AGORA RECREATES EVENTS OF THE YEAR 391 IN ALEXANDRIA
While the Roman Empire was in decline, Alexandria flourished not just because of the famous library and archeological wonders but also the exercise of free speech, philosophy, and science, as depicted in Agora, directed by Alejandro Amenábar. The philosopher of the day is Hypatia (played by Rachel Weisz), who is particularly interested in astronomy. In the agora, the main plaza, Cyril (played by Sami Samir) boasts about the new religion, Christianity, and dares a pagan skeptic to follow his unscathed walk through hot coals. When a pagan takes up the challenge and burns, the pagans try to retaliate, thousands of Christian converts from out of town mobilize to respond, and soon the Christians have taken over with their next sights on the Jews and later the Roman legion, with Cyril assuming control from moderate Christians because of his grass-roots power base. In the process, the library burns, and scientific speculation ends. Although titles provide historical context for the action, and the love angle is fictional, parallels with present-day fundamentalisms are obvious. The Political Film Society has nominated Agora as best film exposé and best film on human rights of 2010. MH