Beautiful and erotic!

Rating: 8/10 (14 December 2006)

You don't know what you missed if you skip this movie. But of course, you have to be interested in ancient history and have some sense of literature. I got discouraged to rent the movie after reading so many negative comments but weird enough, I couldn't stop thinking about it and seems I trust my sixth sense more. Finally, I decided to judge myself and, I REALLY ENJOYED AND LOVED IT! Like reading a beautiful interesting history book to remember our past journey. This film was very well done in general. This is not an "action" entertaining kind of movie. Don't compare it with "Troy" of which the battles some people don't even care about. It is about Alexander's life and love, his dreams, his visions, ideals, his glory and his conflicts with reality. Colin Farrell did a good job even though he could be more polished. The casting and acting is good if not great. The story, cinematography, costumes, music, battle scenes are beautiful. The accuracy of the history was generally commented. I praise Olive Stone for his courage to make a big film about this historical great warrior. It is never easy to portray a hero's life in less than 3 hours film and have perfect focus. Stone knew the risk in critics would be "high" but tried the best to accomplish what we should know about Alexander. Alexander - an idealist, a dreamer, a progressive, a brave action taker. He is a great warrior, but on the other hand, he is intellectual, kind, sensitive and loving. The love between him and Hephaistion is so beautiful. How could or should anyone portraying Alexander ignore his love of life, someone shared his dreams and deeply affected his action? Alexander died eight months after Hephaistion passed away. Stone is faithful to this part too.
I'm so disheartened to read many low ratings, nasty comments or even hostile reaction. What issues blocked our mind and eyes? Ignorance, uninterest or carelessness about our great history? Is this movie too artsy or difficult to comprehend? Not at all. Does it need a bit patience or sense of literature? Definitely. What happened to our American culture and why can't be more objective and patient to look through the history part rather than expecting the excitement of action? And sure enough, later on I found out this film made much more money from showing oversea than in our own country. It was appreciated much more in foreign countries. Isn't it telling something? Be independent. Give a fair and balanced judgement!