Historically accurate and completely wonderful

Rating: 10/10 (24 November 2004)

This movie is incredible! It got a lot of negative reviews, but I think for myself, and therefore saw it anyway. I had been following the production of the movie for a long time and was thrilled when I saw it on opening day (Nov 24). It was very very good. People complain and whine about the difference between Macedonia and Greece and the accents used, but these things are irrelevant to the story. I knew it would be good, but it blew me away with how great it was. Every actor, big and small, young and old, gave a captivating performance. I think, if I had enough time each day, I would watch it everyday and never be bored with it.
The complex relationships Alexander had with his family and lovers were well executed and SO realistic and brilliant. And Hephaistion's character was my favorite. Even after power and war drove Alexander slightly mad, Hephaistion kept calm and was there for him. Their relationship was so touching, me and my friend whom I'd seen it with were quietly melting in our seats for him, he was so excellent. You really love the characters, especially Hephaistion, because they are like people you know. Philip could be your dad, Hephaistion could be your best friend, these are people you know, only with different faces and costumes, but it is interestingly portrayed in the film how people are still the same as we were in 323 B.C.
Oliver Stone spent a long time studying Alexander the Great, so it's best to believe that everything shown in the film is accurate. As for length and content, I didn't find it long at all, the time flew, I didn't want it to end! It keeps you constantly pulled into the story and plot because of compelling performances done by Collin Farrell and Anthony Hopkins. And because it is an R movie, there are certain things parents might not want to let their kids see like graphic violence to people as well as animals, sexual content and nudity, and yes, Alexander is bisexual and has romantic relations with some men, but mostly Hephaistion. I was so excited about these relationships though, because it was a daring move not often taken by filmmakers. Luckily Oliver Stone has the guts and brains to not shy away from controversial topics. I hope that parents won't deprive teenage/preteens from seeing this if they want to. I don't think that anything in the movie was distastefully done. Very tasteful, I thought. Very very good job done by Oliver Stone and the actors!!!