This movie is labeled as “TV miniseries” but in reality it’s just a movie in two parts.

I’ve seen it several times with my kids and I can safely say it’s one of the best films on ancient Greek mythology.

It’s also a decent representation of European Polytheism and mindset.

The pros of the movie –

– It’s relatively accurate and follows all the events of the book, albeit in a more straight chronological order.

– The acting is top-notch. You won’t find Hollywood mannerisms here, the move is theatrical (meaning actors get placed into a certain setting and actually act rather than film cut fragments), the dialogues don’t feel cheesy.

– The movie is funny and fun to watch. Polites becoming a pig is just hilarious, so are the monkeys, there are many other good moments.

– Unlike Troy, there are actual Gods in the movie, as it should be. Athena is done amazingly well, Poseidon is scary and Hermes is ethereal.

– Trojan war is depicted much better than in Troy in my opinion. It’s just an episode in the movie, but it’s chaotic, brutal, and Hector is quite scary, which is closer to the Iliad where he was accompanied by Mars, i.e. brutal senseless carnage and bloodlust. Achilles is much more wild and uncouth than in Troy, too.

– We get a better idea of the Homeric mindset and worldview from the movie. An interaction of powerful actors, each having with free will; perseverance, honor, victory, and retribution.

– The story of Odysseus is a story of a hero’s journey and restoration of order. The movie shows us that and exactly that. Penelope is just right, Telemachus is just right, Odysseus’ crew members are just right.

There’s minimal input from the movie makers, you more or less get the pure story the way Homer put it together.

The cons of the movie

There are not too many.

Perhaps, if you’re looking for a CGI blockbuster that will give you a sensory overload, you may be disappointed.

There are no expensive over-the-top effects, and that is a good thing because the movie is suitable for younger kids.

Pangan Father score: 9/10