Release Date: May 14, 2004
MPAA Rating: R for graphic violence and some sexuality/nudity
Directed by: Wolfgang Petersen
Starring: Brad Pitt, Eric Bana, Orlando Bloom, Sean Bean, Diane Kruger, Peter O'Toole, Brendan Gleeson, Rose Byrne, Brian Cox, Julie Christie, Saffron Burrows, Garrett Hedlund

Plot:
In 1193 B.C., Prince Paris (Bloom) of Troy stole the beautiful Greek woman, Helen (Kruger), away from her husband, Menelaus, the king of Sparta, setting the two nations at war with each other, as the Greeks began a bloody siege of Troy using their entire armada, led by Achilles (Pitt), that lasted over a decade.

Review:
Bringing an epic to life by film is quite a big duty. That is obvious and Troy is an adaptation of Homer's epic, probably the most historic story in Greek history. Take into account all the pressure for this film to succeed and the result was indeed acceptable. Sitting in the director's chair for Troy is Director of Das Boot, Wolfgang Peterson.

Peterson is known mostly for Das Boot and has directed other films such as Outbreak, Air Force One and The Perfect Storm. Clearly, he hasn't made an outstanding film since Das Boot. With Troy he has a chance to make history by giving the audience the true story of Homer's epic. Straight from the books would be the right way of course, but with Hollywood films tend to change to appeal more for the general audience.

Troy follows a similar path to the history and delivers some exciting battles. The pace runs fairly well because of the many battles the film contains. However, along with the battles its trying to develop these characters and maintain its dialogue to move the story along, but it clearly is too crammed together to fit into a 163 minute running time.

One can say that Troy could have been solid if there were multiple films. Well, we can't turn back time, so the one film alone will have to do. The visuals of Troy make the film enough to be a good piece of work. At times the film looks astonishing and witnessing the camera squeeze by the battles are quite an enjoyment.

Director Wolfgang Peterson's biggest job to make Troy work would definitely be to find the perfect actors for each role. When you have characters that are Gods and Goddesses, a search for actors and actresses that have a sense of leadership would do justice. The cast was mostly there because they are well known is what I am trying to express.

Actor Brad Pitt plays Achilles who is known as a ruthless fighter who kills almost with ease. A question that could perhaps come up a lot is if Pitt was the best choice for the role. While not a horrible choice, the film could have used a actor who seems like the best fighter around. A question that will more than likely not be answered is if the actors chosen for the film were given the role because of their looks alone.

Pitt is always great looking throughout the film which is a good distinguishing feature to have and its the same with the entire young cast in the film. However, its alright if Pitt loses his Greek accent every now and then in the film. I'm sure his looks provide enough for the general audience to not even notice. Eric Bana who plays Hector, Orlando Bloom who plays Paris and Diane Kruger who plays Helen are no strangers in gracing the screen with their essence either.

Peter O' Toole who plays Priam not only was essential for the role, but gave a solid performance. He brought some emotional instances that were needed in the film and his presence was a thing of greatness. He will be remembered for quite sometime and his past is something that can never be forgettable.

Great actors and actresses nonetheless, but the fact that they are Greeks and are set to battle for their town is something that is very hard to buy. Still, the cast is good and provides a few memorable elements and a few scenes that stand out. Two things that didn't stand out were the films editing and score.

The editing for Troy was a bit off, especially when a scene that featured dialogue had finished and was set to cut to a battle. The cut and music that followed it seemed like it was put together in the last minute and rushed to get the film out on time. I took it for what it was, but was a flaw like many other flaws that were definitely a bother.

The battles in Troy for one thing are quite its highlights. Whenever Achilles graces the screen there is sure to be a battle near by. The amount of CGI in Troy is questionable and its realism as well. One thing is for sure, the sets were rather impressive and a high part of the film. Running at two hours and forty three minutes, you'd be surprised how quickly Troy goes by.

Troy is not a great film, but it is an entertaining film. Its more of a summer action popcorn flick than a cinematic achievement. There was room for improvement in Troy and it could have been a film to remember for quite some time. Instead, its a film that is enjoyable, but not necessarily memorable. Probably the biggest flaw in Troy is that there was not one single moment in which it really seemed like it was 1193 B.C.