Some departures from Homer, but largely justified.

Rating: 8/10 (1 June 2015)

I was quite surprised when I gave eight stars to 'Troy'. I expected mediocrity, or, at the most, a moderately enjoyable but relatively forgettable epic. Putting it simply: I was very impressed. I've read a number of comments which criticise the lack of depth in the film, especially in relation to a purportedly more evocative title such as 'Gladiator'. I strongly disagree. Rarely has tragedy been captured in an epic as effectively as when Priam, played by the great Peter O'Toole, stares in abject bewilderment and grief as his legendary city collapses around him. This scene, the sacking of Troy, really hammers home the moral ambiguities of war; are we supposed to cheer for Achilles (Brad Pitt), Odysseus (Sean Bean) and co., as their charge leads to wholesale slaughter? Can we forgive Agamemnon's (Brian Cox) abrasive nature and cruel and bitter leadership if it helps the Greeks win the war? What I like about 'Troy' is that it doesn't force allegiance on the viewer, unlike many other films which have an unfortunate tendency of portraying the unfavourable side as unholy, evil barbarians (e.g. '300'). The "historical" accuracy of this film isn't dreadful, and seems to convey the important details of 'The Iliad' effectively. I've noticed that other, more astute reviewers have identified genealogical inaccuracies, but this shouldn't significantly detract from the enjoyment of the film. A more significant departure from Homer's epic poem is the choice to almost wholly omit the gods and their influence from the conflict; again, this doesn't concern me greatly, as the removal of the divine helps in conveying the Trojan War as an affair framed around human emotion and human error. If you approach 'Troy' expecting a documentary or an unfailingly loyal re-enactment, you will be disappointed. However, if you begin watching this film with an open mind, you may be well rewarded.