troy

category: reviews - movies
This movie made me want to read the Illiad again. I read it in higschool (roughly more than ten years ago) and all I can remember was that I liked Achilles, Ajax, and Hector. I also remembered I like Agamemnon for the early part.
Kudos to the casting director. I think all the characters suited their roles well, maybe except for Helen, I found Hector's wife to be more beautiful than her. I like that sort of serene, soft beauty and for me it would have been more believable if a woman with that sort of beauty was cast in the role of Helen. Otherwise, the other castings were effective, I think. Eric Bana was proud and noble and convincing as Troy's warrior prince. So was Brad Pitt, as an indomitable hero, who I think exuded enough charms to give hope to the Greek men in battle and inspire the allegiance of the Mermidons. In her small role, Julie Christie was perfect for the role of Thetis, her beauty really transcends time and one can really believe that a demi god had fallen for her. Peter O'Toole shone as Priam, the kingly demeanor and strength can be seen even in his aging face, his eyes spoke of wisdom as a King who had seen through many battles. Sean Bean as Odysseus fits his role perfectly . A strong yet quiet character, believable as the only person Achilles would listen to. He is noble and forthright but at the same time balances his idealism with the real things he currently has to face.
Uwaaah! I really do want to read Illiad again! see if they really did the story any justice, but as it is, I enjoyed the movie, even if it was almost three hours long. The battle scenes reminded me of a much subdued Lord of the Rings clip, forgettable at best, with nothing new to offer and can be crammed up there with other major battle scenes like in the Patriot that didn't made me sit up in my chair. But the individual fights, like that of Achilles and Hector's were ones to remember. A bit Gladiator-ish at times but the choreography was magic. One can see Achilles as an amazing fighter, his moves were breath-taking especially the way he handled the shield by holding it in his back, all the while moving gymnastically to dodge and weave away from Hector's crushing blows. It was a sight to see the noble and valiant Hector meet somebody more than his match. It seemed like it was awkward and trying for him to finally be up against somebody who was more powerful than he is. Yet he fought on nobly to his death.

These characters remembered from a past reading, given life by these actors, are indeed memorable.