Savoy Film Club: Troja (OV)

People have always waged war. Some sought power, some sought fame or honor—others sought love. In ancient Greece, the passion of one of the most legendary lovers of all time sparks the war that will plunge an entire civilization into ruin: Paris, the prince of Troy, steals Queen Helen from her husband, King Menelaus of Sparta—an insult the king cannot tolerate. Family honor demands: When Menelaus is provoked, the provocation also affects his brother Agamemnon, the powerful king of Mycenae, who immediately summons the mighty tribes of Greece to seize Helen from the Trojans and thus restore his brother’s honor. But in truth, Agamemnon is merely using family honor as a pretext—in reality, his immense greed is the main motive: He must subjugate Troy if he is to secure the supremacy of his already vast empire. King Priam rules the walled city, which is defended by the mighty Prince Hector: this fortress has so far withstood all enemy attacks. Whether Troy wins or falls depends on a single man: Achilles—he is considered the greatest warrior of his time. Achilles is arrogant, rebellious, and virtually invincible—he takes no one’s side; he cares only about his own glory. Because he is determined to become immortal as a hero, he resolves to storm the gates of Troy for Agamemnon—but in the end, it is love that will seal his fate. In a war for honor and power, two worlds collide. Thousands are sacrificed for glory. An entire people is destroyed for love.