Troy

Over the weekend I watched the movie Troy which was released in 2004. Troy is based on the epic tale, The Iliad, which is about the fall of the great city of Troy. The film illustrates how the war between Sparta and Troy affects the warriors and rulers of each nation. Throughout the film I was able to spot many things that relate to the kingdom and the empire.
Aspects of the empire are clearly evident in the film. Menelaus and Agamemnon believe that power is everything just as the empire does. Menelaus wanted to attack Troy because he believed that his power was undermined when Paris stole Helen. Agamemnon entered the war because he wanted to expand his lands and his stretch of power. Achilles lived solely for instant gratification and personal glory which was apparent in his style of fighting.
During the film certain things are portrayed as “sinful”. The film is based on legend and in the time the film was set multiple gods were thought to be the rulers of human beings. Therefore the human purpose was to serve the gods. Achilles’ disrespects religion by plundering the temple of Apollo and his actions are condemned. Later Achilles dishonors Hector’s body after Hector puts up a good fight and Achilles’ actions are again condemned. Paris’ foolishness and selfishness is condemned, as well as foolishness in general.
Although there are many aspects of the empire in the film, it also promotes the kingdom. Community is promoted in the movie and is a feature of the kingdom. Even through all of Paris’ mistakes, the land of Troy and the leaders of Troy put up a united front. Hector is disappointed in his brother but protects him, nonetheless. The film demonstrates the brutality of war and shows how corrupt war can be when it is motivated by greed. It encourages a desire for peace. Troy also shows how a single act of selfishness can affect whole nations. This encourages a desire for justice and forgiveness, rather than violence and war. Overall it was very interesting to inspect the film with new eyes that are aware of aspects of the empire and the kingdom.