Despite the fact that this movie is not an exact rendition of Homer's Iliad (which I recall it isn't even supposed to be) its application of Homeric warrior values such as honour and glory are what distinguish it from yet another bloody and brutish reenactment of a classic tale. The acting is superb and Brad Pitt does an excellent job of embodying Achilleus. I do however think that divine intervention and the presence of gods (as such was immensely valued in these ancient cultures) would have enhanced the film that much more but as it stands, it's a classic.