The Epic to Beat

Rating: 10/10 (6 June 2004)

Title: Troy Directed By: Wolfgang Peterson Starring: Brad Pitt, Eric Bana, Orlando Bloom, Peter O'Toole, Brian Cox, Brenden Gleeson, Sean Bean, Rose Byrne, Diane Kruger Rating: 8/10
Where to start, where to start? Troy is, in my opinion, one of the greatest achievements in film history. The reviews are quite mixed, some like it, some don't. Thats the way it is with this film though, you either love it or you hate it. There is no "middle", really. That is what is killing this movie when it comes to the feedback. Fortunately, though, the majority of the reviews are positive.
I have seen this film 3 times in the theatre. Each time is just got even better. I had never read The Iliad before I saw Troy. I vaguely knew the story, just the fact that the Greeks destroyed Troy by tricking them with a Trojan Horse. 'The Simpsons' helped somewhat on the background, as they also had an episode on The Trojan War. Of course, though, I didn't take everything to be entirely correct, whether it be The Simpsons or Troy. When it comes to a historical film, it is very rare you find one that is completely free of Hollywood's twists and additions.
Homer purists will HATE this movie. Well, most of them anyways. Each purist I have spoken to have not liked this movie. It goes the same with LOTR purists. They are so attached with the original story that they cannot bend the lines a bit. Since Troy is so far off from The Iliad (remember, people, it was "Inspired By", NOT based!) they just cannot cope with all of the changes. Both minor and major.
People have to understand, though. When you hear a historical story is going to be made into a major summer blockbuster, with an A-List cast, do you REALLY think they will stick to the story completely? Yes, I assumed they wouldn't stray as far off as they did with Troy, but still. The people on these boards are over-reacting just a tad. I expect some emails yapping about this or that, but honestly? I don't care, and you want to know why? This is my personal opinion.
Yes, if you say "Well, me not liking Troy is my personal opinion, too." Thats true! It is! But those who are spamming the boards with "TROY SUCKS" or "WHAT A TERRIBLE FILM, JUST TERRIBLE!" and not even giving a good reason why they didn't like it, just don't seem to get that this is a Hollywood version of The Iliad.
So, please, please, PLEASE think your post/review over before posting it here. Troy was a fantastic, entertaining film, and all of the actors did a wonderful job in their roles. I don't mind negative posts that are maturely written, but if you think that typing in all caps will get people to respect your opinion, I'm sorry. It ain't gunna happen.