The Human behind the Legend.

Rating: 10/10 (2 December 2004)

I went to see this movie last week after it came out. And I looked here for advice, even though most of the reviews didn't favor the movie I went to see it any way. Boy did I see something different then what they did. It was just a true story of a man, a leader of an Empire. It was all the things that I expected from it. There have always been major disputes over Alexander's intentions for what he did. I personally feel that this movie picked the true ones. He lived for the people; he gave himself for them, fighting side by side with them. Alexander was an inspiration for the people of a huge era.
And for all of you out they're who say that his movie has nothing of a historical background I have this to say. This is taken from the World Book Encyclopedia. "Alexander the Great (356-323 Bc) was the first world conqueror and one of the most remarkable men in history. He led his armies almost to the end of what was then the civilized world. Alexander was born in Pella, Macedonia, the son of Philip of Macedon, who was an excellent general. His mother Olympias, Princess of Eprius, she was brilliant and hot tempered. Alexander inherited the best qualities from both his parents. But he was even more ambitious then his father. Alexander's mother taught him that Achilles was his ancestor, and that his father was a descendant of Hercules. He also learned the Iliad, a story about the deeds of Achilles, which he carried with him everywhere he went. Achilles became Alexander's model in all things." This is only a brief section about Alexander the Great. If you people would only pick up a history book every now and again maybe you would realize what you are actually seeing.
Throughout the movie, which is meant to be biographical, you see Alexander in his life. There are exact quotes from his father such as, " O my son, seek out a kingdom worthy of thyself, for Macedonia is too little for thee." Also there is a close attention to detail, if you would notice during the night of his wedding, there was a dagger and a copy of the Iliad under his pillows. How can you sit there and bash a true piece of World History? It's not meant to be a movie about war scenes, how bloody does each side gets, it is a movie about a man. Who are you to dare a legacy that will live last past your own lifetime?
The movie has amazing visuals, worthy of the Sun God. The acting was well done other then a few overacted and lengthy sections. The battle scenes were worthy of praise. Overall I would have to say that this is one of the best historical movies that I have seen in a very long time.