The Best Film of 2004 so far. Brilliant! (minor spoilers)

Rating: 10/10 (20 May 2004)

I am a Greek mythology addict and have been since childhood. To say that I was anxiously anticipating this film is a major understatement. Not only is it a story that has endured through many centuries but it also has the star wattage of Brad Pitt, Eric Bana, Orlando Bloom and Sean Bean - actors that I greatly admire.
I was prepared for disappointment but ,as the credits rolled, I found myself very satisfied with the outcome of the film. There were some shortcomings, to be sure: some important plot points were changed (who lived vs who died, who killed whom, the length of the war), a somewhat "hollywood-ized" ending and some clunky dialogue. But the positives more than outweighed the negatives: the impressive battle scenes (second only to "The Lord of the Rings"), amazingly good-looking and talented cast (men and women alike), almost flawless visual effects, sumptuous sets and cinematography, high production values, and the overall effort by the cast and crew to make this film as faithful to Homer's vision as possible while making it resonate to modern audiences.
Greek mythology enthusiasts, for instance, will appreciate the mythological traditions and customs sprinkled throughout the film: burial rites, the influence of the Gods in their daily lives, the temples and many statues of the Gods shown throughout the film.
A film wouldn't work, of course, if the story doesn't draw audiences in and Homer has not earned his reputation as one of the greatest storytellers of all time for nothing. The Trojan War is one of the greatest stories ever told - a tale of greed, ambition, love, glory and courage. Apart from the story, credit should also be given to its talented actors and director Wolfgang Petersen. Brad Pitt is the physical embodiment of Achilles - the perfect warrior. He moves with the grace of a gazelle, looks like a Greek god and fights like a lion. Eric Bana is flawless as the honorable, brave and heroic Hector (my favorite character in "The Iliad" and in the film). Orlando Bloom fits well into his role of the immature, selfish and naive Paris (the anti-Legolas). Diane Kruger is beautiful and luminous (if not rather placid) as Helen. Peter O'Toole is heartwrenching as the noble yet misguided King Priam of Troy. I could go on and on. In a film filled with great actors, Orlando Bloom and Diane Kruger are actually the weakest link. The 'love scenes' somewhat pale in comparison to the powerful battle scenes and hand-to-hand combats. I was most impressed by Eric Bana. Hector was the one character that I truly empathized with. Finally, Eric Bana ("Black Hawk Down," "The Hulk") has been given a role where he can shine. I hope for great things for this handsome, talented and charismatic Australian actor.
Many films have been made on the Greek heroes and myths, and particularly the Trojan War, in the past ("Clash of the Titans," "Jason and the Argonauts," "Helen of Troy," to name a few). "Troy" is, by far, the best and most impressive. But instead of "Clash of the Titans," you get a film that is more akin to the realism and historical feel of "Gladiator."
If you are a fan of classical mythology or enjoy epics like "Gladiator," "Braveheart" and "The Lord of the Rings," then this film is for you. It is - to date - the must-see film of 2004. And even if classical mythology seems all Greek to you, this film is well worth seeing if only for its spectacular battle scenes and pleasing "eye candy." GRADE: A-.