Trojan War (film)

Is the Trojan War Just a Flawed Love Story?

The Trojan War, a 1997 American teen comedy film, is more than just a story about unrequited love and misadventures; it’s a metaphor for the struggles of adolescence. Imagine the Iliad as a modern-day high school drama—wouldn’t that be a fascinating tale?

The Unlikely Hero: Brad

Brad, our protagonist, is a high school student with an unrequited crush on his classmate Brooke. He’s like the Odysseus of modern times, embarking on a quest to win over the heart of his beloved. But unlike Odysseus, Brad faces more mundane challenges—like trying to find condoms and avoid getting arrested.

The Plot: A Comedy of Errors

The film’s plot revolves around Brad’s journey, which is as unpredictable as a teenager’s life can be. He goes through various misadventures, including being held hostage and arrested, all in the name of love. It’s like the Odyssey, but with less epic battles and more awkward moments.

The Twist: Leah’s Feelings

After all his struggles, Brad finally gets a condom (a metaphor for the tools he needs to succeed), only to realize that the perfect girl was there all along—his best friend Leah. This twist is like discovering that Penelope has been waiting for Odysseus all these years, but in a much more relatable and less dramatic way.

The Box Office Disaster

Despite its intriguing plot, The Trojan War was a box office disaster. It made only $309 in ticket sales, making it the fifth lowest-grossing film since modern record keeping began in the 1980s. This is like finding out that your masterpiece of a painting has been accidentally left in a corner and no one ever noticed its beauty.

Similarities with Booty Call

Before its release, similarities between The Trojan War and another film called Booty Call were noted. This is like two authors writing about the same theme but in different ways—both trying to capture the essence of teenage life.

Actor Relationships

Interestingly, actor Will Friedle dated co-star Jennifer Love Hewitt at the time, leading to friendships with director George Huang. This adds a personal touch to the film, making it feel more like a real-life story than just a movie.

Reviews: A Mixed Bag

Reviews of The Trojan War have been mixed. Some praised its formulaic and predictable humor, while others criticized its lack of substance. It’s like saying, “Is this movie as good as the book it was based on?”—the answer is often yes, but sometimes no.

Is The Trojan War just a flawed love story? Or does it hold deeper meanings that we miss in our rush to judge?

In the end, The Trojan War is a reminder that love and life are full of unexpected twists. Just like in any epic tale, the journey is as important as the destination.