Love & War In The Mediterranian. Homer Done Right. Intense From Start To Finish.

Rating: 8/10 (23 August 2019)

In high school, I was told to read 'The Odyssey' by Homer. I gave it about 75 pages of effort. At university, I was told to read 'The Iliad' by Homer. I probably got through a couple hundred pages. Unlike this movie, the gods all have characters too, and they get all wrapped up in the human drama on Earth. So, there are about 200 names that you need to keep track of, and they all have a lot to say. For those of you that haven't seen these books, written in 'dactylic hexameter' poetry style, they are enormous. Together, they are around 28,000 verses. If you ask me, this song goes on way too long...
If, on the other hand, I had been introduced to this film as accompaniment to the books, then I would have been more engaged in the story. This is a fine film adaptation of a really complicated tale, that is part of an epic drama. Even this film can be overwhelming in scope, and is probably too much for some viewers. For me, it was just right. A trimmed down, streamlined version of a classic that I never would have read.
As far as filmmaking, the cinematography captured a bold feel with all of the widescreen shots of the sea and the city walls. This film was written to feature Brad Pitt, and it does. The fight choreography is solid and the technical effects and costumes feel authentic.
If you like classic literature and are capable of a enjoying a 3 hour film, then add 'Troy' (2004) to your movie queue.
RealReview Posting Scoring Criteria:
Acting - 1/1;
Casting - 1/1;
Directing - 1/1;
Story - 1/1;
Writing/Screenplay - 1/1;
Total Base Score = 5
Modifiers (+ or -):
Cinematography: +1;
Standout Performances: +1 ( Brad Pitt );
Technical Effects/Make Up: +1;
Total RealReview Rating: 8