InformationRap This is one of the few movies I've ever seen where the whole audience broke into spontaneous, loud applause a third of the way in.

Invaderbank The film creates a perfect balance between action and depth of basic needs, in the midst of an infertile atmosphere.

Geraldine The story, direction, characters, and writing/dialogue is akin to taking a tranquilizer shot to the neck, but everything else was so well done.

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

buiger A very ambitious project for a made-for-TV-movie, also rather well crafted I might add.It's a pity it takes so many liberties with the 'official' storyline, the one told by Homer and recanted for generations thereafter, it would have been a much better movie if it was 'historically' (or better said, mythologically) accurate. The Greeks will definitely not be pleased...Unfortunately, the film also has far too many flaws, and among others I believe it is an understatement to say that Achilles is ridiculous... With some small adjustments in the script and casting, this could have been a much better film. In this way, it is just below average.

prakash_brahaspat This is the most inaccurate film on the Trojan war. Achilles and Agamemnon were never on the same page. This movie makes it seem as if they were friends when they really hated each other. In the real story there was never a conversation between Paris and Menalaus. Achilles was shot in the heel when Troy was burned. Furthermore the whole Trojan war was about the glorification of Achilles this movie barely mentions Achilles. This is the worst version of The Illiad ever told, for accuracy watch Troy. In Troy it truly makes you feel as if you are reading The Illiad this movie does such a bad job that Homer is probably turning in his grave as we speak. Don't watch this movie it is horrendous and a joke of the true story.

my_suicide_doll 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.

lessirk_11 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.