Agora

2009

Romance

Drama

2h 7m

A historical drama set in Roman Egypt, concerning a slave who turns to the rising tide of Christianity in the hopes of pursuing freedom while also falling in love with his master, the famous female philosophy professor and atheist Hypatia of Alexandria.

Directed by:

Alejandro Amenábar

Written by:

Alejandro Amenábar

Mateo Gil

+1 more

Starring:

Rachel Weisz

Oshri Cohen

Rupert Evans

Michael Lonsdale Sami Samir Ashraf Barhom

Max Minghella

Homayoun Ershadi

Oscar Isaac Harry Borg Richard Durden Manuel Cauchi

Genres:

Romance, Drama, Adventure, History

Country:

Spain

Language:

English

More information at IMDb

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Agora

2009

Romance

Drama

2h 7m

Your probable score

Ratings & Reviews Cast Collections Similar Stats Trailer

Avg Percentile 54.38% from 1184 total ratings

Ratings & Reviews Cast Collections Similar Stats Trailer

Ratings & Reviews

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glumpy_99

Rated 04 Jan 2012

A challenging, thought provoking masterpiece; intelligently written, highlighted by plausible and moving human relationships, an even handed and fair depiction of all religions (albeit the destructive effects); superlative performances right down the line; Weisz is heartbreaking as compelling lead character; Lonsdale very effective as her father. Potentially uncinematic philosophical concepts beautifully illustrated; film is exciting, and genuinely scary, during its action and carnage scenes.

Rated 04 Jan 2012

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muutanet

Rated 11 Feb 2010

Very well done historical drama about a woman who believed in science and was surrounded by big religious movements. The message of the movie was clear and brutal. Lots of CG aerial view of the city of Agora. Alejandro was focusing more on historical facts than people involved in it.

Rated 11 Feb 2010

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paniskalpel

Rated 05 Apr 2010

Maybe a little bit boring at the beginning, but brilliant as a whole. Great presentation of christians as brain-dead motherfuckers and really stupid and fucked up sons of bitches. The last scene was incredible. I'm very grateful for showing how human (in this case Hypatia portrayed by Rachel Weisz) was able to love science. Still enjoy being atheist.

Rated 05 Apr 2010

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Spunkie

Rated 21 Mar 2010

I'm not sure what to make of Agora. It takes several bad turns, still worthy of praise in a few others. What got me hooked is not religious angst, but representation of a science woman portrayed beautifully by Weisz.

Rated 21 Mar 2010

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Difontaine

Rated 07 Jun 2011

I have to praise it for the ambition. Trying to combine the decline of a civilization, religious fundamentalism and a women's struggle to make scientific breakthroughs? Hard to do and it falls short. I do wish they had done two films, one for Hypatia and one for the world she was living in. Overall, it never becomes more than it's individual parts which is a shame. Also, I thought Rachel Weisz did well with what she had, but the film never let's her show the strength of the real character.

Rated 07 Jun 2011

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doganay

Rated 04 Nov 2011

same shit, different day...

Rated 04 Nov 2011

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chemical404

Rated 15 Sep 2010

Tiring and melodramatic look at proto-dark-ages, when stoning was everyones favorite pastime. Amenábar tried to make more ambitious 'sword and sandals' film, but the drama doesn't work and the film doesn't do justice for the story of Hypatia. Budget restrains shows is those mediocre CGI aerial shots. I never thought religion bashing can be so boring and depressing.

Rated 15 Sep 2010

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thehynes

Rated 15 Apr 2014

those who attack this for lack of historical accuracy presumably have no problem with the Bible, which is of course bang on the money.This film is a warning about religious zealotry & it's impossible not to see the parallels with what another sect of 'people of the book' happen to be doing in that part of the world these days.Well worth a watch,makes you think - religious intolerance,the subjugation of women and a peep,however distorted,at a long lost world.We're all on this rock together people

Rated 15 Apr 2014

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backwardsuit

Rated 13 Jun 2017

Very much modelled after some generic movie tropes & big narratives about western civilization which both clarifies & constrains this ambitious historical tragedy. The involving & relevant themes are only held back by a slightly inadequate portrayal of religious extremism. Tries to cut & paste so many historical & dramatic elements that it inevitably feels quite contrived. Weisz & Isaac are ofc very watchable & Amenábar paces the somewhat clunky plot with calm arresting cinematic flourishes.

