Alexander the Great is legendary in ancient military history. With youth, cunning and a brilliant tactical mind, he ruled for 13 years, eventually forming one of the world’s greatest empires. The veritable Alexander the Great has crafted the highlights of his extraordinary story with expansive perspective and meticulous research.
Alexander’s reign was marked by almost constant fighting. Using all the skill and energy he had inherited from his father Philip II, Alexander set out in 334 BC. He was only 20 years old then.
Featuring stunning computer animation, artistic renderings, and detailed map collages, the movie effectively breaks down every battle along the way. We witness Alexander’s strategic brilliance and insatiable bloodlust. One such anecdote of the latter involves one of his most important soldiers and friends – the black Cletus – whom he eliminates during a drunken argument.
The film outlines Alexander’s prodigious skills on the battlefield, including his unique army formations and his escalation of attacks one city and one region at a time. While the filmmakers focus primarily on the intricacies of Alexander’s struggle, they also pay close attention to the man’s psyche—his paranoia, determination, and repulsive arrogance. We learn about his marriage to Roxanne, his untimely death of suspicious causes at the age of 32, and the cruel fate that awaited his closest companions after his reign. At the time of his death, he was undefeated, having conquered countries from Greece to Pakistan.
The film delves into an intricate story filled with dozens of characters, each of whom can request their own documentary. To its credit, all of these characters, locations, and details are made accessible through an excellent narrative script.
Alexander the Great is a must-see and educational journey through an exciting and brutal period in world history. Military history buffs will be especially impressed.
Directed by: Toby Groom
