“Apocalypto” (2006) directed by Mel Gibson

Apocalypto (2006)

Director:  Mel Gibson

Screenplay: Mel Gibson, Farhad Safinia

Stars: Rudy Youngblood, Raoul Max Trujillo, Gerardo Taracena, Jonathan Brewer and Iazua Larios.

Tagline: No one can outrun their destiny.

The Plot…

When Jaguar Paw’s village is attacked, he manages to hide his pregnant wife and young son in a deep hole right outside their jungle settlement.  He then goes back to fight the attackers.  With overwhelming numbers, the attacking Mayans kill or capture every man and woman in the village.  The prisoners will be marched to the Mayan city.  The women then sold into slavery and the men publicly sacrificed.

Jaguar Paw is determined to escape, survive and get back to his family.  Odds are against it.

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

When people talk about Mel Gibson’s directing ability they usually mention Braveheart, Hacksaw Ridge and The Passion of the Christ.  Apocalypto should be included in that group.  It’s arguably the best film he ever directed.

Many of the roles in Apocalypto were performed by Mayans who had never acted before.

Apocalypto was nominated for three Academy Awards: Best Achievement in Makeup (Aldo Signoretti, Vittorio Sodano); Best Achievement in Sound Mixing (Kevin O’Connell, Greg P. Russell, Fernando Cámara) and Best Achievement in Sound Editing (Sean McCormack, Kami Asgar).

Apocalypto (2006) rates 5 of 5 stars.