Agora

Written and directed by Spanish filmmaker, Alejandro Amenabar, Agora is a historical drama set in Alexandria during a tumultuous time in Egypt's past when there was a growing movement away from mysticism & the worship of multiple gods to logic, reason, and monotheism (primarily Christianity). Enter the main characters, Max Minghella as Davus, the slave of astrologer-philosopher Hypatia played by Rachel Weisz. Davus turns to Christianity's message of hope and freedom while he fosters a growing love for Hypatia, though his master is an atheist. When a violent Christian purge of paganism in Alexandria boils over, the fate of Davus and Hypatia will decided....



I think the first thing one must be struck by after viewing this trailer is the beautifully epic scope of it. The opening shot that flies by the famed Lighthouse of Alexandria looks so natural and subtle that you are instantly transported to the time when one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World still stood. No expense seems to have been spared with costumes and sets as well, reminiscent of the epic Hollywood studio films such as Ben-Hur and Cleopatra. However, let us not forget that this is a drama set in ancient time; the story of Hypatia, who was murdered by Copic Christians during uprisings in the 4th century B.C., is generally thought of as the end of the Hellenistic Period of Egypt's history. With a capable actress such as Weisz in the pivotal role, I think Agora could be one of those rare period dramas that can capture modern audiences for its surprisingly contemporary themes.