as I expected it to be however I did appreciate the new breed of stuntmen. The outcome when both armies meet with a mighty clash left goose bumps on my skin.
The movie in the end climaxes with Josh Groban's Remember, a soundtrack that gives a nod to Achilles's immortality ; was perfect for the end credits.
I'll watch it again and then if I'm still not satisfied, once again !