videogamersoasis
Powerful, intelligent and ultimately tragic depicting the battle and ultimate end of The Age of Reason by the hands of Ignorant Dogma. A Very disturbing ending and that is good. It leaves you stunned and torn inside for days after. I rated Agora 9/10 on IMDb. Learn more and add it to your Watchlist
Filipe Neto
This film is very interesting for several reasons, but the main is, in my opinion, going over a troubled period, decisive for the construction of the modern world: in this historical period, the classical culture (Greco-Roman matrix, but absorbing cultural and religious characteristics of other peoples, like the Egyptians) will face a morally motivated Christian community, decided to lie paganism on the ground. This film deals with the collateral damage suffered by scientific knowledge, thanks to Christian fanaticism and association of classical scholars with paganism.While there were several clashes between Christians (mostly because of heresies, which are never spoken in this film), they usually had a more defensive attitude with the heathen, that history remembers as persecutors. This attitude has changed in the end of the Roman Empire, when Christians achieved to be socially important. That's what the film portrays when Christians (particularly Parabolani, volunteers caring for sick and dead without being monks, that later became the bishop's "guards") persecute and kill the heathens. They, in turn, choose to convert, bulk and quickly, to Christianity, which give us the idea that the city, in a few days, went from a pagan majority to a Christian majority. History belies the film: it is a fact that the conversion of the pagans took more than a century. When conflicts portrayed in the film occurred, probably most of the city was already Christian. Conflicts also arise against Jews, being urged by bishop St. Cyril of Alexandria (proof that a saint does not have to be an angel). The conflicts between him and other Christian patriarchs (Antioch, Jerusalem, Byzantium, Rome) are never spoken in the film. Thus, we can conclude that the script, by Alejandro Amenábar (who is also the director) and Mateo Gil, is a pale and highly partial reflection of all these conflicts.The cast, headed by Rachel Weisz and Max Minghella, does a reasonable job. Weisz plays the lead role, Hypatia of Alexandria, a mathematical and astronomer who really existed and is considered one of the brightest minds in the late classical period. Its a very good actress who has made some notable films and shows again her versatility. Minghella also made a good performance as Davus, a platonic lover of Hypatia. Finally, one word to the costumes and scenery: the costumes seem to fit the period and place, with its classical influences; however, I don't believe that Alexandria (in particular its library) were so similar to a pre-classical Egyptian temple, especially if we consider that the city was founded by Alexander the Great and the archaeological excavations reveal a deeply classical city, much like Greek or Italian cities.This film is a fairly regular film: despite neglecting the historical truth in various ways and at various times, and despite the highly partial and negative portrait of Christians, the film shows an interesting time, where a lot has changed very quickly, as well entertains the audience and tells a good story.
eklavya cwk
This average good movie holds something important. Now, why average good? Compare it to the 400 Blows, Apu Trilogy, Tokyo story and such others, there is a margin for best upto AgoraBut wondering what makes it special, I was displayed with two important aspects. The life of a Scientific Brain and the religious turmoil. If one thinks over it, the director made an absolute blend of Hypatia and people. Whereas one feels astound on her realization of the case of a perfect figure, the balanced figure circle itself being a special case of ellipse which can be realised through a cone as a conic section, at the same time we are visualised over how all kind of religious folks corrupt and misuse the simple and guiding principles. It doesn't take a moment or the beautiful idea to be moulded in the cruel and hampering thought just for personal ego satisfaction. One can justify anything everything and there will always be statements that will shut our mouth of logic for the logicality of those statements.Intentionally or unintentionally, the blend got great and significant.
petarmatic
I did not believe that i did not review this title before. What an extraordinary film! It goes right to the bottom of everything. With a fight of religion during all of our lifetimes, this is a film to watch for all who understand what is happening in the world today.Plot is fantastic, acting is fantastic, cinematography is fantastic, everything about this film is fantastic! I watched this film several times, which is a rare occurrence for me, since I very rarely watch films more then one time.I strongly recommend that anyone who wants to discuss religion or have an opinion about it watch this film, and not only them. It is a film which atheists and believers should see. Eyeryone should see this film! What a great film! Please make an effort to see it and try to understand it.