Rated 13 Jun 2017

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Derekstar

Rated 07 Mar 2011

Oh man, this movie is so good. Ridiculously under-seen, I had never even heard of it until like a year after it came out. Sitting around philosophizing about the Universe is so much more interesting than fight scenes. I'm just sitting there 100% rooting for science, thinking "no, you've almost got it!" Also, the shots of Earth from space were awesome. I was quite moved by them. Kind of made me feel a combination of awe and despair. Hope and hopelessness. A unique feeling. Highly recommended.

Rated 07 Mar 2011

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st_fly

Rated 16 Feb 2010

Average. Its strange that the filmmakers here managed to disect such sheer history into three slices and then focused on each individually without ever bringing everything together as a cohesive whole. The Alexandrian sights, though somewhat impressive at first, quickly feel drab due to repetitiveness. Neither the plot nor the characters manage to fascinate you including Hypatia. Indeed a very big disappointment. Not recommended.

Rated 16 Feb 2010

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Barthalen

Rated 25 Aug 2010

It might have been the conflicted characters, truly gorgeous cinematography, haunting music and dark look into religious fervor, but I was impressed with Agora. The shot of Earth from space while we can still hear screams of its inhabitants gave me the chills. I was feeling a lot of tension in the first half, and impotent rage in the second. I could have done without all the Christians looking like scruffy murderers, but that's a minor gripe. Engrossing throughout.

Rated 25 Aug 2010

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Bitch Alert

Rated 19 Jul 2010

It doesn't quite function as it should, the complexity of the subject matter hinders the effect of the beautiful pictures. Rachel Weisz is gorgeous, as always, as the beautiful philosopher, Hypatia, and strong performances do carry the film a long way. As does the cinematography that captures much of the Roman empire from above, reaching all the way to space. It is a shame that these shots of the Earth feel a bit detached because the script never quite captures the essence of Hypatia's struggle.

Rated 19 Jul 2010

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FrederikA

Rated 06 Mar 2020

Engaging, nuanced, well-acted and beautifully filmed historical drama, postulating that the rise of fundamentalist christianity in the later years of the Roman empire is directly responsibly for setting back scientific progress by a millennium or so... While the ambitious narrative had been better suited for a mini-series, the message here is something I can wholeheartedly get behind.

Rated 06 Mar 2020

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mikedadude

Rated 26 Apr 2010

Poor plot which lacks a sufficient direction. The story seems to try to do too much at times. Also thought it was too long. The only redeeming part of this film was the directing. Otherwise, a fairly poor film.

Rated 26 Apr 2010

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aatx1228

Rated 12 Mar 2012

Outstanding production values, good actors, great director. Really underrated film that play's as a thinking person's film.

Rated 12 Mar 2012

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nothingtosay

Rated 16 Aug 2011

While I find the part of the discussion of acient philosphy interesting, the human relationship of all the major characters are disappointing. I am aware that some of the incident is based on actual historical account, but I still find some events somewhat contrived.

Rated 16 Aug 2011

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Marston

Rated 07 Sep 2011

A movie perhaps let down by lack of a proper script. Beautiful acting by almost everyone, especially Weisz. If only there were more good things to say about this film...

Rated 07 Sep 2011

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capodelnulla

Rated 23 Aug 2020

karakterlerin kuruluşu, motivasyonları, ilişkileri ve onların sosyokültürel düzeyde konumlanışları bir tarihsel film için hayli incelikli. amenabar'ın yönetimi de ilk dönem işlerinde olduğu gibi gayet zarif. iki farklı dönem üzerinden giden hikayeler biraz daha derinleşse ya da belli anlar wikipedi girdisi gibi bir özet havaya sahip olmasa benzersiz bir filme dönüşebilirmiş. ama feylesofun düşünme halini ve heyecanı yakalayabilmesi bile kendisini janrada ayırıyor.

Rated 23 Aug 2020

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Octave

Rated 19 Feb 2010

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fra paolo

Rated 23 Dec 2013

Solid historical spectacular, which fails to make as much as it ought to of the class issues it reveals. Bonus points for showing just how the ancients got to some correct answers through misunderstanding the evidence.

Rated 23 Dec 2013

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jorge

Rated 01 Nov 2010

DNF

Rated 01 Nov 2010

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Daph_NL

Rated 31 Aug 2014

The movie isn't exceptional in any way. But it does show the narrow mindedness of people especially when it comes to religion. The movie is not good, but not bad either. 55/100.

