May 15, 2004
Troy
Troy vs. Achilles
We watched Troy last night. It’s the re-telling of the Trojan War with the main character Achilles (played by Brad Pitt). Accuracy of the story aside, the movie was pretty good. And to be honest, there are soo many different versions of the myth that everyone remembers the story differently.
The interesting aspect of the movie was that the director and writer did not choose to show any of the magical aspects of Greek mythology. There were no appearances of any Greek Gods and there were no “presence of GOD" either. Meaning that we didn’t see the dipping of Achilles into the River Styx, the trial of Paris, or Apollo’s guiding of the arrow that killed Achilles.
This is a decision that I would have disagreed on. I wouldn’t mind seeing the magic of the gods there. I would have been happy with even a hint of a God striking down someone, like a camera shot of the SUN when Achilles was struck down. But this is something that would make the rating lower. Its probably the Kevin Sorbo “Hercules”writing/directing style that I am used to.
2hr and 45mins running time!!! Sheez. It’s a “gladiator type” movie trying to make Brad Pitt the Russel Crowe character -- killing every warrior that approaches in really cool ways. Of course, they didn’t choose to include the fact that Achilles was bisexual. But like I said, putting accuracy aside… And the movie could have been a bit shorter if we didn’t have to see EVERY character’s funeral. It was like a process of action, action, and action---- then funeral and repeat--- a vicious cycle. I understand that Greeks take death seriously, but I would rather see another aspect of the Trojan War explored than seeing another burning funeral.
Overall, it was a GOOD movie. I give it a 3 out of 5 stars. Gladiator was still a better movie in my opinion. It was probably because of the fighting scenes seemed more vivid and exciting. But then again, “Troy” was still FUN to watch. I wonder who would win?? Maximus versus Achilles!! Haha.
I would recommend the movie to others but I would warn them that it’s a “orgy of blood” followed by the funeral of everyone.
NEXT WEEK: Shrek 2
Posted by Patrick at May 15, 2004 10:42 PMParis was such a wimp. If I was Helen of Troy, I will tell that "boy" to come back for me when he becomes "man". Arrgh. Such a coward.
On the side note... Jennifer is such a lucky lady. (sigh)
I enjoyed this movie very much, more than Gladiator. I love every character in the movie, well written. Sad to see Hector die.
Posted by: ken k. at May 16, 2004 8:28 PMTrue... it was sad to see Hector die -- but at least he went out like a true hero.
Posted by: Michelle at May 16, 2004 10:04 PMi have 5 large on maximus.
i thought it was about time they did the movie on the classic epic of the trojan war. i thought wolfgang's vision was great at many levels.
1. the movie only made the greek gods as a metaphor for fortune and dire prophecies, no direct divine intervention, effecting outcome of events (paris meeting helen after judging a goddess beauty contest ) or battles (apollo guiding paris arrow to achilles's heel).
2. achilles wasnt a demigod that could not be harmed by weapons, safe his heel. he was simply a bad-ass warrior that made others (enemy and ally) believe that he was undefeatable; when the man becomes the myth and the legend. kinda like michael jordan (in his chicago days) playing pickup basketball with idiots like us.
3. for once, not a single character had any redemnable quality. i never seen a movie that had these many flawed characters. even hector was foolish and selfish to fight a one on one battle with achilles he knew he would lose just to satisfy honor. troy needed him to stay inside the walls and lead his troops to victory. his death meant that his wimpy brother paris takes control over the trojan army. defending ones honor only gets people into trouble. would have been so much simplier if the archers just shot achilles down from the walls but it is a homeric tale. i think this statement might cause some argument and i welcome to hear some opinions.
when i left the movie, i thought it was a good movie. the more i think about it, i now think i was a great movie.
Posted by: frank at May 17, 2004 9:01 PMWOW
now THAT is a comment!!!
a counter-REVIEW---bastard!
I watched this movie last week, and I thought it paled in comparison with the many other excellent epics out there. This movie lacked the emotions and the awe of Gladiator and Braveheart and was I complete waste of 220 million in m opinion. The score for Troy was wretched and did not really fit some of the scenes of the movie. |It tried to be a blatant rip off of Gladiator, but what do you expect when they give James Horner only a month to write and compose the piece. I heard the original score that was written for Troy and rejected, and I thought it was a little better then Horner's piece. Here is a link to the original score : http://www.gabrielyared.com/flashsite/index2.htm The characters had no redeeming quality what so ever, except maybe a little when it comes to Eric Bana and Peter O'Tool's characters. The movie did not try to build any emotion for the audience, and while several scenes were well developed and performed, the movie had no heart. It was like fight scene after fight scene. Plus the whole mythology of Homer's epic was changed around. Some of the changes I don't mind, but because of the exclusion of the Gods, some of the characters decisions in the story were made out to look retarded. Another gripe is with Brad Pitt. OKay, I'm not saying Pitt's acting isn't great. It truly is, in other movies, such as 12 monkey's and Fight Club. However, He just doesn't make a good Achilles. He looks the part, but does not play the part. Well, I could gripe on and on, but I have to bounce. The movie, although, not horrendous, could have been much much better given the budget they had. Shame on you Wolfgang Peterson! - Yotin
Posted by: Yotin at May 19, 2004 1:03 PMTroy is one of the best films i've seen in a long time.
The character came across believable..
If achilles and Maximus had to fight..
It wouldn't even be close...Achilles would win hands down..Achilles was a killing machine with killing techniques..
In fact..Hector could kill Maximus..Just going by how the Movies show there fighting abilities..
Mmm... trial of Paris Hilton...
Posted by: ken at March 8, 2005 11:40 PMthats definately must see TV
Posted by: frank at April 18, 2005 4:10 PM