Mar 16, 2007 03:15 PM
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(Updated Mar 17, 2007 08:43 PM)
When the end comes, not everyone is ready to go
MovieApocalypto
The Plot **(Screenit.com)
Times seem good for 16th century Mayan villager Jaguar Paw(RUDY YOUNGBLOOD). When not hunting with his father Flint Sky(MORRIS BIRDYELLOWHEAD) and other villagers, including Blunted(JONATHAN BREWER) who's often at the receiving end of others' practical jokes, he spends time with his pregnant wife, Seven(DALIA HERNANDEZ), and their young son Turtles Run(CARLOS EMILIO BAEZ)
Things change, however, when Holcane Warriors led by Zero Wolf(RAOUL TRUJILLO) invade their village, enslaving the adults they don't kill while leaving the children to fend for themselves. During the attack, Jaguar Paw manages to lower his wife and boy down into a deep pit for their protection, but is captured before being able to get them back out. Having nearly killed Snake Ink(RODOLFO PALACIOS) during the battle, he must then watch as the volatile warrior slaughters his father before everyone is marched off.
They eventually arrive in a large city where the captured are forced into slave labor or used as human sacrifices by the high priests. After some harrowing moments, Jaguar Paw manages to escape. He then tries to make his way back to his decimated village, all while contending with Zero Wolf, Snake Ink and other warriors who are hot on his trail.
My Review
Mel Gibson*, the gifted director has endeared us with his brilliant wand of making cinema once again.
If more footage were shown on the ways of the mayan civilization, this movie would have perhaps been recognized by critics & viewers as another classic(like his Passion of Christ) instead of being just another lip-smacking action thriller. Because that's how Apocalypto is finally recognized by the general public - an action adventure of a man desperate to get back to his family & way of life after being forcibly enslaved by his corrupt captors. Like Sylvester Stallone in First Blood, our hero Jaguar Paw uses his native forest as his shield & weapon to turn the tables against his enemies.
I'm not against the action shown and how Mel captured it(wonderful) but I'm kinda confused by his intention! Was Apocalypto supposed to be educative(some glimpses into the ways of the legendary spiritually advanced Mayans) or just entertaining?
Anyway, I've been ed-ertained! :)
The only flaw, perhaps, were in some of the performances. Rudy Youngblood, as the lead character Jaguar Paw, was intense(& a handsome hunk too) howeve he could have been more emotive especially during the death scene of his father.
And its also difficut to handle child actors, especially if there are so many of'em!. But Mel has managed them remarkably well.
The cinematography *was inspiring(heaven like locations of wild green forests and cloud-kissed mountains) and there's this *spiritual undertone that runs across this movie that I find immensely pleasing. Mel likes us to question our own lives(our ethics) through his movies.
Regarding performances in totality - stupendous. I wonder how Mel happens to get some of the most unrecognised actors that deliver world class acting.
As usual, villains garner top honours. Raoul Trujillo's(as the lead negative character Zero Wolf) body language is as menacing & deadly as any evil tribal warlord can be.
And Rodolfo Palacios as Snake Ink(the second most negative lead), the ruthless sidekick of Zero Wolf comes up with such comic devilries that has viewers rooting for more. His acting mannerism reminds us of our own wonderful baddie actor Naseerudin Shah.
Dalia Fernandez *(in her debut international movie) as Rudy's wife is breathtaking & a natural infront of the screen. Her scenes with her child in the pit are endearing to watch.
And what's a Mel movie without the chills!
Like P.O.C(Passion of Christ), Apocalypto gives us enough chilling violence that will linger in our minds for days after stepping out of the theatre. But again, I don't think Mel went overboard.
Some Trivia**(Imdb.com)
~ Many substantial speaking roles in the film were filled by Mayan people who had never acted before. For instance, the sick little girl who curses the hunting party as they and the captives pass right before entering the city, was played by a seven year old who lived in a dirt-floored hut in a village not unlike Jaguar Paw's.
~ As a teenager, Mel Gibson was actually once called'almost' by an older boy, which was a deep insult to him. This inspired the line in the movie in which Jaguar Paw is called'almost' by one of the headhunters.
~ In the teaser trailer for the movie, for a split second, Mel Gibson can be seen with mud-covered natives.
Director - Mel Gibson
Year - 2006
Starring** - Rudy Youngblood, Raoul Trujillor, Dalia Hernandez, Rodolfo Palacios
Verdict~ Apocalypto may be graded 'A' for its graphic violence and some sexuality but for me, its 'AAA' ! - an Applause-worthy action adventure.
Go ahead and enjoy a run with the Mayans:)
