Why I enjoyed it and my friends didn't.

Rating: 10/10 (2 December 2004)

Alexander is probably going to be one of the more controversial movies of the year, in that most people will either hate it or love it. It's all a matter of taste. As a drama/historical documentary sort of film, it's almost unparalleled. It's one of the first times I have ever seen a Hollywood film that is unafraid to show the "TRUE" elements of that time period. Anyone who is a fan of historical accuracy and is well-versed on the culture and relationships of that period will recognise that love between men was acceptable and is recorded in some of the most famous writings of those times; well, the uncensored versions anyway.
I ventured into the film actually expecting another one of Hollywoods over-the-top exaggerations (ie, Troy...) but I was pleasantly surprised to find that this film actually seemed to portray the way things likely were with out major alterations on well-known facts. Yes, there were parts that were slow in the film, but the development of the characters and their motivations were thorough and precise. I for one enjoyed it.
However, my friends didn't feel the same. I saw the film with five others. One walked out halfway through because he thought it was boring. One thought the film was generally okay, but a bit slow. The other three were some what icked out by the somewhat "demonstrative" homosexual aspects in the film. They didn't personally have anything against it, but I think they were ill-prepared for how blatant it is throughout, even though you never really see anything besides kissing, a few slaps on the butt, and hints of more. I doubt a Hollywood movie has EVER shown male-love quite in this way. I think many people will find it shocking to say the least. But again, if one is well-versed on that period, enjoys historical accuracy, and is fairly open-minded... I think that this can be overlooked.
I'm fairly sure this movie will be a love it-or- hate it one. I personally loved it, and if you enjoy historically accurate films and are fairly open-minded, then I recommend at least watching this to know whether you enjoy it or not. Three hours of your time (and probably a bathroom break) and you might find yourself pleasantly surprised... or not. **shrugs** It's all a matter of opinion, now isn't it.