Average Reviews:
(More customer reviews)Having enjoyed Homer's 'The Iliad' and Virgil's 'Aeneid' and as a long time fan of Greek mythology, I was looking forward with great anticipation to this mini-series. 'Helen of Troy' is a creditable follow-up to greek myth-based offerings such as 'The Odyssey' (starring Armand Assante), 'Clash of the Titans' and 'Jason and the Argonauts' (both versions) and is brought to us by USA Networks, which recently released the acclaimed mini-series 'Attila' (starring Gerard Butler).
The first half of the story centers on Helen of Sparta (Sienna Guillory) and Paris of Troy (Matthew Marsden). It introduces us to Helen's family - King Tyndareus, her sister Clytemnestra and brother Pollux (though his twin Castor is nowhere to be found) and shows the abduction of Helen by Thesseus, King of Athens (Stellan Skarsgard). We are also introduced to Paris/Alexandros who is fated to cause the destruction of Troy should he live. On his birth, Prince Alexandros is therefore left on top of Mount Aida to die but is taken in by a shepherd and raised as his own son (hence, re-named Paris).
As a young man, Paris discovers his true heritage and is reconciled with his family - namely, King Priam (John Rhys-Davies), Queen Hecuba (Maryam d'Abo), Prince Hector (Daniel Lapaine) and Princess Cassandra (Emilia Fox). Helen marries King Menelaus (James Callis) of Sparta, younger brother to the power-hungry and vicious King Agammemnon (Rufus Sewell), whose thirst for power is so great that he makes the ultimate sacrifice in his quest to become king of the Aegean. When Helen and Paris meet, fall in love and elope, the stage is set for Agammemnon to use the elopement as an excuse to declare war on Troy. Those of us who are familiar with tales of ancient Greece know how it all ends, but this adaptation does provide a few surprises and some notable changes to Homer and Virgil's tales.
Highlights of this mini-series are the memorable performances, attractive cast, high production values and outstanding special effects. Rufus Sewell ('Cold Comfort Farm,' 'The Very Thought of You' and BBC's 'Middlemarch'), newcomer Matthew Marsden ('Black Hawk Down'), Emilia Fox ('Pride and Prejudice,' 'The Round Tower') and veteran John Rhys-Davies ('The Lord of the Rings,' 'Indiana Jones') provide great performances. Kudos goes to Rufus Sewell for his fantastic performance as the hard-hearted and villainous Agammemnon. Matthew Marsden and Daniel Lapaine (Prince Hector - though sadly in a much reduced role) are likeable, handsome, charismatic heroes. The locations in Malta are believable and realistic. The story itself is compelling and provides a great introduction to those who are unfamiliar with the Trojan War.
The mini-series does have its shortcomings. For one, I was not impressed with Sienna Guillory's performance as Helen. To be true, anyone who takes on the role of Helen carries a great deal of weight on her shoulders. After all, very few women can live up to being called 'the most beautiful woman in the world.' Though pretty, Seinna's beauty and talent fall a little short of the demands of the role and she sometimes plays Helen as a pouty, simpering little brat. I was also disappointed at the treatment of Menelaus and Hector. While Menelaus (who barely fights in the book) is treated as this 'kick ...' warrior, the 'mighty' Hector (who is the equivalent of 'Gladiator's' Maximus and is one of the greatest warriors in classic literature) actually takes a good beating from his enemies! Achilles is, at best, a one-dimensional 'he man' who is all brawn but no brains.
All these grievances aside, this is an enjoyable mini-series that deserves to be seen. I will most likely purchase this when it comes out on DVD. Those who enjoy a good dose of mythology and ancient/classic tales will no doubt enjoy this. I am now looking forward even more to the upcoming film version of the Trojan War - 'Troy' (starring Brad Pitt, Eric Bana, Sean Bean and Orlando Bloom) - and hope to see a slightly different take on this classic story of love, hate, greed, revenge and honor.
Click Here to see more reviews about: Helen of Troy (2003)
Get 20% OFF
No comments:
Post a Comment