Notice to fans of mythology and history, you can not miss a series telling the ancient adventures of Homer as well as other Greek epics such as the Cyprian Songs. Troy: Fall of a City was launched by Netflix and the BBC in early April 2018. The mini-series created by David Farr, has a season of 8 episodes. Does the series require a close look? Justfocus answers you. Warning this article may contain spoilers.
Synopsis:
In search of the woman promised by Aphrodite, the shepherd Paris discovers his true identity, falls in love with Helen of Sparta… and triggers the Trojan War. Mixing intrigue, action, and drama, the myth of Homer is here revisited through the great figures of the Trojan War, such as Ulysses, Agamemnon, Patroclus, Achilles, Menelaus, Hector, Andromache…
A visual asset:
From the first episode, we are immediately amazed by the shots and the shimmering colors. The scenery and landscapes instantly plunge us into the ancient world of Troy. As for the costumes, the series did not skimp on the means. The filming locations are particularly suited to the adventures of Paris, son of Priam. Suffice to say that visually, the work was of a real quality. Aesthetically speaking, we can afford to admire the series.
An almost anonymous cast:
At the casting level, we quickly realize that the actors are not necessarily headliners, or even for some almost anonymous. The acting remains quite mediocre see sometimes empty and unsuitable for the situation. Helen of Troy is particularly bad in her role, which is so central to the story. However, we recognize familiar faces such as Alfred Enoch, aka Dean Thomas in the Harry Potter saga also appearing in How To Get Away With Murder, or Joseph Mawle playing Benjen Stark in Game Of Thrones. Despite a rather poor acting, it is still necessary to highlight a staggering performance. It is that of Joseph Mawle, embodying a Ulysses tormented between his honor and his values. His participation is a real revelation, he that we had seen so little in Game Of Thrones, as well as in an appearance in the series Sense 8.
An interesting bias:
Regarding the myth itself, the story is somewhat watered down but the path is rather right. Diversity is more present in this version of the myth of Troy. Indeed, actor David Gyasi plays a black Achilles. This bias marks an evolution in the current state of mind of cinema, that is to say a black actor who can embody a hero as mythical as Achilles, a phenomenon that is observed too little before. In addition, this version of the myth chose to personify gods and goddesses such as Zeus or Aphrodite. An interesting choice to realize the religious impact of the gods in antiquity.
State of the art:
The Netflix series co-produced by the BBC makes its contribution to adaptations of Homer's myth and is worth a look. Even if the series format allows to bring a number of details of the story, it is very much inspired by the film version of Wolfgang Petersen, Troy , released in 2004. It is then difficult to make the weight and to distinguish oneself in front of a monument such as this film. If we stick to the historical veracity of the series, it is not always accurate. Troy: The Fall of a City is still a pleasant series to watch, but is obviously not of great depth.
And then?
Depending on the review, the peplum could have a sequel in a season 2. It would then be a question of adapting Homer's Odyssey . Nothing is confirmed yet, but a script has already been ordered. It would then perhaps be an opportunity to focus on the only character and actor who has aroused interest in the series: Ulysses.
Trailer Troy: The Fall of a City
