A good film, but didn't live up to the hype

Rating: 7/10 (1 May 2006)

I went to the cinema in anticipation of watching a bind-blowing action epic, I came out having watched a good film with excellent elements, but weak spots that sorely let it down. The battle scenes were, admittedly, stunning, and didn't make the mistake of running on for far too long as many films have in the past. The one on one between Achilles & Hector was spectacular, as well as being a technically brilliant fight, it created a story & tension. I also loved the build up to the fight, Hector's struggle with himself & his final goodbyes, so heart wrenching. There were some great performances, & I must particularly single out Eric Bana as Hector. I hadn't really heard of him before this film, but wow! He portrayed Hector as a tortured soul, torn between duty to his land and devotion to his family. A truly brilliant performance, I'm still astonished at how he was snubbed in the awards season. Others turning in credible performances were Sean Bean, Brian Cox, Saffron Burrows (played the loving wife in absolute terror to perfection) & Rose Byrne. However, THE major weakness was the central love story between Helen & Paris. I just didn't believe it! I've always been a big fan of Orlando, loved him in LOTR & POTC, but was undeniably weak here. Diane Kruger was breathtakingly beautiful but regrettably wooden. The other two love stories had far more believability, especially Hector & his wife. Overall, A solid film with flashes of excellence.