It's funny that she is trying to save the world from Christianity. It was the old world's "wisdom" that was butchering Christians wholesale. Christianity was very dangerous in 391 A.D. – it spoke of equality and loving your neighbor as yourself – not exactly the tenemants of the decadent, corrupt, violent Roman Empire.

I hope the movie is good. I'm always up for great performances in an interesting historical setting. Love Wiez and I love the director. Should be good and controversial.

Looking at the poster, I think Focus Features shall be distributing the film.
Focus has always been an effective awards studio.
So 'Agora' may be a great contender.

I, was there when the film was being shot.This young director left no stone unturned to make a blockbuster out of this film.
The set was fantastic,the extras all done their utmost. They challenged the rays of the burning sun,all in a heavy outfit.
Im sure that this film is going to hit the box office,and hope that we will see again this young intelligent director in Malta

@The Jackal:

Jackal,
Your historical observations of early Christianity are ill informed. It was indeed brutal in achieving religious dominance.

@The Jackal:

Er, the Romans inherited the library and the knowledge from the Macedonians (Greeks) who under the reign of the Ptolemys spent much effort into gathering and expanding knowledge. Note, early translations of the Bible and Torah were translated into both greek and latin from hebrew. Many religions apologists forget that the "knowledge of the old world" the Library preserved included their own holy works – as well as many others. The Romans, after the accidental burning by Cesar's dock fire raging out of control (or perhaps purposefully) – the Library never fully recovered, as the Romans didn't enshrine knowledge the way the Macedonians did.

Also, remember that while Nero did wrongfully blame the Christians for the burning of Rome and lead to the persecutions – it was the Romans who legitimized Christianity (Constantine) as a means of consolidating power with the border regions in a bit to reunify the empire. (Hence, the Council of Nicaea to bring the bickering factions of Christianity together under a single banner)

It was Theodosius I who made Christianity the state religion of Rome, and instituted the persecution of the pagans. Cyril's uncle Theophilus I of Alexandria incited riots and slaying so horrific that even Theodosius had to step in and put an end to them.

And also remember that Hypatia was well respected and beloved by many in the Christian Church, seen as a symbol of virtue. None of her works or teachings survive, but we know much about her by her correspondence with one of these early prominent Christian leaders – such as Synesius of Cyrene who was a student of hers. Indeed, even though she herself was vilified, individuals within the Christian Church kept her memory alive by merging her story into that of St. Cathrine of Alexandria. They made her into a Christian hero. Which is, truly ironic, as St. Cathrine of Alexandria is touted as even more respected a saint than St. Cyril – the man who many claim ordered her murder and the burning of the Library.

This isn't a story of the struggle between science and religion – it's a story of what happens when fundamentalist religion gains power in government… because it was Hypatia's close friendship with Orestes that became the focal point of the conflict – as it was felt that her influence was what was preventing the prefect from reconciling with Bishop Cyril.

The issue isn't as simplistic, as black and white, as you've apparently been lead to believe.

@Jim Biltz:

well said sir.