"Your crime is that you tried to steal my world, the world I built with my hands, and my sweat, and my blood, the world I shared with a woman, who bore me my son, and no one will ever take that from me!!!" BEST QUOTE EVER.
Yeah, that one didn’t make any sense to me. He told his wife to move on if he doesn’t come back, she moved on, the guys who in the castle were jerks yeah, but they never killed anyone. Some of the nobles who wanted his wife were even giving his family large amounts of gifts. I know this a Greek tale, but if this were true, Odysseus’s kingdom would have been ransacked by other nations or pirates and no allies would come to his aid after hearing tales of inciting guests to his home and slaughtering them.
@@Unchainedful she didn't move on though, she knew the entire time that Odysseus was alive or at least suspected it, but she was pressured by people wanting to take over the throne to choose a suitor. She had several delaying tactics but once she was found out she was essentially forced to choose a new husband to be king of Ithaca, but even still she showed a certain cleverness by making that choice dependant on a trial that only Odysseus (and to some extent his son, Telemachus) could complete. As for why Odysseus would kill them? Well one of them was plotting to murder his son, and had thrown a stool at him when he initially returned disguised as an old man, one was having an affair with her maidservant and planned to continue that adultery even after marrying her to which Odysseus knew (he also threw another stool at Odysseus), and a third he actually tried to warn to stay away so that he wouldn't be killed but he ignored the warning and sided with the other suitors. A few others partook in the various plots to kill Telemachus, which either failed or were abandoned, and Odysseus who had been disguised as the Old Man for some time had witnessed these and learned of others. Odysseus also didn't "invite" those guests. They invited themselves to try to steal the throne, imposing their will on the queen under threat of implied death and murder of her son. They were not guests, they were intruders. And the surrounding city-states would have been told as much, of the betrayal of those men to their king, their intrusion on the castle, their mistreatment of the Queen, and their attempt to force the queen to marry one of them in the absence of the king. They would have judged Odysseus's actions as delivering justice to backstabbing nobles intruding on the castle and attempting a coup, not as a slaughter of invited guests.
"We treated your wife like a queen!" ...HOW? By harassing her every day and turning her house essentially into a drunkard's den?? Not to mention nearly killing her SON?! Wtf?
Best moment was that first burst of anger from the son. Lifted that dude to the top of the wall while impelling him. That's some true adrenalin and rage strength.
Three things one must never do in his life 1) Never mess with another man's Dignity 2) Never mess with another man's Money 3) Never Mess with another man's Woman
"What is our crime?" Breaking sacred hospitality, which is a pretty big deal, by loafing off the household's supplies without providing anything in return.
Kind of like of they uninvited-stole from Polyphemus; in a lot of ways Odysseus became Polyphemus; he had his mentality by the end; not wanting them to steal from him; in return killing them like Polyphemus did when they barged in to his cave. In a way Both were selfish. Understandably I see why he did it; they lived in his house hitting on his wife. but I just realized the connection between their mentality.
I watched this with my English class when we were studying The Odyssey. When the camera cut back to young Odysseus, the whole class was like, "AWWWW SHIT!"
Yup, now people get all buthurt when you say you're gonna knock a Nazi. Like, when did that become a bad thing, Indiana Jones and Captain America did that. A damn shame. people got too racist and soft skulled.
It was "predominantly" strength with some kind of "technique" involved. I take Odysseus was probably strong like Mike Tyson in his prime. Remember Odysseus was able to handle the wooden stake that put out the Cyclops( Polyphemus) eye and in those days the average man was probably much more dexterious than now so the fact that they couldn't bend the bow to string it means mainly strength.
It was a trick challenge in that it involved strength and technique but everyone always assumed that it was simply strength. Odysseus and his wife knew that strength alone was never enough, which is why his strength and crafty mind was always so highly regarded and respected in Iliad and Odyssey alike. When she first presented this challenge to the 'suitors', thinking him dead, she knew that he who could focus his mind and wits to adjust his strength to find the proper technique instead of the head on approach, might be suitable for her as a new husband.
We assume you're referring only to within this particular movie, correct? For if you were generalizing about _all_ movies, then you would most certainly be wrong.
The best screen adaptation of the Odyssey ever. When I first saw it, the quality of everything blew my mind. The sets, the costumes, the performances. Armand Assante was born to play Odysseus.
