Long, but very well done

Rating: 6/10 (5 May 2005)

** HERE BE SPOILERS **
Recap: Well, the rise and fall of Alexander the Great. It begins with Alexander as a young boy, son of kin Filip. We get to see his schooling and training. Finally with follow Alexander on his great conquest to the east, beginning with the conquest of Babylon and finally the battle in the deep forests in India. The focus is spent mostly on Alexander as a person and his visions and relationships with his mother, wife and generals (and especially Hephaistion).
Comment: This is a truly epic movie. It is very well done with concern for details. Colours and scenes are very beautiful and breathtaking and battle scenes massive. It is spearheaded by director Stone and a very competent cast including Farell, Kilmer, Jolie and Hopkins. However, even if Alexander is mainly busy with war and conquest the tempo of the movie is slow and the action-paced battle scenes are far between. It is an interesting story that is told, but the movie is simply a little too long. It almost grows dull, even if I believe it is rather historically accurate. Another problem I personally had is Farell as Alexander. Farell is a very competent actor, but with his hair dyed blonde he just didn't seem credible as Alexander. It seemed out of place. In conclusion, an average movie with very nice cinematic aspects.
6/10