Common Sense Media Review
Violent, watered-down version of The Iliad.
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Troy
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 17 parent reviews
Based on 27 kid reviews
Kids say this movie offers a mix of exciting action and historical elements, though opinions vary on its appropriateness due to graphic violence and some sexual content. While it captures significant moments from Greek mythology, it also strays from the original epic story, which may disappoint purists, yet many recognize it as entertaining and educational for older teens.
- graphic violence
- historical inaccuracies
- mixed appropriateness
- entertaining action
- varying opinions
Summarized with AI
What's the Story?
Prince Paris (Orlando Bloom), son of King Priam (Peter O'Toole) of TROY, kidnaps the wife of King Menelaus (Brendan Gleeson) of Sparta: Helen (Diane Kruger), the most beautiful woman in the world. In return, Menelaus and his brother, Agamemnon (Brian Cox), take the Greeks (including Brad Pitt as Achilles) to war against Troy, partly because of Helen, but with the enticing benefit of conquering the Trojans.
Is It Any Good?
Aside from two key scenes centering on Achilles, this adaptation is uneven and unsatisfying. Troy's dialogue is as inconsistent as the characters' accents, with modern pronouncements like "we need to talk" and "do it!" alternating with wandering approximations of classical meter. In an attempt to make one of history's greatest epic sagas manageable on screen, the movie tells viewers both too much and too little about what's going on. It doesn't show enough about who the characters are and why their destinies are so entangled.
In its original form, The Iliad is a story about love, honor, betrayal, fate, ambition, and, of course, hubris—the adventure of the best warrior there ever was or will be. But this movie is the watered-down, greatest hits, Classics Illustrated version. It's mostly about the fighting. And Achilles doesn't rage so much as pout and glower.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how the mythology shown in Troy continues to be meaningful for generations throughout the centuries. Which elements of the tale are relevant to contemporary conflicts? The treatment of prisoners? The role of advisors?
Achilles was given the choice between a happy life and eternal fame. Why did he decide in favor of glory? What did he mean by saying that the gods envy us because we are mortal?
The film uses modern language and expressions like "we need to talk" and "do it!" Why do you think the writers decided to include current dialogue like this? Do you think it adds to the movie? Did you spot any other updates or changes?
Movie Details
- In theaters : May 14, 2004
- On DVD or streaming : January 4, 2005
- Cast : Brad Pitt , Eric Bana , Orlando Bloom
- Director : Wolfgang Petersen
- Studio : Warner Bros.
- Genre : Drama
- Run time : 163 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : graphic violence and some sexuality/nudity
- Last updated : August 5, 2026
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