Alexandria, Egypt. 391 A.D. The World Changed Forever.|May. 17, 2009|Spain|127 Min.|R
Genre: Adventure;Drama;History
Description: In 391 AD, Alexandria is part of the Roman Empire, and Hypatia, a Greek philosopher, teaches at the Platonic school, educating future leaders. She is the daughter of Theon, the director of the Musaeum of Alexandria. Hypatia, along with her father’s slave, Davus, and two of her students, Orestes and Synesius, navigates the evolving political and social climate. Hypatia rejects Orestes’ romantic advances, dedicating herself to science instead. Davus assists her in her studies and harbors secret feelings for her.
As religious tensions rise, Pagans and Christians clash, challenging Roman authority. When Christians desecrate pagan statues and cause a priest’s death, the Pagans retaliate but are overwhelmed by a larger Christian mob. Theon is severely injured, and Hypatia, along with other Pagans, seeks refuge in the Library of the Serapeum. The Roman Emperor’s envoy declares the Pagans pardoned but allows the Christians to seize the library. Hypatia and the Pagans flee, attempting to save vital scrolls before the library is destroyed. Davus joins the Christians and later returns, assaulting Hypatia but ultimately breaking down in tears and offering his sword as penance. She frees him from slavery.
Years later, Orestes, now a Christian, becomes prefect of Alexandria. Hypatia continues her scientific research, studying the movements of celestial bodies. Christians mock her belief in a spherical Earth, questioning how people at the bottom wouldn’t fall off. When asked for his opinion, Davus avoids controversy, stating only God knows such mysteries.
Cast director: Alejandro Amenábar
Cast actor: Rachel Weisz, Max Minghella, Oscar Isaac, Ashraf Barhom, Michael Lonsdale, Rupert Evans, Homayoun Ershadi, Sami Samir, Richard Durden, Omar Mostafa
Original name: Agora