Why we remember the Achilles vs Hector fight

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The Hector vs. Achilles fight from Troy (2004) is one of the most iconic duels in cinematic history. In this video essay, I break down how the fight's visual storytelling, choreography, and character dynamics make it so unforgettable. From Achilles' mythic presence to Hector’s quiet acceptance of fate, every shot tells a deeper story. We’ll explore the use of cinematography, shot composition, and editing to highlight the emotional stakes and power dynamics of the scene. This is more than just a fight, it’s a clash of pride, duty and destiny that still resonates with audiences today.

#troymovie #HectorVsAchilles #bradpitt #ericbana #CinematicStorytelling

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My dad would joke that Achilles was going to be out of stamina for the fight because he was outside the gate yelling “HECTOR!!!” for too long 😂

thethchamber
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Another element in the Iliad not pictured here, is that this fight is a metaphor for Achilles choosing his own fate. In the Iliad, the prophecy is that Achilles will fight in the war and die in the war while achieving immortality, or will long a long happy life and be known by no one. Achilles is set to pull out of the war and return home to live happily ever after, when Patroclus is killed. Hector kills Patroclus (who is wearing Achille's armor) and takes Achilles armor and wears it as his own. The gods make a new set of armor for Achilles, and its magnificent compared to the old set. When Hector and Achilles duel, it's like the new immortal Achilles is dueling the old Achilles (Hector in his armor), and Achilles killing Hector is like Achilles killing his old self, killing his chance at a family and happiness, and sealing his fate per the prophecy. It's a powerful metaphor seated within an already powerful plot.

DopyWantsAPeanut
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I love the short scene of Achilles breathing hard. He’s winded…. And you can tell that he’s impressed. And that he loves it. You can tell he loves that he finally gets to fight a peer opponent. Just a second on the screen but it’s so great and adds so much.

FokkerAce
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To this day, I still haven't come across any character that fights like Achilles did in Troy. His combat style was so unique.

JayVicky
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Might want to put a spoiler alert, the story has only been around 2, 700 years.
Great breakdown man!

Rhyskendall
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I remember seeing this in theaters. The intensity of this fight within the theater was unreal. My heart was racing like hell and you had the feeling in the pit of your stomach that you can’t derail what’s about to happen. This definitely has to be one of the best battles and choreograph I’ve ever seen. Honestly, I thought the movie was masterfully directed and definitely is timeless.

chrisjacobs
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I won't let a stone steal my glory is such a badass line

angelcanez
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One of the best duels in cinematic history. So entertaining, so well shot, so beautiful.

shadowmane
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I remember seeing this fight for the first time and how emotionally crushing it was to see such an honorable warrior be picked apart and viciously killed in full view of his family he desperately wants to and ultimately fails to protect.

cpfpv
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Something that sells Achilles mythic fighting prowess, at least for me, is that in almost any other movie like this, a protagonist would block an attack. But often Achilles will move his leg or whatever out of the way instead. IMO that feels like something you could only do if you were so unbelievably skilled you’re almost divine.

akanji
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I love that one shot where Achilles takes a deep breath, you can see it in the face its the first time a fight has gone this long

drointhewind
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One of my favourite movies ever, ashamedly underrated. This is one of the best fight scenes ever put to film.

kyleVanZan
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Shaky camera is the greatest disgrace of the hacks dabbling in cinema. This fight is shot like a poetry in motion.

Zed-fqlj
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Great video. This film is up there with 300 for me so it’s nice to see a critique of this fight done so well.

samh
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"There are no pacts between lions and men" is some next level dialogue

DarrellTurnerJr
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The thing I love about this film is how it seems to be a translation of the original that does away with the magical and supernatural aspects of the original, and yet it still seems to at least allow for the possibility that there is some truth to the magic after all. Really a brilliant film.

crowbar_the_skull
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One key aspect that I love about this scene, is that when Hector comes out to face Aquiles, is the background.
It shows why and for what they're fighting for.
Hector is fighting for his family and city, something that matters thus why its filled, whereas Aquiles is fighting for hismlef and his pride showing us an emptiness behind him, meaning he's fighting for nothing.

ARVETDEG
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This film is one of my favorite war films of all time. It’s a beautiful portrayal even though the subject matter is so grim.

chrismathis
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It also benefits from blows aimed at the opponent instead of blows aimed at their sword. Every strike is purposeful instead of theatrical. Even blows directed at shields are clearly designed to stagger and push and not just for an audience

likelovehahawow
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This has always been one of my favorite fights scenes. The static camera and the wide shots let you see exactly what is going on, and the actors did a phenomenal job. I enjoyed your breakdown and evaluation of the scene.

hstafford