Why are all the best parts of the Illiad left out? Why did Patroclus die in like two slashes of Hektor's sword when he was the reason the Greeks were saved, along with ruthlessly killing 40+ Trojans on the way? War is glorified. Achillies is characterised so badly, the only reason people would enjoy this is because Brad Pitt played him (but even his acting was a bit... ?). We see Helen's face for some reason. She's the most beautiful woman in the world, they could have hidden her face to enhance some mystery. Also, Helen hates her husband? Helen isn't actually the princess of Sparta? And Menelaus dies???????????? Briseis is for some reason in love with Achilles, and Achilles with her. Achillies murdered her whole family? Also, Patroclus is cousins with Achillies? Weird plot device, but anyways, erase that emotional depth, who cares right?
SO MANY WRONGS, SO FEW RIGHTS.
The only reason it is two stars is that I enjoyed Hektor's characterisation, some of the visuals, the embedded quotes from the Illiad. Hektor's and Achillies fight was intense even when we knew Achillies was going to win, I could feel Hektor's panic (let's all thank Eric Bana). It's really not the worst film if you ignore all the historical inaccuracies, bad characterisation, cheesy plot devices where instead they could have added some emotional and plot depth. But, nope. Too much work, I guess.