Alexander

Ever since I was in grade school, I knew ‘Alexander the Great’.  All this time I thought he was just a mighty warrior who never lost a battle, but until I saw this film, “Alexander” (Director’s cut), where I have said to myself for the first time, he is truly brilliant and far braver than I have ever thought.  

I think the film was great. With Anthony Hopkins (one of my favorite actors!) as the narrator, he really did an awesome job and delivered the story very effectively.  The film appeared to be realistic with its unbelievable brutality and forthright sensuality.  Although there are some parts of the movie baring complex plots, I have to say that the director did an awesome job on visualizing one of the world’s greatest histories. I was moved and impressed.  

At an early age, Alexander started his conquest. He continued his father’s aim to invade Persia using the well-oiled army created by his father and pushed the limits of Macedonian and Greek power to levels King Philip could not have dreamed of.  Alexander also conquered Egypt, Babylon and Persepolis. But out of all his conquests, the one which I was really astounded by was when he walked for miles across the sands, mountains, and jungles of strange and mysterious lands just to invade the eastern part of the world, particularly India. By doing that, he was able to conquer 90% of the world as it had been explored during his time, constituting the greatest empire the world had ever seen.

I have known of Alexander’s legend but this is the only time that I was able to understand why he ventured beyond his borders.  He was the son of Macedonia’s King Philip whose throne was inherited to Alexander soon after his father was murdered.  As a child, he was resolute in his dreams of myths, glory, and adventure.  I was really amazed in one of the scenes in the movie where the young Alexander was able to ride the untamed horse ‘Bucephalus’ when no other warrior could.  Also, when his father took him underground and told stories about all the images curved in the cave surrounding them and transmitting lessons of life to Alexander. The fact that he knew his mother Olympia and his father King Philip were not in good terms, it did not hinder his way of becoming an important figure in the world history.

When Alexander started his journey of conquering land, the bravery he displayed and the artistic plans employed by Alexander, vindicated his legion and provided sufficient proof that he is worthy of having the word ‘great’ attached to his name.  Alexander was an ordinary man with an extraordinary amount of determination and courage surmounting the world, including the incredible and possibly unique truth that he never was defeated in battle.  The brutal scenes, death, and blood made me see the bravery that people during ancient times had.  They were willing to risk their lives and let their blood shed just to obtain victory and triumph over another.  The armies who fought showed loyalty, service, and were willing to die for their King. In the film Alexander said, “Conquer your fear and you’ll conquer death.”