Release Date:  May 14, 2004
Rating:  R (for graphic violence and some sexuality/nudity.)
Genre:  Action/Drama/War/Adventure
Run Time: 163 minutes
Director:  Wolfgang Petersen
Actors:  Brad Pitt, Eric Bana, Orlando Bloom, Brian Cox, Brendan Gleeson, Diane Kruger, Sean Bean, Julie Christie, Peter O’Toole

Wolfgang Petersen, acclaimed director of “The Perfect Storm,” “Air Force One” and “Das Boot,” brings the anticipated “Troy” to the screen, leaving us to wonder if all really is fair in love and war.

During a banquet celebrating a peace treaty with King Menelaus of Sparta (Brendan Gleeson), Prince Paris of Troy (Orlando Bloom) secretly makes love to the king’s wife. It is not the first time; Paris is a serial seducer. His brother, Hector (Eric Bana), notices the affair but says nothing. Hector is nevertheless surprised when, during their return trip to Troy, Paris reveals Helen (Diane Kruger) hiding aboard ship. Hector wants to return to Sparta, but reluctantly continues home, where their father, King Priam (Peter O’Toole) allows Helen to stay. If they force her to return, Priam insists, Paris will be executed.

Hungry for Troy after conquering all of Greece’s other city states, King Agamemnon (Brian Cox) uses the opportunity to avenge his brother, Menelaus, and attack the coveted city. They set sail with 50,000 men and their greatest warrior, Achilles (Brad Pitt). But Achilles fights for himself, not the king. So after a dispute between the two, Achilles refuses to fight.. Without him, Agamemnon fails to conquer Troy’s towering walls.

Hector advises patience, but Priam is flush with victory. Persuaded by prophecies from his priests, he decides to attack. During the fight, Hector mistakenly kills Achilles’ cousin, spurring the warrior to a deadly showdown. During the 12-day mourning period, King Odysseus (Sean Bean) plots to leave a gigantic horse on the beach filled with soldiers. Hopefully, the curious Trojans will take it into the city. The trap is set.