"Where does it end?" -- "It never ends." If Homer's epic poem "The Iliad" is rooted in a true story, Wolfgang Petersen’s 2004 film “Troy” presents a striking depiction of that narrative. The movie avoids the inclusion of mythical figures like Athena, instead aiming for a realistic portrayal of the Trojan War. Beyond this, it could be argued that "Troy" represents the pinnacle of sword and sandal epics. Compared to films such as "Samson and Delilah," "Spartacus," "Ben-Hur," "Ulysses," “The Viking Queen,” “Conan the Barbarian,” "Braveheart," "Attila," "The Odyssey," and "Gladiator," "Troy" stands out, at minimum matching some of the best while significantly surpassing others like "Spartacus" and "Samson and Delilah." Even more recent films in the genre, such as “Braveheart” or “Gladiator,” are overshadowed by its scope. While film critic Roger Ebert expressed reservations about "Troy," I found his criticisms to be among the very reasons for my high regard of the movie. His concerns regarding the absence of Greek deities and the actors’ realistic portrayals, rather than exaggerated characterizations, highlight Petersen's deliberate intention to depict a factual account of the Trojan War—even if that war itself never actually occurred. Regarding Brad Pitt’s performance as Achilles, I was previously indifferent to his work, but this film showcases an exceptional portrayal of Greece’s greatest warrior. He may not be physically imposing, but he is quick, confident, skilled, and precise. Even his vocal delivery suits the role perfectly. Eric Bana (known for “Hulk”) delivers a strong performance as Hector, Achilles' Trojan counterpart, who yearns for peace with his family. Their confrontation is undeniably the greatest sword-fighting scene ever filmed. A noteworthy aspect of the film is that it doesn’t clearly assign allegiances. My wife and I struggled to choose sides during Achilles and Hector’s duel. Perhaps this was intentional; neither side is presented as unequivocally good or evil. They are simply people engaged in war, a conflict devoid of glory, as Hector observes—and one that, as Achilles notes, "never ends." The film also conveys the idea that life under constant warfare is an unhappy existence, and Bana and Pitt effectively communicate this point. The female characters are limited but memorable: Diane Kruger portrays Helen, famously known as “the face that launched a thousand ships.” Some have questioned whether she fits the role due to her appearance, but I disagree; she’s quite striking. Rose Byrne also makes an impression as Briseis, a virgin priestess who experiences a transformation at Achilles' hands. It's worth noting that "Troy" was among the most expensive films produced at the time and this is evident in its production values. The film is visually stunning—the massive armies, ships, and battles are awe-inspiring, as are the Maltese and Mexican locations. The CGI effects were also impressive for their era, unlike the artificial look of the Rome and Coliseum scenes in "Gladiator." Ebert criticized the dialogue, but I found it to be quite good, with several memorable lines, including Achilles' observation that humans are envied by the gods because of our mortality and his declaration that “Everything’s beautiful because we’re doomed.” Thankfully, there are no silly one-liners. James Horner’s score deserves recognition; those who appreciated "The Passion of the Christ" soundtrack will likely enjoy this one as well due to its intensity and gravitas. The percussion during Achilles and Hector's duel is particularly striking. A curious detail: Brad Pitt actually injured his Achilles tendon while filming, a rather fitting occurrence. Ultimately, if you’re in the mood for a sword and sandal epic, "Troy" more than satisfies. The story immediately grabs your attention and maintains its intensity throughout the film's 2 hour and 42-minute runtime (including credits). It provides an extravagant visualization of the Trojan War—something I hadn’t experienced before seeing this remarkable piece of cinema. GRADE: A+

Source on TMDB