|  |  Set in 1193 B.C., the epic 'Troy' combines the legendary tales of Helen of Troy and Achilles, and was inspired by Homer's tragic poem 'The Iliad'... so as you can probably guess, it's not a comedy!
According to superstar Brad Pitt, Homer's poem helped him to understand his leading role
"Little by little, Achilles' personality unfolds. One moment you think he's a cold-hearted killer and then Homer goes back in time to show another facet of Achilles, and you find out that in the past he's actually operated from a place of great humanity and grace".
However, Pitt seemed to ignore this and strayed away from what could have been a great performance. Instead, it was his buttocks and biceps which stole the show and although very pleasing to the eye, I felt this only added to the reason why he is so under-rated as an actor
a far cry from his 'Kalifornia' days!
Back to the film at hand though and after uniting Sparta and Troy and making peace for the two nations futures, Prince Paris of Troy (Orlando Bloom) confesses to his brother Hector (Eric Bana) that he has not only fallen in love with Greek beauty, Helen (Diane Kruger
who may well be very attractive, but I'm sure would never have 'launched a thousand ships'
meeeow!), the wife of Menelaus, the king of Spain (Brendan Gleeson), but he has also lured her away and smuggled her onto his ship, which is now heading back to Troy
SHOCK HORROR!
And so, when Menelaus discovers she's gone a war erupts between the kingdoms of Mycenae Greece and Troy. Menelaus' brother, Agamemmenon (Brian Cox), ruler of Polydeuces, and his army of warriors, including the one man who could hold the key their victory
. Achilles (Brad Pitt), a so-called immortal and the greatest hero among the Greeks
sail across the Aegean sea to reap their revenge.
Achilles however, fights for nothing and no one. It is only eternal life he craves, which can only be guaranteed by ensuring that history will never forget his name. He chooses to live and to die by the sword, but ultimately it is love which will decide his fate! Mmmm
that's intrigued you, hasn't it?!
As the film goes on it soon becomes clear that vengeance for love is all just a convenient excuse for Menelaus to invade the city of Troy and burn a nation to the ground
but can there really be any winners in this story, when its heart is that of human frailty?
All in all there are moments of sheer brilliance in this film and in my opinion it's about 10 times more entertaining than 'Gladiator'
then again I never was a great fan of Russell Crowe
anyway, I digress
Watch out for the showdown between Hector and Achilles, it's a classic (even if the whole film probably won't go down in history as one). Peter O'Toole is magnificent as Trojan King, Priam, although he is looking a little old
mind you it is 32 years since he played 'Lawrence of Arabia'! AND despite being quoted as 'dull' and 'camp', 'Troy' is thrilling, artistic and could just leave you gasping for breath
especially the sight of all those men in skirts!
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