Director:
Wolfgang Peterson

Cast:
Brad Pitt
Eric Bana
Orlando Bloom
Brian Cox

Official URL:

http://www.vanhelsing.net

Country: USA
Rating: PG-13
Studio Name: Warner Bros. Pictures
Running Time: 2 hr 20 mins
Release Date: May 14, 2004

Critics's Rating:
(4 Reels) 

May 14, 2004

By Veronica Mixon

Troy is largely about the ancient battles and men’s egos based on the Greek literature from The Iliad. While legend speak about the beauty of Helen and the love she shared with Paris, the real story is about the passion of battle and the lust for power and glory. When King Menelaus (Brendan Gleeson) of Sparta hosts a banquet during peaceful negotiations with King Priam (Peter O’Toole) of Troy’s two sons, he does not suspect that his gorgeous wife is betraying him. Helen has fallen in love with Paris (Orlando Bloom) and when he steals her away without Hector’s (Eric Bana) knowledge, war is inevitable. While an embarrassed Menelaus wants her back to kill her with his own hands, his land-hungry brother, Agamemnon (Brian Cox) seizes upon the opportunity to conquer Troy and leads an army of thousands to that country’s shores. The Trojans have never been conquered because they have an impenetrable fortress surrounding their city but Agamemnon is certain that with Odysseus’s (Sean Bean) leadership and the courage of the great warrior, Achilles (Brad Pitt), Troy will fall quickly.

However, Achilles hates Agamemnon’s guts! The warrior lives only for posthumous glory and the king he serves lives only for power over all he surveys. “Of all the warriors that the Gods love, I hate Achilles the most!” declares Agamemnon since Achilles takes every opportunity to disobey his rule because he has no respect for the king. Achilles simply wants to be remembered for all time and Brad Pitt’s portrayal of this warrior is unforgettable! Buffed up after a three-year hiatus, Pitt steps up nicely as Achilles. He’s still good looking as he stands in the shadow of 40 and he was always been a decent actor. His action scenes are truly breathtaking and his skill as a fighter is impressive.

Furthermore, Achilles’ romance with Priam’s niece Briseis (Rose Byrne) is more sensual and interesting than the primary coupling of Paris and Helen. While German model Diane Kruger is dull and lifeless, Australian actress Bryne as Briseis is a bold dark beauty whose spirit strikes a cord with Achilles and wins his heart. Rose Byrne, who appeared as Dorme in Star Wars Episode II: Attack of the Clones, has some luscious nude love scenes with Pitt. Meanwhile, the only thing interesting about the romance between Helen and Paris is Orlando Bloom’s daring portrayal of a cowardly prince. It’s a risky performance but Bloom is excellent and brave especially since his popularity is extremely high. Kudos must also go out to Eric Bana, who was lost in his last role in The Hulk. Here, he proves that he’s a credible action hero. He’s a brave, smart favorite son who sacrifices his life for the love of his family and country.

“Troy” also has good performances from Peter O’Toole, Julie Christie, who makes a brief appearance as Achilles’ goddess mother, Sean Bean and Brian Cox, who has be to be the most popular “heavy” working in the movies today. Cox started out as Hannibal Lector in the l980s’ Manhunter and has thrilled audiences in X-Men United and The Bourne Identity. Troy is a great way to start your summer because it is an engaging action adventure!

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