’’Troy’’ movie is somewhat based on the real life story of the Greeks in ancient history (the exact date, I do not know). It is a story of a war that killed thousands - for the egos of a few. Love / Romance, ego, jealousy, the *need to be remembered* are the causes that lead to bloodbath of grand scale on the land of Troy.
The story starts with narcissistic Achilles played by the hunk Brad Pitt, who is a great warrior and owes allegiance to no one, but to his tribe - the Myrmidons. Agamemnon is the king of Greece. His pride and ego are now attached obsessively to Troy - the one land that is yet to be conquered. Troy is known for its fierce independence and its great army ruled by King Priam played by Peter O-Toole and his two sons - Hector played wonderfully by Eric Bana and Paris played by Orlando Bloom
Hector and Paris are shown to be in Sparta as guests of the Sparta King Menelaus (also the brother of Agamemnon). Menelaus is not with Agamemnon and has aligned himself with Troy. This arrangement is completely altered after Paris runs away with the beautiful wife (Helen played by Diane Kruger) of Menelaus. All hell breaks loose. Menelaus makes a pact with Agamemnon and both decide to attack Troy - each with his own reasons. Agamemnon wants to bring down Troy and humiliate its king. Menelaus wants his wife back, so that he can kill her for the *humiliation he has suffered.*
Returning back to Troy, Paris and Hector are welcomed by their father Priam with an irony of a situation that a peace mission has now been converted into a preparedness for war.
The scenes in this movie are breathtaking. The thousand great ships of Agamemnon travelling the ocean to Troy. The war scenes on the land of Troy - the thousands of soldiers on each side, the battle between Menelaus and Paris. Plus, the battle of Hector and Achilles.
Most of all, the movie doesn’t insult the intelligence of the movie goer. This story takes no sides, shows no mercy to anyone. It is just a gruesome tale of human spirit at its worst and sometimes at its best.
There are some scenes in this movie that shook me up. Like the scene where Paris gives up the battle against Menelaus (for who is to keep Helen) in front of the armies of Troy and Agamemnon, and returns injured to the feet of Hector. Paris, completely humiliated in front of his brother, father and most of all Helen. Menelaus tries to kill Paris with a final blow. But Hector interrupts this challenge and kills Menelaus himself - thus breaking the laws, the pacts and the honour - for his brother. wow!
All in all, the movie is treat to watch - from start to the end.
Brad Pitt playing Achilles is at his best. His narcissistic behavior - the obsessiveness with *carving his name in history*, his love for - Briseis (Rose Byrne), a Trojan priestess, (captured when the Greeks come on the shore of Troy with Achilles attacking the Temple of the God worshipped by Troy people). Most of all - his gross insensitivity with the consequences of the war - all making you love and hate him at the same time.
Eric Bana as Hector is complete believable. You can sympathize with him or with Achilles - and that can really tear you apart. Both brave men - fighting for opposite sides - for a cause that knows no logic or sense.
The final scene of Troy falling to the Greeks is a sumptuous end to a very well filmed movie.
Troy will leave you with neither Good or Bad feeling. It just makes you feel different about the way you perceived movies to be. I liked the experience, and hopefully - you will too. Enjoy!