@@peterpuleo2904 I prefer this one over Kirk Douglas, they change a lot in the Douglas version. Odysseus knew who he was in the poem. I had a hard time believing that a bump on the head made him forget who he was in the Douglas movie. Though out the whole movie it was about Odysseus overcoming amasia and trying to recall who he was. That never happen in the poem. Armand Assante's version is way more faithful. Though his version has flaws as will like the lack of sirens.
his posture when he gets up is the best. It gives you that feeling of damn he ain't playing. And for the extra seasoning he walk to the thrown and gives a nice look around the room.
This movie reminds me of how some people are going to experience a great come back in their lives and those that hate them will be ashamed in Jesus mighty name Amen
Wasn’t a fan of Odysseus in the book, but in the movie he was really something else. I actually loved the film, one of the few movies I prefer to the book. I need to get these on DVD. I loved when Odysseus finally showed up for real & told everyone who he really was.
I watched this when I was in 6th grade. I’m college student now that was like 8 years ago. I think that’s what starts my interest in Greek and Roman stuff.
I remember how my uncle talked about the rage and hatred Odysseus' son kept in check for 20 years before his father gave him his blessing to unleash it boy did he ever.
One of the best "Oh Damn" moments in television history. I'm watching the DVD now and looking forward to seeing part 2 tomorrow. These network miniseries were really events back in the day.
@@phoebewalsh2041 Very few people know the story of the Sybilline oracle. I sat down in the exact spot where the Sybil sat. There's no feeling of any presence here, but the awe inspiring surroundings reminds you of the prophecy she made of the coming of a golden age and a child who would bring forth that golden age. Early Christians took this as a prophecy of the coming of Christ. Even Micaengelo gave her a prominate place within the Sistine Chapel. Of the prophecies the Sybll is most famous for in these modern times is her 'doomsday' prophecy, which tells of how the world will come to an end. It says the world would last for 9 periods of 800 years each or 7200 years. The 10th generation would begin approximately 2000 AD. This, she predicted, would be the last for humanity. The Sybilline prophecy reads: These things in the tenth generation shall come to pass: The earth shall be shaken by a great earthquake which will throw many cities into the seas. There shall be war. Fire shall come flashing down from the heavens; many cities will burn. Black ash shall fill the great sky. Then, know the anger of the gods...
SugarTomAppleRoger Virgil was a revisionist historian. The Romans believed they were descendants of the Trojan hero Aeneus, who escaped the fall and destruction of Troy. Aeneus led a group of survivors on a journey that mirrored the journey of Odysseus, and eventually they settled in Italy and became the Romans. For Homer, a Greek, the Greeks were the good guys and the Trojans the bad guys. For Virgil, a Roman, the Trojans were the good guys, and the Greeks the bad guys.
OkamsRazer As I was reading your comment I immediately started thinking of the Borg from Star Trek, and then you brought up that exact thing in the last paragraph! I was reading something recently about how the Founding Fathers looked to the Romans rather than the Ancient Greeks when writing the Constitution. Although we have inherited a lot of things from the Greeks, it has usually been filtered through the Romans. We get democracy from the Greeks, but their version of democracy was that on any given day 51% of the people could decide anything, and the very next day another 51% could undo what was done the day before. We have democracy to elect representatives, but they are part of a Roman style divided government with a Senate, executive branch and judges. As you stated, it seems the Romans excelled at taking what worked from different perspectives and adapting it to work for them.
And yet, his story doesn't end here. Odysseus visits his father Laertes one last time, and is saved by Athena from being murdered by his own people for killing the Suitors. He makes a last voyage, rules for many years, and is killed in battle when a ship captained by Telegonus, his son with Circe.
Mike Brammer The Greek heroes like Odysseus and the others of his generation were the equivalent 'Marvel superheroes' of ancient Greece. They were always good for additional sequels. Of all the Greek heroes who fought at Troy, Odysseus was one of the few to survive the war, make it back home, and have some version of a life with his wife and son. There was also some story about how Odysseus had to make penance for when he and his troops pillaged a temple dedicated to Poseiden, god of the sea, when Troy was destroyed. Odysseus had to carry a boat oar inland until he reached a point where the people wouldn't recognize what an oar was, and then build a temple there dedicated to Poseiden.
Not going to lie, I've only just seen this because of corridor. Who've made me really appreciate what goes on behind the scenes of a movie set. And wow, for its time this is a master piece. From the camera work, arrow effects and the implement of that guy. Fantastic.
