Surpassed all expectations

Rating: 8/10 (21 September 2005)

I went into Troy expecting not to like it, due to the fact that I don't like historical epics generally, and Wolfgang Petersen's "Das Boot" is one of the most boring films I've ever seen. While Troy certainly isn't a masterpiece, and it has it's fair share of flaws; I was surprised to find that this is actually a very good film. Based on Homer's poem, "The Iliad", Troy is the multi-layered story of romance, heroics, war, betrayal and the importance of having a legacy. The story is absolutely brilliant, and the way that the various characters interact with each other the situations that they have been forced into is really well done and ensures that the film is always at least interesting. The plot follows the war between Greece and Troy, which is started when a young price by the name of Paris steals Helen, the wife of one of Greece's Kings and takes her back to Troy. The King of Kings doesn't take this sort of thing lying down, and it isn't long before he's gathered up the greatest warrior to ever live; Achilles, and the rest of his expansive army to the shores of Troy in order to gain revenge and take the walled city of Troy for himself.
One thing that did annoy me about this film was the handling. The story is brilliant, but screenplay writer David Benioff, for some reason, has seen fit to make the themes surrounding the story more the forefront. Ideas such as the glory of having your name go down in history, as well as love and war are good; but I would prefer less of the melodramatics, and more focus on the relationships between the characters themselves. Troy benefits from a lovely cast, which includes the likes of Peter O'Toole, Diane Kruger, Julie Christie, Sean Bean and Brian Cox in support to the main players. Brad Pitt takes the lead role as Achilles, and it's amazing how well he's stepped into it. He looks the part, and obviously enjoys playing it. It can be annoying when the camera constantly moves in for a close up, or when he has to deliver some of his more corny dialogue; but his physical presence makes up for this. Eric Bana co-stars, and does what Pitt does expect better. Bana doesn't make many films, which is a shame because I'd like to see more of him. Orlando Bloom is the third-lead, in the role of Paris. This guy is talentless and annoying, but at least he doesn't have to do much; and his weedy role suits him.
Like most blockbusters these days, there is some CGI present; but it's never gratuitous, and for a change; it's been used well, so I don't mind seeing it. The battles are well staged, particularly all the ones involving Brad Pitt. His antics on the battlefield help to create the illusion that the Hollywood megastar is a great Greek warrior, and unlike many battle sequences in many epics; the ones here never get boring. The locations are great and help to cement the action in Troy, which is helped by the way that all the cast have been made up excellently to represent their characters. Overall, this is surprisingly good stuff, which shouldn't be dismissed because of it's summer blockbuster status. I would definitely see this one again.