Rated 31 Aug 2014

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astrakhan

Rated 03 Oct 2012

Through the sets and costumes Agora achieves a certain unique feel - it's the first time I've seen ancient Alexandria depicted on film - though I didn't care much for the harsh cinematography. The film's various themes of religion, mathematics, knowledge and gender did not fit together well in my eyes. The story was too vague and the love triangle was both hackneyed and uninvolving. Few points of interest outside of Rachel Weisz's character. Ambitious project but not much of a film to remember.

Rated 03 Oct 2012

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Deathcrow

Rated 08 Mar 2010

Pretty good movie that somehow left me with a 'empty' feeling in the end. Could have done more but achieved quite a lot with it's limited repertoire.

Rated 08 Mar 2010

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gatoquente

Rated 12 Apr 2019

My SCORING: 99-96=Great; 95-90=Very good; 89-85=Good; 84-80=So-so; 79-70=Boring; Below 70=Forget it.

Rated 12 Apr 2019

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andayb

Rated 30 Aug 2010

While Amenabar's audacity in sticking to the organized religion is very commendable, his narrative lacks focus, his editing and pacing is on par with cheap religious propaganda movies. The substance of the story of Hypatia is solid, and very notable, but Amenabar squanders the chance to create a classic by riddling the movie with weird aerial shots, and employing some no-name actors for the major roles.

Rated 30 Aug 2010

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Sol_Mortoo

Rated 20 Aug 2012

boring

Rated 20 Aug 2012

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Tavington

Rated 14 Feb 2010

Excellent drama by A.Amenábar but with a bit overdone the tension between different religions. Main idea is presented with real savageness and probably not far from truth thus I wouldn't be surprised if this film gets on Vatican's blacklist. Romatic elements are really unnecessary and somehow do not fit in. Also Hypatia's role is there just for beginning and ending, to fall in and out of the movie, not having any real weight compared to religious matters.

Rated 14 Feb 2010

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QtheAlmighty

Rated 25 Aug 2013

Less about Hypatia and her slave crush and more about watching bigoted and bloody-thirsty religious people ruining EVERYTHING, even though the film wants you to think it is all about Hypatia.

Rated 25 Aug 2013

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TheRealJ-Ro

Rated 03 Dec 2010

REVIEW TO DO

Rated 03 Dec 2010

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arandur

Rated 18 Mar 2010

Basarili, etkileyici. Islenis ve oyunculuklar acisindan pek begenmemekle beraber tarihi bir gercekligi yansitmasi izlenir kiliyor.

Rated 18 Mar 2010

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Stain

Rated 04 Jun 2010

Heaven knows it's commendable to make a movie about how religion is sort of like a disease, in that it infects people's minds and leads them to hunt down and kill anyone who thinks. This just doesn't work very well as drama, however. More like brutal violence and handwringing for two and a quarter hours, with the bit where Hypatia gives Orestes a cloth stained with her menstrual blood a possible new low in bad taste in "art" films

Rated 04 Jun 2010

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Radres

Rated 02 Nov 2010

Quite good, but has narrative problems. Other than that, the only issue i had was that Hypatia was not portrayed as strong as she supposed to be.

Rated 02 Nov 2010

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nauru

Rated 24 Jun 2010

Pretty dark stuff actually. Very immersive visually, but the plot could be tightened up.

Rated 24 Jun 2010

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wayofthegun

Rated 27 Mar 2011

It's an ambitious project, to be sure, but Amenabar does not maneuver the subject matter successfully. There seems to be minimal-to-no direction taking place as it felt like things were very discombobulated for me. If one is more interested in this subject matter than most, they may enjoy it, but the average movie-watcher is not going to like Agora.

Rated 27 Mar 2011

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TheEscapist

Rated 12 Jan 2013

I really wanted to like this because I adored the premise and its ambition. I do like Rachel Weisz and her performance but ultimately the film feels 'so-so'.

Rated 12 Jan 2013

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spacefloh

Rated 17 Dec 2016

ger; [Agora - Die Säulen des Himmels]; in alexandria zeigt eine philosophin und astronomin ihr können, während verschiedene kirchen versuchen ihren einfluss in alexandria zu vergrößern.;

Rated 17 Dec 2016

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ephedrin

Rated 13 Mar 2010

Rise of the radical christianity and birth of the Inquisition thinks.

Rated 13 Mar 2010

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lostinlodos

Rated 07 Aug 2010

Yet another display of the retched enslavement to the christian fantasy cloud people worshipping cult of nonsense.