One big difference regarding this scene in the book is that Odysseus eventually runs out of arrows and has to fight hand-to-hand, and he's also assisted by those two men guarding the door. But I really like this version better because it's solely father and son fighting back-to-back, seeking to restore the dignity of their household.
Odysseus is a man of honor. Persistent and he never gave up coming home to his family. Those who took advantage of his absence clearly forgot the most important custom in Greek society… Don’t. Fuck. With. Someone’s. Hospitality!
Odysseus - “Ok boys. Watch and learn something here. The trick is to keep your eyes on the axes.” Proceeds to shoot through the axes Odysseus - “Telemachus. The party’s over...”
a good actor. as a person not so much. met him several times. each time he was obnoxious and rude. not a nice person. those that wanted to talk to him or shake his hand, he was a complete jerk to them. tired or not, it was unnecessary behavior.
my faverite part. Suitor "who are you old man" (Odysseus take off his cloak shots arrow) Odysseus "you know who I am" Suitor "it's Odysseus RUN!" Odysseus slays them all.
of the three main suitors 1. Had the riches but not the crafty mind, nor strength. 2. One had the strength, but not the riches or crafty mind 3rd one had the crafty mind , but not the riches nor strength. Only Odysseus had all three.
One of my favorite Greek stories. Stories like this can unexpectedly happen in modern times. Odysseus left his home for ten long years during the Trojan wars. After surviving for a long time in the wilderness, he finally comes back home, only for his kingdom to be a former vision of his dream. He takes his revenge for the people who slandered it. Doesn’t that sound familiar to the politicians whom extort finance?
It’s safe to say that history, even in the Ancient World, can repeat itself in anyway possible. The Greeks whom left their home years ago have the yearning to return back to their home. It’s within their bloodline that it calls to them.
Shadowflame099 There is one part of the story of Odysseus that has really stood out for me. When Odysseus arrives home, he is disquised as an old beggar, and no one recognizes him. His dog Argo, which he had raised, trained and taken hunting before leaving for the Trojan War, has been faithfully waiting for him to come home. Argo is old, sick and can barely move, but it immediately recognizes Odysseus, and tries to rise to greet him and welcome him home. Odysseus is not yet ready to reveal his true identity, and so is unable to acknowledge the dog's reaction. Argo, having held on all these years for his master to return, and having finally seen him again, dies. It is telling that even in ancient Greece, thousands of years ago, that they knew that dogs were "man's best friend". Odysseus has been away for twenty years, his family thinks he is dead, his countrymen are trying to steal his wife and home, everyone has betrayed or forgotten him, but his dog has remained loyal, has faithfully waited, and is the only one to recognize and welcome him home. I am reminded of all this whenever I see videos of military personnel coming home from long deployments overseas, and their dogs go crazy with joy and excitement to see their beloved humans again and welcome them home. The ancient Greeks knew this was true thousands of years ago.
@@dongilleo9743 Homer was wise in knowing the human heart, even though he was dealing with myth. There's a reason we are talking about this great story 3,000 years later.
I wonder if anyone ever recreated this Bow test to see how difficult it would be? 100+ Lbs draw and precision aim to compensate for drop off arrow flight as it passes the holes.
4:06 The class that I was in a while back was watching this movie to compare it to the book we had read, and during this part, I exclaimed very audibly “HOLY SHIT!” (which is funny to me because I was one of the quiet ones). Not only did this kid lift a fully grown man with the end of a spear, but he made it go clear through his back, and enough of the spear went through to nail him solidly to the wall (which I think is made of stone).
I loved Vanessa L Williams portrayal of the tragic demigoddess Calypso, for a woman of such ethereal beauty yet forever alone, she truly loved Odysseus only to have her lonely heart crashed like waves into the rocks.
I just watched this again on Roku. There's some cheese to it, but for the most part, this movie holds up very well. I remember watching this when it aired on TV.
The lesson is not simply that, in a fight, experience and wisdom usually trumps youth, strength, and speed. It is that when you try to take what you think you deserve, you are likely to get what you actually deserve - to your regret.
The Armand Assante /Gretta Scacchi version. While I wish there were more Greeks in it, this version is by far my favorite... well acted and presented and the SFX didn't overwhelm the human story.
