Richard Banks

Got to take a little time to leave 5* for this movie that wasn't granted appreciation of critics. It is a shame that they cannot see a strong and well-crafted classical piece of drama that can justify its own budget seamlessly in classic narrative simplicity. I believe the best performances of the movie were also lost to people looking at it with noses slightly tuned up, Hector's character is a brilliant depiction of a good man living with power and relationships in conflict, doing what he has to in spite of his own desires in the face of history. Brad Pitt's character has a wonderful flavour to it too. These characters, one on each side, are really plenty in a film with a solid story and fantastic setup. Key themes such as the place of honour in the world, the place of the gods, are all made accessible and given to the audience to consider for themselves instead of being made the mercy of the director's own speculations. Plus the film is visually just beautiful. The relatively few locations creates a great feeling of homeliness that makes just viewing and considering the character's movements and motivations more easy in a way you typically only tend to get at the theatre. The presence of Peter O'Toole further gives you a sense you are in the hands of a film that understands the key ingredients of a great classical narrative, as well as modern cinematic spectacle. Not to shy away from ambitious and well delivered actions completes the recipe. Are there things that could be in there that aren't? Sure, but it would then be a different movie and the point would be largely missed. The takes the core of a great story of the past and makes it relishable for a modern audience without pretentiousness. The filmmakes aims there are in a lot of ways more sophisticated than those who think because the story of Troy is classical literature it has to be kept as some kind of high-thinking reserve. The Illiad itself combines great themes with excitement, spectacle and intrigue. I have a feeling if it was released in more recent years it would have been given a more favourable reception. Stands the test of time.