Director: Wolfgang Petersen
Starring: Brad Pitt, Sean Bean and Eric Bana
‘A Captivating Classic’
Not many stars have made films that demand to be seen like Sean Bean. Following his rise to fame in the 1990’s, Bean has made memorable movies. Whether it’s magical ring bearers, bold powerful leaders or space scavengers, Bean has played many countless strong characters. Arguably, Bean’s finest strength as an actor is his strong screen presence. He is one of those rare actors that has often had an aptitude for stealing the show in supporting roles that have limited screen time. Even when he isn’t a main focus of a movie, Bean has often left a strong impression. Through his capabilities to portray characters that are compelling, Bean has built a legacy that’s lasting. Although he is arguably best known for his role in The Lord of the Rings franchise, Bean has proven he can excel in any genre. A British icon, Bean has become a star that audiences cherish. Throughout his strong career, Bean has made many memorable films which are definitely worth taking about without a doubt.
I’m a huge fan of Bean and adore all the films he has made in his career. However, “Troy” is definitely my favourite. Following its release in 2004, Wolfgang Peterson’s movie has stood the test of time as a medieval classic. Packed with bold production, strong storytelling and powerful acting, it’s one of the best adventure movies ever made. At the centre of it all is an exceptional performance by Sean Bean, who portrays a medieval warrior facing adversity. Ultimately, what makes “Troy” a mesmerizing medieval masterpiece is its universal appeal. Unlike most films about Ancient Greek history, it tackles strong themes that everyone would relate to. A captivating medieval classic, there are several strong reasons why “Troy” is a film worth watching.
Set in 1250 B.C., “Troy” tells the story of a bold medieval warrior seeing kingdoms to destroy. Brad Pitt portrays Achilles, a fierce medieval warrior with a love for adventure. Achilles has always excelled at ruling his kingdom without facing tensions. Assisted by his wife Briseis (Rose Byrne), Troy has always thrived at his job of ruling his kingdom. However, Achilles’ life forever changes when he becomes involved in a war causing disaster. Odysseus (Sean Bean) is a strong opponent that threatens to destroy Achilles’ kingdom. As all the odds are stacked against his favour, Achilles begins to wonder if it’s possible to be a medieval warrior. Faced with a dilemma, Achilles is forced to question whether he has what it takes to protect his city in an ancient era.
Wolfgang Peterson is a newcomer towards the stories of medieval warriors. Before he made “Troy”, Peterson had never made a medieval epic before. It was the filmmaker’s first ever attempt to capture lives of medieval warriors facing adversity but he succeeded immensely. Using captivating cinematography, Peterson captures a medieval warrior seeking to protect his kingdom from adversity. Emulating Ridley Scott’s “Gladiator”, Peterson captures a bold warrior seeking to protect his kingdom from a disaster. Peterson effectively uses handheld camera to capture medieval warriors facing a dilemma. For instance, the handheld camera elevates the warfare scene. During his tense scene, Achilles engaged in an intense battle against enemies which threaten his kingdom. Using handheld camera, Peterson creates a portrait of medieval warriors that’s engaging. Handheld camera is a tricky technique to use in movies. As Peter Jackson’s “The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring” suggested, handheld camerawork elevates fantasy films about rings. Nevertheless, it works well in this movie. Through captivating visuals, Petersen captures tensions that medieval warriors are facing.
Another admirable aspect of “Troy” that merits appreciation is production. From a technical perspective, the film is extremely well made. Petersen effectively uses costumes to craft warriors that are compelling. Throughout the movie, Achilles’ costumes exhibit his strong personality as a medieval warrior in history. For instance, costumes enhance the meeting scene. During this intense scene, Achilles has an intense meeting with the members of his political kingdom causing tensions. Through compelling costumes, Petersen constructs a portrait of medieval warriors that audiences easily relate to. Moreover, the musical score is magnificent. James Horner’s music is key to the success of the movie. It gives the movie a tense atmosphere capturing the grim burden that Greek warriors bear. Through captivating production design, Petersen conveys medieval warriors facing a decline.
Storytelling is one of the main reasons why “Troy” is a medieval film which is compelling. The film is beautifully written, and effectively uses silence to capture medieval warriors that are affected by violence. Throughout the film, Petersen uses sequences of silence to convey medieval warriors that face the consequence of violence. For instance, silence enhances the childhood scene. During this thoughtful scene, Achilles faces a moment of silence discovering the truth about his childhood. Through silence, Petersen captures the tensions that medieval warriors in Greek history go through. Silence is a tricky technique to use in most movies. As Ridley Scott’s “The Martian” demonstrated, silence enhances commemorated science-fiction movies about space survival. Nevertheless, it works tremendously in this movie. Through a fantastic screenplay, Petersen captures the lives of commemorated Greek warriors facing a price to pay.
One appreciates amazing performances.
Sean Bean delivers one of his greatest career performances as Odysseus. Bean achieved appreciation for playing ring bearers in classic fantasy films. With “Troy”, however, he took on his most complex role. It isn’t easy to portray a medieval warrior in Ancient Greek history but he succeeded tremendously. This is the actor unlike you have ever seen him before: intense, charismatic and emotional in his most iconic role. With riveting expressions, he captures the angst, grief and resentments of a commemorated warrior on a dangerous mission. It’s a strong performance from one of the most commemorated actors in Hollywood today.
While the movie is a strong showcase for Sean Bean, the supporting cast is also amazing and worthy of praise. Brad Pitt is brilliant, bringing bravery to a medieval warrior seeking control over a dangerous kingdom that faces disaster. Orlando Bloom is outstanding, bringing sorrow to a majestic warrior whose heartbreaking life has hit a low. Lastly, Rose Byrne merits praise. As a majestic queen, she brings a strong sense of authority to the movie.
Finally, “Troy” would earn the appreciation of everyone capturing kings with plans to destroy. Unlike most movies about medieval history, it tackles strong themes which everyone would relate to. It discusses strong themes including angst, kingdoms and marriage which everyone would relate to. Viewers don’t need to be well-versed about Greek history to appreciate it. It delivers a meaningful message about control that would resonate with everyone. Therefore, “Troy” is one of those rare medieval films that everyone would adore.
Fans is Sean Bean would definitely enjoy “Troy” and so will movie-goers which seek exhilarating entertainment. A mesmerizing medieval epic, it honours an actor that has built a legacy that’s iconic.
Nearly 25 years following the release of a groundbreaking film about medieval warriors defending a majestic kingdom, it’s a riveting reminder of a commemorated actor that has achieved immense stardom through his abilities to portray characters with wisdom in memorable movies that don’t deserve any criticism.
5/5 stars
The Film Buff 