Wolfgang Petersen’s 2004 historical epic originally received a mixed critical reception for being a "dumbed-down" adaptation of Homer’s Iliad . However, the release of the Director’s Cut in 2007 significantly altered this perception, transforming the film from a standard summer blockbuster into a more visceral, character-driven tragedy. Running 196 minutes —33 minutes longer than the theatrical version—this cut restores Petersen’s original vision, emphasizing the grim reality of ancient warfare over Hollywood spectacle. Key Differences and Enhancements
The Director's Cut introduces hundreds of small edits and several major sequences that change the film’s tone: