Troy

The movie is a history lesson from ancient Greece that includes some mythology of the Greek and Trojan Gods. Rather then trying to give you a great synopsis I will steel the one listed on the website for Troy. I have problems with the names and places, so it will be much easier for everyone to understand the basic plot of the movie that way. Although, if you know something about the Trojan War then you already know how the film will end.

Throughout time, men have waged war. Some for power, some for glory, some for honor–and some for love. In ancient Greece, the passion of two of history’s most legendary lovers–Paris, Prince of Troy and Helen, Queen of Sparta–ignites a war that will devastate a civilization. When Paris steals Helen away from her husband, King Menelaus, it is an insult that cannot be suffered. Familial pride dictates that an affront to Menelaus is an affront to his brother Agamemnon, powerful King of the Myceneans, who soon unites all the massive tribes of Greece to steal Helen back from Troy in defense of his brother’s honor. In truth, Agamemnon’s pursuit of honor is corrupted by his overwhelming greed–he needs control of Troy to ensure the supremacy of his already vast empire. The walled city, under the leadership of King Prium and defended by mighty Prince Hector, is a citadel that no army has been able to breach. One man alone stands as the key to victory or defeat over Troy–Achilles, believed to be the greatest warrior alive. Arrogant, rebellious and seemingly invincible, Achilles has no allegiance to anyone or anything, save his own glory. It is his insatiable hunger for eternal renown that leads him to attack the gates of Troy under Agamemnon’s banner–but it will be love that ultimately decides his fate. Two worlds will go to war for honor and power. Thousands will fall in pursuit of glory. And for love, a nation will burn to the ground.

The movie is rather long with a running time of just under three hours if you include the trailers, and that seems rather daunting for a film that is truely trying to be this years Gladiator. James Horner, composer, even tries to emulate his score to sound much like that of Hans Zimmers for Gladiator. Don’t get me wrong, Horner did a great job and it was the part of the film I liked the most. The score as well as the cinematography really bring the whole film together and pull you back into ancient Greece. The battle scenes are amazing, especially with the first big one in Troy where the Greek army of about 50,000 soldiers marches to the city of Troy. You can feel the marching and feel like the ground is moving around you before you even see them come over the hill. This type of composing is amazing and reminds me of why Horner has Oscars for past scores (Titanic).

The movie stars Brad Pitt (Achilles), Eric Bana (Hector) and Orlando Bloom (Paris) all of which play their roles well. I do not think that any of them are more worthy of an Oscar over the other. Rather I think the film is more of an ensemble cast including Brian Cox and Peter O’Toole, for without one the film would not be the same. They each have their strengths that play so well with one another.

Okay, by now you probably think I didn’t like this film, but I actually loved it…I just think it was trying to be something it was not rather then trying to stand on its own merit. It is the first great movie of the year and if this is what the Summer is going to look like, then I am really excited.