Selfish Love

Rating: 9/10 (10 September 2016)

Though Hector and Achilles are different sides of the same coin, it's Hector who gives the commodity any sense of value.
Achilles, you hate loving, and yet still end up disliking him anyway. He had a code, which made him a respectable character, however, he was also very inconsistent and vulnerable to his own emotions - like a little child, to a point where he became a hypocrite, by turning into the very king he abhorred.
Hectors patriotism was very understandable, and he stayed true to his code. However, what makes Hector a far better man than Achilles, is that he displayed consistency. Hector fought to defend... Hector fought for peace.
Paris and Patroclus were foolish mimics of their mentors. Paris had integrity, without the strength and discipline to endure it. Patroclus had a love for war, without a code or purpose to pursue it.
Paris is an embarrassing character with no hope of redemption, Patroclus a sheep, that died in a wolf's clothing. Achilles is an arrogant megalomaniac and Hector... A man of honor, a hero.
That concoction of personalities, with some Priam here, Odysseus there and Agamemnon everywhere else, translated into a poetic collision of tragedy and... More tragedy.
I would've preferred Achilles live, than fall at the hands of someone as unworthy as Paris.
The ladies were gorgeous, and their performances, eye-catching. Wolfgang Petersen made the 3 hours feel like 2, and above all else, inspires a rewatch. The story had you in a firm grasp, and you can't help but love Eric Bana, dislike Brad Pitt and hate Orlando Bloom... and that, is a good thing.
8.6/10.