A Great Adaptation of Iliad

Rating: 8/10 (25 July 2014)

Some say they Hollywooded Homer's epic. I think it was all to the benefit of the film. There are no Gods or miracles, romance is emphasized, and important plot-points have changed. But it all felt appropriate. Better for our heroes to be romantic than rapists. It would have been near impossible to include the Gods and keep the serious tone, so I'm glad they're only mentioned.
It does a good job at keeping to the themes of the original story. Neither side is totally vilified, each with sympathetic characters. The toll of war and the vice of pride are still powerful subjects after 2700 years.
Troy uses its high budget better than most films. No wonder - since it cost $175 million to make! The battles are vast, and every person and background matches the period. If we never have another Iliad film, its because they can't outdo this film's scope.
Troy is a good action blockbuster, but also has more character and emotion than most. It deserves its $500 million gross...and annual showings in high schools across the country.