Troy

The plot is pretty exciting to follow. It’s directed in a way that isn’t really cinematic, but it’s harsh, brutal, ruthless, and bloody. Honestly, I’m not a fan of the slow-motion scenes. With a premise centered on a scandal that sparks a major war, the movie explores themes of honor and pride as a warrior. This is portrayed through the character of Achilles who is powerful, masculine, and defiant of the rules of the King or the Gods. I don’t know if this stays true to Homer’s book (they say he was gay). I’m just trying to enjoy the movie. Even though he’s the central character, for some reason I wasn’t particularly drawn to him. If the main conflict driving his actions is the death of Patroclus, their interactions aren’t explored in much depth. So I don't really feel the anger or grief he experiences. The revenge depicted don't have much of an impact on me. The same goes for his conflict with Agamemnon. Their arguments feels vague, and the resolution isn't really addressed. It’s the same with Paris and Helen. I couldn’t really feel their chemistry because I don't understand what their love is like. There is no development of chemistry to serve as the foundation of their love. So I was just annoyed by all the stupid things Paris did. On the other hand, the character who really stand out to me is Hector. I don't really care much about Achilles. Sure, Achilles is the great warrior, but Hector is a different kind of warrior. I can feel his sense of responsibility, his sacrifice, and his love for his country, father, wife, and his brother,even Patroclus. He's the one who sacrificed the most for everyone. Yet you could say he's the least to blame for all of this. Even though Achilles isfurious, I liked how he still shows grief and empathy to Hector. He got what is fair for Patroclus, but he still empathize with Hector. I don’t really like the kings in this story. They’re stupid. The only one who makes sense to me is Odysseus. Especially since they mention their Gods over and over again. But I don't find any sense of the sacred in the strength of the characters’ connection to their Gods, or how those Gods influenced the course of their lives. There is absolutely nothing. Also, the execution of the Trojan Horse scene is lacking. Odysseus just came up with the idea, then they just built it, King Priam just believed it was an offering to the gods and let it inside their great walls, and the war just broke out. The climax is quite wild, with everyone killing, raping, and even destroying statues of the Gods. I think this war depicts men who crave honor and pride, which are, at their core, nothing more than greed born of pure lust.