The greatest legend of all was real|Nov. 21, 2004|United States | United Kingdom | Germany | Netherlands | France | Italy | Morocco | Thailand|175 Min.|R
Genre: Action;Adventure;Drama;History;Romance;War
Description: The story of *Alexander*, set in 285 BC, is narrated by Ptolemy I Soter. It follows the life of Alexander the Great, who grows up under the influence of his mother Olympias and his tutor Aristotle. As a young man, Alexander develops a passion for love, honor, music, exploration, poetry, and military combat. His relationship with his father, King Philip, deteriorates when Philip marries Eurydice, the niece of Attalus. Alexander’s refusal to accept Attalus as his kinsman leads to a heated argument with Philip, resulting in his banishment from the palace.
After Philip’s assassination, Alexander ascends to the throne as the King of Macedonia. Ptolemy recounts Alexander’s military campaigns, including the destruction of Thebes and the burning of Persepolis. The narrative highlights his declaration as the son of Zeus by the Oracle of Amun at Siwa Oasis, his decisive victory over Persian Emperor Darius III at the Battle of Gaugamela, and his eight-year conquest across Asia.
The film also delves into Alexander’s personal relationships, particularly his bond with his childhood friend Hephaistion, his confidant Bagoas, and his wife Roxana. Hephaistion draws a parallel between Alexander and the legendary Achilles, prompting Alexander to liken Hephaistion to Patroclus, Achilles’ lover. When Hephaistion mentions that Patroclus died first, Alexander vows to follow him into the afterlife if he were to perish first.
Hephaistion’s jealousy surfaces when Alexander marries Roxana, and his sadness deepens as he tries to distance her from Alexander after the murder of Cleitus the Black in India. Despite initial resistance from his soldiers, Alexander persuades them to join him in his final and bloodiest battle at the Hydaspes River. Although severely wounded by an arrow, he survives and is celebrated as a hero. The film concludes with Hephaistion’s death from an unknown illness, speculated to be typhus contracted during their campaign in India.
Cast director: Oliver Stone
Cast actor: Colin Farrell, Angelina Jolie, Val Kilmer, Jared Leto, Jonathan Rhys Meyers, Anthony Hopkins, Jessie Kamm, Christopher Plummer, Connor Paolo, Patrick Carroll
Original name: Alexander