Review of Agora (2009) by Blind P — 30 May 2010

Directed by: Alejandro Amenabar.

Running time: 126 min.

Release date: May 28, 2020 (Limited).

Genre: Drama.

Distributor: Newmarket Films.

MPAA Rating: Not rated.

This well crafted historical drama is set in ancient Egypt, the city of Alexandria, under the Roman Empire's rule. It is assumped to be the 4th century when Ancient Greek theology was based on polytheism: that is, the belief of many gods and goddesses. There was a hierarchy of deities, with Zues, the king of gods, having a level of control over all the others, although he was not omnipotent. Zues was the sky-god, sending thunder and lightning. Poseidon ruled over the sea and earthquakes, and Hyperion ruled over the sun. Not to forget Aphrodite controlled love.

With an international cast, Rachel Weisz (Academy Award winner for THE CONSTANT GARDENER) plays Hypatia of Alexanderia the astronomer/philosopher, and Max Minghella (SYRIANA) plays Davus the slave. In fine support of the main characters is Oscar Isaac (BODY OF LIES) as the governor of Orestes, Rupert Evans (HELLBOY) as bishop Synesius of Cyrene, Ashraf Barhom (THE KINGDOM) as Ammonius a Parabolani monk, Sammy Samir (NATIVITY) as bishop and saint Cyril of Alexandria, and veteran actor Michael Lonsdale (MUNICH) as Theon of Alexandria, father of Hypatia and director of the Museum of Alexandria.

The story centers around the beautiful Hypatia who leads a group of disciples in saving the Ancient World as she comes to believe as the true world. She teaches several men who she knows such as her slave Davus, who is torn between his secret love for his mistress and the possibility of gaining his freedom by joining the rising influence of Christianity. Another man, a disciple, is the witty and charming Orestes who competes for Hypatia's affection by attempting to use his privilege status. He later becomes Bishop of Cyrene. However, the surge of the unstoppable Christian ranks are to overthrow the old pagan rule as atheist Hypatia tries to hold on to her beliefs and experiments of the heavens.

Perhaps the plot does not give a history lesson, but that's alright. Because with dramatic license the filmmaker Amenabar gives the audience romance, action/adventure, and politics as fill-ins. The set design gives the appearence of Alexandria at this period in time as a colorful place much like our contemporary cities of New York, Los Angeles, Paris and London. The characters in this film masterfully play an important role in Hypatia's story as they occupy the streets, temples and palaces of Alexandria. Rachel Weisz gives a brilliant performance as she deals with the climate of violence and confrontation in her stance against the socio-political debacle. It is quite remarkable. The supporting cast are great and bring a most diverse creativeness to their fictional characters.

This is a very impressive historical period piece film. As biopics go, this displays a solid fact based theme and allows a fictional narrative explode on screen. With crisp pacing and terrific performances by a great ensemble, I enjoyed this movie.

Review by Gerald Wright.