7.3/10
53% Critics / 74% Audience
Released in 2004, Troy is an epic historical action drama directed by Wolfgang Petersen and written by David Benioff. Loosely inspired by Homer’s Iliad, the film condenses the decade-long Trojan War into a cinematic tale spanning only a few weeks. Shot across Malta, Mexico, and Britain’s Shepperton Studios, the film features a powerhouse ensemble cast including Brad Pitt, Eric Bana, Peter O’Toole, Diane Kruger, Sean Bean, Orlando Bloom, Brian Cox, Brendan Gleeson, Rose Byrne, Saffron Burrows, and Julie Christie.
While the film takes inspiration from Homer’s work, it also incorporates elements from Quintus Smyrnaeus’s Posthomerica, especially the fall of Troy, which is not depicted in the Iliad itself. Upon release, Troy grossed nearly $497 million worldwide, ranking among the highest-grossing films of 2004. Despite its box office success, the film received mixed reviews, praised for its visuals and performances but critiqued for its liberties with the source material.
Troy – Official HD Trailer
What is Troy About?
The story of Troy unfolds in 1184 BC, as King Agamemnon unites the Greek kingdoms and seeks control of the Aegean Sea. When Paris, Prince of Troy, falls in love with Helen, Queen of Sparta, and takes her back to Troy, her husband Menelaus demands vengeance. This sparks a massive war as Agamemnon leads the Greek armies to Troy with legendary heroes like Achilles and Odysseus by his side.
The Trojans, led by Prince Hector and King Priam, prepare to defend their city against an invasion that blends politics, betrayal, romance, and brutal combat. Central to the tale is the duel between Achilles and Hector, the infamous Trojan Horse deception, and the tragic fall of Troy itself.
Is Troy Worth Watching?
Yes—Troy remains a must-watch for fans of epic historical films and adaptations of classical mythology. Here’s why:
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Epic storytelling – Large-scale battles, iconic duels, and a legendary myth brought to life.
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Powerful performances – Brad Pitt’s Achilles and Eric Bana’s Hector provide emotional intensity and physical presence.
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Stunning production value – Lavish sets, costumes, and large-scale battle sequences.
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Cultural legacy – While not fully faithful to Homer, it remains one of the most recognized retellings of the Trojan War in modern cinema.
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Director’s Cut version – Offers nearly 30 additional minutes of footage, more violence, and deeper character development, making it a stronger cut than the theatrical release.
Why Should I Watch Troy?
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To experience one of the most ambitious historical epics of the 2000s.
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To see a modern cinematic interpretation of Greek mythology without the heavy involvement of the gods, focusing instead on human drama.
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For the memorable duels (Achilles vs Hector being a highlight).
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To enjoy the ensemble cast in roles that showcase their range and star power.
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Because the themes of love, war, glory, and fate remain universally relevant.
Cast and Characters
Main Cast
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Brad Pitt as Achilles – Greece’s greatest warrior and leader of the Myrmidons.
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Eric Bana as Hector – Crown Prince of Troy and commander of its armies.
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Orlando Bloom as Paris – Prince of Troy, whose love for Helen sparks the war.
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Diane Kruger as Helen – Former Queen of Sparta, now Princess of Troy.
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Brian Cox as Agamemnon – King of the Greek city-states.
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Sean Bean as Odysseus – King of Ithaca, known for his cunning.
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Brendan Gleeson as Menelaus – King of Sparta and brother of Agamemnon.
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Rose Byrne as Briseis – Priestess and cousin of Paris and Hector, later Achilles’ lover.
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Peter O’Toole as Priam – King of Troy, father to Hector and Paris.
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Garrett Hedlund as Patroclus – Achilles’ cousin and protégé.
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Saffron Burrows as Andromache – Hector’s devoted wife.
Supporting Cast Highlights: Julie Christie (Thetis), James Cosmo (Glaucus), Tyler Mane (Ajax), Vincent Regan (Eudorus).
Episodes / Seasons / Release Order
As a standalone feature film, Troy does not have sequels or spin-off films. However, it exists within the long tradition of cinematic adaptations of Greek mythology.
Notably, two versions of the film exist:
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Theatrical Cut (2004) – 163 minutes.
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Director’s Cut (2007) – 196 minutes, with expanded character development, more violence, and additional scenes.
Production and Development
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Filming began in 2003, with major sets built on the island of Malta, while large-scale battle sequences were shot in Mexico.
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The film’s production faced delays due to Hurricane Marty and an Achilles tendon injury suffered by Brad Pitt.
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Terry Gilliam and Christopher Nolan both turned down directing before Wolfgang Petersen was hired.
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The casting process considered several high-profile actresses, including Aishwarya Rai for Briseis and Nicole Kidman for Helen, before roles went to Rose Byrne and Diane Kruger.
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Music was originally scored by Gabriel Yared, but was replaced last-minute by James Horner, whose score featured Josh Groban’s end-credits song “Remember Me.”
Reception and Critical Response
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Rotten Tomatoes: 53% approval rating, with the consensus that the film is entertaining but emotionally lacking.
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Metacritic: 56/100, indicating mixed reviews.
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CinemaScore: Audiences gave it a solid “B” grade.
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Critics praised the scale, battles, and performances (particularly Pitt and Bana) but criticized the script for oversimplifying Homer’s complex narrative.
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Roger Ebert gave the film 2 out of 4 stars, noting its spectacle but lack of emotional depth.
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The Director’s Cut has since gained more positive recognition, with many critics calling it the superior version.
Box Office
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Worldwide gross: $497.4 million.
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Domestic (US/Canada): $133.4 million.
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International: $364 million.
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At the time, it ranked among the highest-grossing films of 2004, alongside Spider-Man 2 and Shrek 2.
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With a production budget of around $185 million, it was one of the most expensive films of its era.
Legacy and Impact
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Troy remains one of the most well-known cinematic adaptations of Greek mythology, despite its historical liberties.
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The film helped reintroduce the Trojan War mythos to modern audiences.
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Its Director’s Cut is often cited as a stronger version, giving more weight to both character drama and battle sequences.
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The movie influenced later adaptations of classical epics and also drew early comparisons to David Benioff’s later work on Game of Thrones, with its focus on political intrigue and large-scale conflict.
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Despite criticism, it endures as a visually stunning spectacle and a staple of early 2000s epic cinema.
Troy FAQ
Q: Is Troy based on Homer’s Iliad?
A: Yes, but loosely. While much of the story is inspired by the Iliad, the film compresses events and borrows from other sources such as Quintus Smyrnaeus’s Posthomerica.
Q: What’s the difference between the Theatrical Cut and Director’s Cut?
A: The Director’s Cut adds nearly 30 minutes, with extended character arcs, more violence, and a fuller depiction of the sack of Troy.
Q: Did Brad Pitt really get injured during filming?
A: Yes, he tore his Achilles tendon—ironically while portraying Achilles—which delayed production.
Q: Why did critics dislike Troy?
A: While praised for its visuals, critics felt it lacked emotional resonance and took too many liberties with the original myth.
Q: Where was Troy filmed?
A: Major filming locations included Malta, Mexico, and Britain’s Shepperton Studios.
Conclusion
Troy (2004) is a sweeping historical drama that delivers epic battles, memorable duels, and a star-studded cast bringing mythic figures to life. While its deviations from Homer’s Iliad remain controversial, the film stands as one of the most ambitious mythological adaptations of its era. With stunning visuals, large-scale war sequences, and unforgettable performances, Troy remains a captivating experience for fans of epic storytelling. For the fullest version of the film, the Director’s Cut is the definitive way to watch.
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