Robert Whyy

Infinitely better written and acted than the torpid Hollywood blockbuster Troy, which came out a year later in 2004. Sienna Guillory's Helen is far more interesting, wild, and alluring than Diane Kruger, who was given nothing to do in Troy. And Rufus Sewell (so brilliant in Dark City) is a typically fiery presence as Agammenon. Additionally the bald Achilles (Joe Montana) is appropriately intimidating, and unlike Troy's effete Paris played by Orlando Bloom, this Paris (Matthew Marsden) is an impressive warrior himself. You also get a much deeper reflection on Homer's original tale with Odysseus appearing in two episodes. Did I mention a powerhouse performance by John Rhys-Davies (great in everything) as King Priam. While it's hard to top Peter O'Toole (his compassionate Priam was one of the best things about Troy), Rhys-Davies version makes far more sense as he rages when Paris abducts Helen back to Troy insuring a war. While it lacks the obvious big budget luxuries of Troy, and has some typical cheesy TV miniseries soundtrack moments, this Helen of Troy is a much sharper and more entertaining tale than the drab film that even a game Brad Pitt and Erica Bana couldn't rescue.