From hearing the comments, everyone in that room tried to impersonate an archer who (A) is the emperor of a village(I think it’s a village), (B)can shoot an arrow through 12(?) small holes of the helm of axes, and (C)has a son who is crazy strong with spears. I think any sain person would not do that if they know they where going to be a fake Odysseus in that room
Odysseus at the beginning of movie: "If there is a beard on his face and I have not returned, you must remarry." Odysseus returns home to find a beard on his sons face and that some guys have proposed marriage: "For that you must die in a river of blood."
Firstly, his son didn't have a beard yet, unless he shaved it off by this point. Secondly, they didn't just "propose" marriage. They turned his house into a filthy brothel, lived off of his family's food and drink without paying for any of it, harassed his wife, and threatened his son. They took advantage of a defenseless family while their men were away. That is not easily forgiven.
@@annapplegoldfinch6931 If you watch the full movie, when Telemecus and Odysseus returned to Ithaca on the same day, he indeed had a light beard. Queen Penelope actually felt his beard with a look on her face indicating she knew she couldn't delay remarriage any longer. Furthermore, it must have been legal under their law because Telemecus called the council of elders in an attempt to have the suiters kicked out of the palace, telling them exactly what the suiters were doing on the grounds, and the elders sided with the suiters, one of them specifically telling the suiters: "This is your right." I would assume that Odysseus, King of Ithaca, would know the law, killing them for immoral behavior but no tangible crime.
"Anybody can become angry-that is easy; but to be angry with the right person, and to the right degree, and at the right time, and for the right purpose, and in the right way-that is not within everybody’s power and is not easy" Aristotle.
There's a lot going on here, both literary and historical. Things to keep in mind: Homer (probably mythic or several people) lived several generations after the period of his stories. The Iliad is describing a war that occurred sometime during or before the bronze age collapse, several hundred years before our boi told the story. Though, yes, the city of Troy, and the war, were real, he's using mythological and literary license. Obviously the gods are fiction, but much of the story elements are also historically exaggerated, or outright anachronistic (Homer mentions the use of Chariots, which is impressive since they weren't used in his tome anymore, but he clearly doesn't know what they're for). Nevertheless, the culture if the age is preserved marvelously: This is Mycenaean greece, a country yet to exist. There are no greeks. There are Mycenaeans (from Mycenae, near modern day Sparta). There are Ithacans and Cretians, Minoans and Rhodians. The powerful city-states of Homer's day are just getting started out of the ashes, and humanity is more tribal than ever. Consequentially, when Homer says a king has been away from his fief for 20 years, we expect the low down vultures will be circling his kingdom. Both the audience Homer was writing for and the main character are well aware of what they intend: The suitors want to bed his queen and kill his son so they can have what is his. His Queen has a social obligation to do so, as a woman's duty is to, as Leonidas said to his wife should she become a widow, "marry a man and bear him good children". And, returning in the open can be deadly. He is at his most vulnerable and revealing himself is liable to kill him. Even his servants are untrustworthy, as the slave girls have probably been taken by the suitors, and the manservants bought and bribed. When one slave recognizes his based on a scar on his foot, he isn't sure he can trust her yet, and threatens to kill her if she blows his cover. So when Odysseus learns that his wife intends to stall the suitors by testing an old trick of his, he uses those skills he is known for to reassume his throne and eliminate the competition: His Bia (Might) and Metis (Cunning). The test is thus: Odysseus was known not only for his ramhorn bow, but for being able to shoot an arrow through a line of axeheads (Mycenaean axeheads were not a single solid piece, but a band with a hole in the middle). Odysseus smells the opportunity. He has what few servants he trusts hide weapons caches, and seal the courtyard. In the books leading up to the slaughter of the suitors he instructs the loyal members of his household to bar the doors of the courtyard, giving them precise instructions so as not to arouse suspicion, make sure that the suitors do not have access to his storehouse, ensure that the slave women don't tip off the suitors at the last moment, and station his men without arousing suspicion, giving them precise instructions as to where they're supposed to stand within the courtyard. A ramhorn bow is incredibly strong, and thus is difficult to string, but will break if done incorrectly. When the suitor tosses it aside, Odysseus' plan is in effect: the suitor gave up the armed position to Odysseus, who uses torque, not power, to string the bow. Like the suitors, the bow is beaten through cunning and steady strength.
Telemachus.......now is the right time to see your anger. This scene, especially in the context of the whole movie, perfectly explains why the Castle Law (Castle Doctrine) must never be thrown out in favor of the rightful owner abandoning everything to thieves and other criminals.