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Agora is a historical drama film that takes place in 4th century Alexandria, amidst the conflict between the rising Christian religion and the traditional polytheistic beliefs. The movie follows the story of Hypatia (Rachel Weisz), a philosopher and mathematician who is highly respected for her intelligence and knowledge. She teaches at the Library of Alexandria, which is a hub for knowledge and learning, attracting scholars from all over the world.

As the city becomes more divided between the different religious factions, Hypatia finds herself caught in the middle. She is surrounded by students and colleagues who are steadfast in their beliefs, but their opinions and loyalties start to shift as violence and intolerance take hold in the city. Hypatia is unflinching in her commitment to knowledge and reason, which puts her at odds with those seeking knowledge through faith and ideology.

Meanwhile, her slave Davus (Max Minghella) falls in love with her, but he is unable to confess his love because of their social and cultural differences. He gets involved with the Christians who see him as an opportunity to gain access to Hypatia and her teachings. Oscar Isaac plays Orestes, the governor of Alexandria, who is in love with Hypatia and also struggles with the rising tide of religious fervor.

The movie is an excellent portrayal of how the intellectual traditions of the ancient world were slowly being replaced by the religious doctrines of Christianity, and how that change led to the suppression of knowledge and intolerance of diverse perspectives. While the Christian characters are portrayed as being ruthless and intolerant, the movie does not shy away from the flaws and weaknesses of the characters on both sides, making them more human and relatable.

Agora is full of stunning visuals, with vibrant sets and costumes that transport us back to an ancient world. The Library of Alexandria itself is a breathtaking sight, with towering bookshelves and brightly-lit halls filled with scholars and students. The movie's depiction of ancient Alexandria is one of the most immersive and detailed in cinema.

Rachel Weisz's performance as Hypatia is superb, and she brings a quiet strength to the role. Her character is complex and nuanced, displaying both vulnerability and intelligence. Max Minghella's character is also a standout, as his loyalty and love for Hypatia drives much of the drama in the second half of the movie. Oscar Isaac also delivers a great performance as Orestes, the conflicted governor who must navigate the complex political and social landscape of Alexandria.

Overall, Agora is a thought-provoking movie that explores themes of knowledge, faith, and tolerance in a way that is both accessible and engaging. It is a must-see for history buffs, philosophy enthusiasts, and lovers of epic dramas.

Agora is a 2009 adventure movie with a runtime of 2 hours and 6 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.1 and a MetaScore of 55.