Agora
Directed by Alejandro Amenábar
- adventure
- drama
- history
The story
A historical drama set in Roman Egypt, concerning philosopher Hypatia of Alexandria and her relationship with her slave Davus, who is torn between his love for her and the possibility of gaining his freedom by joining the rising tide of Christianity.
What it’s like
Sun-bleached and sweeping, with wide frames of marble colonnades, dusty ochre streets and a deep blue sky, the film lets its ancient city breathe as the camera drifts slowly over crowds and across the great library's reading halls. Candlelit interiors glow amber against cool stone, and the score, mostly strings with low choral swells, rises and falls with the heat of the streets. The rhythm is measured and contemplative, with long philosophical conversations held in steady two-shots, until the final act breaks into handheld chaos as mobs take over the city. The emotional register is melancholy and intellectual, a divided heart set against a city tearing at its own seams. Violence is present and lands hard: sword fights, mob brutality and some bloody moments in the later stretch, though little is lingered on for gore. Romance is tender and restrained, with no sexual content. A dusky, thoughtful epic for rainy evenings, for viewers drawn to ancient history, philosophy and grand, unhurried visuals.
More films like Agora
Closest in mood, pacing and theme. Tell us why you loved Agora and we’ll explain which ones fit you.
