Watch Alexander the Great

Alexander the Great, released in 1956, is a sweeping epic that tells the story of one of history's greatest conquerors. The film stars Richard Burton as Alexander, with veteran actor Fredric March playing his father Philip II, and Claire Bloom portraying the beautiful Barsine. Directed by Robert Rossen, the movie spans three hours and covers Alexander's life from his childhood through his rise to power and ultimate death.

The movie opens with a young Alexander being educated by the great philosopher Aristotle (played by Barry Jones). He learns about philosophy, politics, and warfare, and it becomes clear early on that Alexander is destined for greatness. Meanwhile, his father Philip II is busy forging alliances and consolidating power in ancient Macedonia.

As Alexander grows older, he yearns for more power and glory. He convinces his father to let him lead the Macedonian army into battle against the Greeks, and he emerges victorious. However, the victory is short-lived, as Philip II is assassinated and Alexander becomes king at the age of twenty.

From there, Alexander sets out on a mission to conquer the world. He leads his armies through Asia Minor, defeating the Persian forces led by Darius III (played by Harry Andrews). Along the way, he meets and falls in love with the beautiful Barsine, who becomes one of his wives.

Alexander's conquests take him through Egypt and into India, where he faces harsh terrain and fierce resistance. His troops begin to falter, and he becomes increasingly paranoid and ruthless. His closest allies, including his childhood friend Hephaestion (played by Peter Cushing), worry about his mental state and his ability to lead.

Despite facing many obstacles, Alexander refuses to back down. He ultimately triumphs over his enemies, but at great cost. The film ends with Alexander on his deathbed, reflecting on his life and his legacy.

Alexander the Great is an epic in every sense of the word. The sets and costumes are lavish, and the battle scenes are grand and sweeping. Richard Burton gives a powerful performance as Alexander, capturing both his charisma and his flaws. Fredric March is equally impressive as Philip II, portraying the character as a complex and layered figure.

The supporting cast is equally strong, with Claire Bloom bringing depth and nuance to her portrayal of Barsine, and Peter Cushing providing a loyal and poignant portrayal of Hephaestion. Harry Andrews is a formidable opponent as Darius III, and Stanley Baker is effective as Alexander's rival, Memnon.

The film also boasts a memorable score, composed by the legendary Mario Nascimbene. It is a stirring, bombastic soundtrack that perfectly complements the film's grandiose themes.

One of the most impressive aspects of Alexander the Great is the way it balances spectacle with character development. While the battle scenes are undoubtedly impressive, the film also takes the time to explore Alexander's psyche and motivations. It presents him as a flawed and complex figure, driven by a desire for power and glory but also haunted by his own mortality.

Overall, Alexander the Great is a cinematic tour-de-force. It captures the scale and ambition of Alexander's conquests while also delving deep into his character and motivations. The film remains a classic of the historical epic genre and a testament to the enduring appeal of this larger-than-life figure.

Alexander the Great is a 1956 adventure movie with a runtime of 2 hours and 15 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 5.8.