Whether intentional or inadvertent, what director Mel Gibson did here was cast a light on the true history of the world in microcosm, that civilizations rise and fall via the aggressive use of force. And that leaders of warrior tribes rely on fear, courage, power and the threat of death to maintain their supremacy, not only at the top of their own hierarchy, but in the conquest of weaker tribes. A little superstition goes a long way too, as in taking advantage of an unexpected eclipse of the sun to silence and cast terror into the masses. Not to mention a literal translation of an implicit threat that heads will roll.
Gibson brings a unique vision to the screen with this jungle drama, unlike most any other picture one is likely to imagine. With a cast of unknowns, he tells a story of unrelenting violence and a deep commitment held by his principal character to escape from his captors and return to his family and freedom. What kept me occupied throughout most of the picture was how Gibson and his film crew managed to capture all of the action and drama that unfolded and make it look as seamless as it did. The film ends with the irony that this civilization too will eventually come to an end with the appearance of the Conquistadors.
Gibson brings a unique vision to the screen with this jungle drama, unlike most any other picture one is likely to imagine. With a cast of unknowns, he tells a story of unrelenting violence and a deep commitment held by his principal character to escape from his captors and return to his family and freedom. What kept me occupied throughout most of the picture was how Gibson and his film crew managed to capture all of the action and drama that unfolded and make it look as seamless as it did. The film ends with the irony that this civilization too will eventually come to an end with the appearance of the Conquistadors.