Helen of Troy (2003)

just watch it!

Dreadfully Boring

Each character in this movie — down to the smallest one — is an individual rather than a type, prone to spontaneous changes of mood and sometimes amusing outbursts of pettiness or ill humor.

An old-fashioned movie made with new-fashioned finesse.

because it gives more than you expect after many others adaptations of "Iliad". because it respects the spirit of epic and gives a realistic image about society, characters, war and emotions. because it is more than a pretty drawing but a large, inspired fresco. and it has its way for tell a huge story in the right manner. maybe, this is the basic motif for see it. because it is real good return to the spirit of Homer work. and that could be the best answer to the critics about it.

An interesting take on the Troy Saga. It's like these people have gone to play "Troy" ... and did a fair job.I have mixed feelings ... It portrays Helen as wise, strong woman, rather than a ditz, tramp or slut as she has been portrayed in other versions, however she did seem to "know too much" about some things - we all know the story of Troy - How it begins and how it ends ... Perhaps it's tempting for writers and actors to write/act scenes as if they do not know the outcome), unfolds and ends, way but back then, they did - as then it was really happening. Despite the inaccuracies when weighed up against history, like Cassandra having the gift when she was a child ... And there was no mention of how Apollo fell in love with her when she was older... actually no mention of Apollo at all...The cinematography was brilliant, the acting in parts could have been better. I also liked how Helen was taken by Theseus at first and learned to love him and how she was pretty, but not drop dead gorgeous, - beauty is in the eye of the beholder. Funnily enough when I want to IMDb to look up the actors, there was a quote of the day from the recent "Troy" about designing our destinies. How'd you like *that* message from the Gods! Also, fans of the Iliad, remember it was written *eight-hundred* years after the event as one Greek historian/scholar put it, "Homer gave us a great story, but he did not give us history." The story of Troy was being told for the better half of a millennium before Homer became the first bard to write it down - his version shows a slutty, ditzy Helen and Aphrodite and a very b!tchy Hera and Artemis… However the men and Gods are portrayed as all-so-powerful. Do not get me wrong, I adore the Gods as much as the Goddesses, however there's certainly more, much more to Troy than Homer's version allows one to see. And although Homer obviously lived closer to the time than anyone living in this day and age, he still wrote The Iilad eight centuries after it occurred. If a novelist/poet today wrote an epic novel/poem set 800 years in the past, even if based on factual events, it would be considered historical fiction.The fight in "Helen of Troy" between Paris and Menelaus was wall done, showing maturity of both characters and the scene with Helen and Menelaus near the end also showed how the characters had grown, even if it never occurred in history, but we'll never *really* know will we? I was very disappointed how the Goddesses were only in the movie very, very briefly, (they looked awesome when they appeared … I want a dress like that :) And no Gods at all :( … more divine intervention, please! This goes the same for the recent blockbuster "Troy." "Helen of Troy" is not a feel-good movie, it's sad and depressing, but the story of Troy, as with "Oedipus" are Greek tragedies and not meant to be uplifting. Though I am glad I saw this version of the Troy epic.The truth is, on a physical level no mortal will ever know exactly what transpired at Troy and to see different takes on the saga is refreshing, whether we like them or not and it allows us to see it through different eyes.Now if only they would make a movie/series of Marion Zimmer Bradley's "Firebrand" -- Troy told by the women.Finally.

The film Helen of Troy, produced by Ted Kurdyla, is a tragic movie inspired by one of the greatest epic stories of all time, Homer's The Iliad. Released in 2003, the 2 hours and 57 minute film depicts the legendary battle between the Greeks and the Trojans over love, wealth and honor. It all began when the most beautiful woman in the world, Helen, fell in love with Paris the son of King Priam of Troy. Though married to King Menelaus of Sparta, she left him and went with Paris to Troy. Grieved by the departure of Helen, he asked help from his brother Agamemnon who led the Spartan army to attack Troy. For 10 years the Greeks and the Trojans battled. Wearied by the battle, the Greeks decided to make a gigantic wooden horse to enter the city and defeated the Trojans, thus ended the war. Menelaus narrates the story as he reminisces the events that took place. It was very effective because he was a witness to both Agamemnon's intent to sack Troy's city and Helen's love for Paris. If someone else told the story, chances are, it will be one-sided. Like, if it was Helen, it would probably be focused on her love story. Or, if it was Agamemnon, it will be about the gory encounter with the Trojans.John Kent Harrison, the director of Helen of Troy, was able to bring into life The Iliad. The actors and actresses gave justice to the roles they played. Although there were scenes where it was very obvious that the background was only a painting, the movie redeemed itself with the help of its lighting, sound effects, and script. These elements contributed to the effectiveness of the production because the audience felt that they were part and parcel of the whole. For this and its historical value, it deserves 5 stars.

English IV 38 Aug. 12, 2005 Krissel Tolentino IV-3From Homer to Me and You"Helen of Troy", a three-hour movie, produced by Adam Shapiro and Ted Kurdyla. It was based on the classic "Iliad", written centuries ago, yet was just released two years ago, year 2003. This clearly states how the far they were apart. It's a proof of how Homer's "Iliad" crossed time and still made its effect, a true definition of a classic literature.The "Iliad" started with the judgment of Paris. He made a choice out of the three goddesses and had Helen, as an offering. Their being together initiated the war between the Trojans and the Greeks and taking sides of the gods and goddesses. Agamemnon, the High King of Mycenae, ruled over the Greeks while King Priam and his sons ruled over Troy. Both sides' fate depended on the gods. War caused deaths and ruined lives of many. The war went on for 10 years until Odysseus thought of using a wooden horse to enter Troy's gates, which was said to be made of gold. This caught the Trojans by surprise. Every man died, leaving the women and children to be taken away with the Greeks. They wept and mourned while departing from the burning Troy.The plot was well developed. They interpreted in a realistic way and at the same time, being faithful to the text. A lot of themes can be reflected in the story. Examples are: the insignificance of women; power over greater power; powerful over powerless; and many more. The story was told in a man's perspective, Menelaus. He was a Greek leader and from whom Helen was taken from. I guess it would have been better if it was from a woman's point of view. A good one would be from Helen's point of view. Many people didn't like her because of her "selfish" acts. Giving her side of the story, would probably clear her name or better yet, side with her. Among all the characters, King Priam was my favorite. I admire how he made wise decisions and accepted Helen as a Trojan. He knew that by accepting Helen would mean war yet he understood that it Paris loved her and rejecting her wouldn't instantly stop the war. He portrayed the qualities of an ideal person; one who knows how to make decisions and one who keeps his word.The screenplay was amazing. The actors and actresses did well in representing each uniquely ancient character. The superb acting was, of course, combined excellent lighting and sound effects. Though the story was antique, the script made its way to every viewer's heart and soul. All these wouldn't be possible without the director, Ronni Kern. I am sure he is one proud guy for this. The movie could be given an Emmy's award. It is so remarkable for an old story to be interpreted in way that anybody could understand. They also somehow passed to us Homer's feelings for writing the "Iliad". For the movie "Helen of Troy", I am rating it with four out of five. It was a great movie but I think, it could still be improved…or another interpretation could be better. For every experience, there's a lesson or thought to be learned. With that: for every movie, there's a way of letting that thought get through the viewer's deeper understanding.