Brilliant Epic.

Rating: 10/10 (16 February 2005)

Undoubtedly one of the finest films of the year, Oliver Stone's Alexander is a masterpiece of epic proportions. Detailing Alexander's life from an ambitious, yet delicate young man with dreams of glory and achieving mythical status, to the rise of the world's most astounding conqueror. The sounds of the entire film thunder in one's mind for hours after leaving the theater, with the echoing of horses galloping into battle and the clash of steel, Alexander is one not to be missed.
The film has a typical Oliver Stone feel, and this added with the sheer gargantuan scale, leaves one very impressed to say the least. Surely a film to be just as much loathed as much as loved, Alexander has definitely made its mark, no matter what side you've take when leaving the theater.
There are however some major errors that cannot be simply looked over by the public, especially when paying tribute to such a legendary figure. The cast selection is highly questionable, with the likes of the young Alexander sporting a distinctly strong Irish accent and some prominent English accents in other cast members. Oliver Stone once again pushes things too far, and whilst there is nothing wrong with each person's sexual choices in life, the figure of Alexander should have been delved into a more interesting manner.
Alexander gives a battle speech on "For the Freedom and Glory of Greece" and not a single Greek looking cast member can be found in the film nor is the language itself used, apart from one sentence from Ptolemy. Other than that not much fault can be found in the performance of either Farrell as Alexander, or Leto as Hephaestion, with Angelina Jolie glowing with beauty as Olympias, mother to Alexander.
It is in fact the addition of Val Kilmer as King Philip of Macedon, who delivers a performance worthy of a king and Hopkins as Ptolemy that really boosts the quality of the film to a different level. In the end, everyone is a critic and there is no wrong from right when it gets to personal opinions regarding film. There are some aspects that cannot be forgotten nor forgiven and yet still the film is extremely enjoyable and short brilliantly. Watch and share your opinions because it's true that they will vary wildly.