One of the most anticipated movies of the year, ‘Alexander' is a strikingly valiant attempt at telling the story of one of history's most revered icons. With mind-blowing visuals, and commanding direction by Academy Award-winner Oliver Stone, the film holds true to its tagline, “Fortune favors the bold.”

     Told in a non-linear way, the biopic is recounted through Anthony Hopkins, who narrates the life of Colin Farrell's character throughout the course of the film. Most of the movie is all talk, as many have already noticed, and may be quite a bore for those in favor of Troy and King Arthur-ish combat.

     Farrell proves in the film that he is indeed a heck of an actor to be reckoned with. His performance is just packed with sheer intensity and vigor - this is a role he'll be remembered for. The accents used in the film are pretty annoying, particularly Angelina Jolie's depiction of Olympias, mother of Alexander. Val Kilmer, playing Philip, drunken and bewildered father of Alexander, is feasibly competent enough for the role.

     Of course, the film, just as ‘Fahrenheit 9/11' and ‘The Passion of The Christ' had earlier this year, has its own share of notable controversy. Greece has already banned ‘Alexander' for its bisexual portrayal of the Macedonian conqueror, one of their most significant national idols. In the movie, Alexander is revealed to be the gay lover of his best friend Hephaiston, rendered by Jared Leto, despite having a wife of his own. Disturbing as I found it to be, it is for the most part necessary to build each of the characters and mount a conniving conflict.

     Two monumental battle sequences highlight the film's emotional core, bringing the blood-drenched Farrell to tears and ultimately, his glory. The battles in ‘Alexander' are the most realistically depicted war scenes I've seen on celluloid. The confusion in the sand and dust of the Battle of Gaugamela finally brought the swords-and-sandals genre a true picture of what ancient warfare was really like.

     Imagery is utterly stunning, and vastly spectacular. Colors are used to its fullest potential, taking the epic biopic to the next level, as well as Vangelis' breathtaking soundtrack. Stone continues to be the master storyteller he has always been, and ‘Alexander' is wholly a triumph. This is truly the epic ‘King Arthur' and ‘ Troy ' sought to be.

     The insanity yet genius of Alexander the Great is perfectly embodied in the picture – the passion and obsession for power and glory, love and lust, valor and pride. Stone's epic biopic is close to the greatness of Braveheart and Gladiator, but though I find the film remarkable, I will not recommend it to everyone; just those who are seeking an atypical Hollywood production.

My Grade: A-

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