Rated 07 Aug 2010

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iyisinek

Rated 10 Jul 2011

tarihi, iskenderiye, iskenderiye kütüphanesi, hristyanlar ve paganlar, hristyanlar ve yahudiler, kitap yakilmasi, ögretmen, pagan ögretmen (pagan ögretmen dünyanin hareketine kafayi takmistir. hristyanlarla paganlar arasinda sehirde bir mücadele vardir. sonunda hristyanlar iskenderiye kütüphanesine saldirir ve oraya siginan paganlar kacar. hristyanlar kütüphaneyi yagmalar. ikinci kisimda yahudilerle mücadele ederler. ayni zamanda pagan olan ögretmen finalde öldürülür. film gereksiz uzun. final i

Rated 10 Jul 2011

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aalperraa

Rated 26 Mar 2015

26.03.2015, Yurt

Rated 26 Mar 2015

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ehk2

Rated 22 Nov 2011

a good film about the stupidity of organised religions.

Rated 22 Nov 2011

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Okkervil

Rated 05 Oct 2010

"Agora" does little more than just about get most things to an okay standard. The acting is okay, the cinamatography is okay, the script is okay... you get the message! The cheap CGI aerial shots add nothing, & for a film above the 2 hour mark its pacing is uneven & plot underdeveloped. Most of all "Agora" will leave you frustrated with Amenábars direction, as potentially this movie (as a concept) has every ingredient for a good historical biopic. Yet without fail Amenábar squanders all of them.

Rated 05 Oct 2010

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driscarpin

Rated 19 Jun 2022

Nunca quis tanto uma reação de riso no Letterboxd quanto para colocar nas resenhas de machinhos cristãos dando uma estrela pra esse filme porque ficaram ofendidinhos da maneira que o cristianismo foi retratado. Rá! Enfim, o filme não me agrada particularmente, tem todos os clichês narrativos de épicos históricos possíveis, mas como a vida da Hipatia supera isso e o diretor está bem equipado em retratar a sordidez e misoginia eterna das religiões monoteístas, então o saldo é positivo. Na Mubi.

Rated 19 Jun 2022

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flowerone

Rated 18 Aug 2023

بنظرم میخاد بگه هر جا مذهب وارد شده باعث خونریزی، تفرقه و زوال تمدن ها شده

Rated 18 Aug 2023

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zuleyka

Rated 28 Mar 2010

It felt a little too exalted, but the story was interesting and Rachel Weisz was really great. Solid.

Rated 28 Mar 2010

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tarwebrood

Rated 27 Apr 2012

27/4/2012

Rated 27 Apr 2012

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danastevens

Rated 30 Nov 2012

Like "Spartacus," this movie is engaging because it's actually about something: the love of learning, the clash between science and religious faith, and the grim fact that political change often proceeds on the foundation of mob violence and genocide. Agora engages more effectively with this kind of big historical idea than it does with human drama.

Rated 30 Nov 2012

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pompousass

Rated 31 Jul 2010

A funereal toga party commemorating the culture clash in a majestic computer-generated Alexandria. It is no surprise -- although given the locale, and given the drift of current events in the region, it is an undoubted provocation -- that the Christians, out from under the Roman sandal, get fingered as the prime movers of religious intolerance, desecrators of the all-embracing Library of Alexandria and martyrizers of the 4th-century philosopher and mathematician Hypatia

Rated 31 Jul 2010

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McLaren

Rated 09 Mar 2020

?skenderiye Kütüphanesi

Rated 09 Mar 2020

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glm

Rated 02 Apr 2012

59.000

Rated 02 Apr 2012

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TV+Film-Hub

Rated 10 Jan 2011

Difficult to watch, religiously/politically pandering yet believing itself to be edgy! It just doesn't work for me.

Rated 10 Jan 2011

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siegfriedwa

Rated 26 Jan 2011

Decent movie although the soundtrack lacks originality. Dario Marianelli repeats his theme from V for Vendetta en steals the eastern Aaahaaahaaah-singing voice from gladiator.

Rated 26 Jan 2011

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mike365365

Rated 05 May 2021

Could not finish.

Rated 05 May 2021

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EastonD

Rated 07 Apr 2011

CHRISTMANITY IS EVAL

Rated 07 Apr 2011

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TheDailyNathan

Rated 21 Jan 2012

First off, to enjoy this movie you have to drop your pretensions of historical truth at the door. If you're too preoccupied with finding allegories in Atheism vs. Religion, you simply can't enjoy it for what it is, which is a fantastic story that packs it all - it's primarily a character drama (and does this superbly), yet mixes in philosophy and a surprising amount of action as well. All the actors are brilliant in exposing their emotions and motives. Some of the shots are just plain gorgeous.

Rated 21 Jan 2012

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