Alejandro Amenábar (The Others, The Sea
Directed by Alejandro Amenábar (The Others, The Sea Inside).
Agora is a 2009 historical drama directed by Alejandro Amenábar, starring Rachel Weisz as Hypatia of Alexandria — philosopher, mathematician, and astronomer — during the violent religious and political upheavals of 4th-century Roman Egypt as Christianity rises and the ancient world fractures.
At a Glance
CountrySpain
DirectorAlejandro Amenábar
Release2009
Why Agora is worth watching
Agora is a 2009 historical drama directed by Alejandro Amenábar, starring Rachel Weisz as Hypatia of Alexandria — philosopher, mathematician, and astronomer — during the violent religious and political upheavals of 4th-century Roman Egypt as Christianity rises and the ancient world fractures.
Alexandria, 391 AD. Hypatia teaches astronomy and philosophy in a city where pagan, Jewish, and Christian communities coexist uneasily. Her slave Davus (Max Minghella) loves her silently while the Roman prefect Orestes (Oscar Isaac) seeks her counsel and affection.
As religious fanaticism spreads, mobs attack the Library and the old order collapses. Hypatia continues pursuing scientific truth — including heliocentric models of the solar system — even as the city around her turns brutal.
Amenábar's film is epic in scale but intimate in focus: the end of antiquity seen through one woman's intellect and the world's refusal to let her keep it.
Rachel Weisz as Hypatia in the last days of Alexandria's Library
Rachel Weisz
Rachel Weisz stars as the real historical figure Hypatia of Alexandria.
One of the most expensive Spanish
One of the most expensive Spanish productions of its era.
Depicts the late Roman period and the
Depicts the late Roman period and the destruction of the Library of Alexandria.
Story
Rachel Weisz as Hypatia in the last days of Alexandria's Library
01
Hypatia of Alexandria
Rachel Weisz plays the philosopher-mathematician at the centre of one of history's most famous intellectual tragedies.
02
The Library falls
The film stages the destruction of Alexandria's ancient knowledge amid rising religious conflict.
03
Science against fanaticism
Hypatia's pursuit of astronomical truth continues even as the city around her descends into violence.
Cast
Main characters and performers
Behind the Scenes
Directed by Alejandro Amenábar (The Others, The Sea Inside).
Rachel Weisz stars as the real historical figure Hypatia of Alexandria.
One of the most expensive Spanish productions of its era.
Depicts the late Roman period and the destruction of the Library of Alexandria.
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FAQ
What is Agora about?
Agora is a 2009 historical drama directed by Alejandro Amenábar, starring Rachel Weisz as Hypatia of Alexandria — philosopher, mathematician, and astronomer — during the violent religious and political upheavals of 4th-century Roman Egypt as Christianity rises and the ancient world fractures.
Who directs Agora?
Alejandro Amenábar directed the film.
How long is Agora?
Approximately 127 min.
Where can I watch Agora?
Check MovieLinks for current streaming and purchase options in your region.
