Troy (2004) is a historical drama inspired by Homer’s The Iliad, retelling the story of the legendary Trojan War.
The story begins when Paris (Orlando Bloom), a prince of Troy, falls in love with Helen, the queen of Sparta and wife of King Menelaus. Paris brings Helen back to Troy. Enraged, Menelaus seeks the help of his brother, King Agamemnon, who sees this as the perfect excuse to wage war on Troy and expand his empire. Agamemnon views the conflict not just as a mission to reclaim Helen, but as an opportunity to conquer Troy and increase his political power.
Agamemnon gathers the Greek army and sets sail for Troy, bringing along their most skilled warrior, Achilles (Brad Pitt). Although Achilles despises Agamemnon’s lust for power, he joins the war in pursuit of eternal glory and to secure his own legacy.
In Troy, King Priam and his son Hector prepare the city for war. Hector, a noble and courageous warrior, becomes Troy’s greatest defender. As the war intensifies, personal rivalries and decisions shape the course of history. Hector eventually faces Achilles in a sword fight, which ends in Hector’s death. Achilles is affected by their fight and his growing bond with Briseis, Hector’s cousin and a captured Trojan woman, begins to question the meaning of his actions and the cost of his pursuit of immortality.
The war ends with the Greeks’ use of the Trojan Horse, a deceptive gift concealing Greek soldiers. Once brought inside the city walls, the Greeks emerge during the night, open the gates, and begin to burn down Troy. King Priam is killed, Paris meets his fate, and the city falls. During the attack, Achilles is killed by an arrow to his heel, his only point of vulnerability, fired by Paris.
Troy (2004) explores the tension between personal honor and collective ambition, as well as the destructive consequences of pride, glory, and vengeance. Achilles reflects the pursuit of eternal fame, constantly struggling with his own mortality. He fights not for politics or loyalty, but to secure a legacy that will outlive him. In contrast, Agamemnon represents unchecked greed and a relentless desire for power. Obsessed with conquering Troy, he is willing to sacrifice countless lives to achieve his ambitions. His downfall comes at the hands of Briseis, who kills him as he continues to speak of his selfish goals, even after his victory.
Troy (2004) Awards:
Academy Awards (77th Oscars) – 1 Nomination, 0 Wins
- Nominated: Best Costume Design – Bob Ringwood
Golden Globes (62nd Golden Globes) – 0 Nominations, 0 Wins
British Academy Film Awards (58th BAFTAs) – 0 Nominations, 0 Wins
