Picture-perfect

Rating: Null/10 (5 June 2004)

When proud gods and greedy warriors collide, war and conflict are inevitable. That pretty much sums up the underlining theme behind every story in the Greek mythology: Zeus, Hera, Apollo, Athena, and co. against Hercules, Prometheus, Achilles, Perseus, and their like. Sometimes the gods dominate the battle with their awesome power, and in others the witty mortals come up with a deceptive strategy and fooled the deities, turning the tides with an unyielding zeal.
And there's the Trojan War. Possibly the greatest war ever known in the whole myth, it pits the Kingdom of Troy, safe and secure behind their city walls, against the whole Achaean region, which is a part of the great Greece, an alliance of kings and war generals under the great ruler, Agamemnon.
Troy focuses on the role of Achilles, an Achaean warrior known for his unbelievable strength and invulnerability. Though a Greek by birth, he despises Agamemnon and his army, refusing to completely submit to his control. Yet, Achilles desires an everlasting recognition of his name, which he perceives can only be attained by fighting in a great battle, and winning.
Brad Pitt is a 100% American. And it looked like he was unable to adapt to the foreign character required for the movie, at least not for the lack of trying. He's got a strong American accent within his tones, which sounded awkward when everyone else speaks in the old English style. However, he makes it up with superb performance as a combatant, frequently awing the audience with his 'jump-and-stab'.
Definitely a 10/10! With an overall picture quality that's only second to Lord of the Rings, thanks to breathtaking photography and strong battle scenes, it's hard to see a fault in this heavy winter blockbuster, technically speaking, of course. And story-wise, well, mythology-adaptations have always fascinated my curiosity.