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Alexander the Great
1956 136 min Spain, United States of America PG 6+
★5.3
Adventure, History, Drama, War
Director: Robert Rossen
Trailers
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Description
An engrossing spectacle set in the 4th-century BC, in which Alexander of Greece leads his troops forth, conquering all of the known world, in the belief that the Greek way of thinking will bring enlightenment to people. The son of the barbaric and ruthless King Philip of Macedonia, Alexander achieved glory in his short but remarkable life.
Starring
Richard Burton
Actor
Fredric March
Actor
Claire Bloom
Actor
Awards
1 nomination total
Key opinion
The 1956 version of Alexander the Great is widely considered a tedious and historically uneven epic that prioritizes theatrical presentation over narrative substance. While some appreciate its atmospheric score and strong performances from the supporting cast, most viewers find the film marred by poor pacing, weak battle choreography, and a lackluster depiction of its lead protagonist.
| Acting | Fredric March delivers a compelling and powerful performance as Philip of Macedon, often outshining the rest of the cast. | |
| Pacing | The film suffers from uneven pacing, with the narrative heavily back-loaded toward Alexander's youth while rushing through his historical conquests. | |
| Direction | The battle sequences are poorly staged and lack the scale or impact expected of a major historical epic. | |
| Screenplay | The script is frequently criticized for its Shakespearean dialogue and lack of historical accuracy, though some find its brutal, cynical tone more effective than modern portrayals. | |
| Acting | Opinions on Richard Burton's lead performance are divided; some praise his forceful presence, while others find him wooden or unnaturally hysterical. | |
| Production | The visual presentation is polarizing, with some praising the heavy atmosphere and convincing set design, while others perceive the film as flat, theatrical, and static. |