Genres

Visitors Review

SARAHS 2012-05-18 20:58:33

An all around fabulous film

If I could list quitiscential movies, this would be at the top of that list. There is so much to this movie - superb acting, stunning visuals, mezmerizing music. And to tie all these together is a story of such power carrying all the elements in the span of human experience - joy, wonder, depravity, anger, jealosy, arrogance, humility, love. Even months or years after viewing, I still find myself wondering which stance, of the two the Jesuits took, that I would take if given the option.

2012-05-18 13:07:48

A greta movie!!!

A truly inspiring movie. It shows how one man can stick by his people even though they are not his people in reality. How much one person can care for another. Also, it showed tremendous dedication to God.

2012-05-16 02:46:52

I can't wait!

I am so excited that The Mission will soon be available on DVD!This is one of the best movies that I have seen. Not only is the movie wonderful, but it has an incredible soundtrack. This movie is definitely a must for the DVD collection. Pre-order your copy online now.

2012-05-15 09:51:51

Powerful

'The Mission' is a powerful film about a group of priests trying to save their missionary from the greedy and corrupt regime of the Spanish and Portuguese. Robert De Niro and Jeremy Irons play subtle, but moving performance in this forest tale. It is based on a true story, but be warned, it is not a happy story.

2012-05-15 07:55:45

A mesmerisingly brilliant film experience

This isn't just an excellent movie, it's nothing short of an experience that stirs your very soul. A masterpiece of cinematic art, it's unpretentious in its courage, raw in its rugged beauty and heart-wrenching in its honesty. Jeremy Irons and Robert De Niro looked like two actors who transcended their performances and got enveloped in a real embrace of the movie's theme about courage and redemption whilst making this film. The powerful current of passion in this movie is beautifully directed and surges as the movie progresses, until its climatic ending which leaves the viewer both lifted and drained. A totally underrated movie by Hollywood standards, it ironically redeems tinseltown from the bulk of what it churns out these days. A very brilliant film that demands repeated watchings to further appreciate, not to mention an unearthly film score that's short of a better word, "HEAVENLY"

alenahagen 2012-05-14 12:51:32

Has it all - and has nothing

I was looking forward to see this movie - story looked great, De Nirois a great actor...what could go wrong? Well - I am very disappointed.All was much under expectations. Do not get me wrong - nature wasfantastic(but I might better see documentary about this place) andstory still might be interesting...only it feels that HOW it was doneis so shallow in comparison how it was there to be. I will skipcriticism of some technicalities - language of Indians, using musketsin water and so on... Problem was that symbols were hitting into theface...nothing was left to imagine, to feel. All was very much onsurface and did not go deeper. People there were not real, did not havepersonality...My overall feeling was like if I am invited into great frenchrestaurant and am served hamburger with french fries and drinking coke.Too bad... Alena

roghache 2012-05-08 14:21:56

Poignant and inspiring epic tale of a Jesuit mission to the Guarani

This is an incredible film...historical tale, religious experience,character study, and disturbing depiction of native peoples' abuse atthe hands of their European masters. I've forgotten some of the detailsas I only saw the movie once when it was first released, but its basicthemes & main characters have stayed fresh in my mind all these years,particularly the sense of awe I felt upon leaving the theatre followingthe dramatic closing scenes.Set in the mid 18th Century, the story revolves around Father Gabriel,a Jesuit priest and missionary, who travels to the South Americanwilderness, establishing an evangelizing mission to convert the nativeGuarani peoples to Christianity and teach them certain aspects ofEuropean civilization. The Spanish soldiers attempt to thwart hisefforts, especially the mercenary slave trader, Rodrigo Mendoza, whoviews these natives only as savages & chattels. Mendoza laterexperiences personal redemption following the murder of his own brotherand joins Father Gabriel as a priest, working at the mission. WhenSpain cedes the colony to Portugal, both men must work to defend theirmission against the brutal Portuguese aggressors who seek to enslavethe natives. Jeremy Irons and Robert De Niro are both magnificent in theirrespective roles as Father Gabriel and Rodrogo Mendoza. The filmcontrasts these two very different men and their polar oppositeapproaches to the threatening Portuguese. Father Gabriel (Irons) is athoughtful man who advocates peaceful means (prayer and hymns), inkeeping with the Jesuits' belief in nonviolence. On the other hand,Mendoza (De Niro) takes a more direct and violent approach with armedresistance, guns & bloodshed. Earlier in the film, Mendoza's personalexperiences in seeking forgiveness for his brother's murder are alsodramatically captured, as he is converted from heartless mercenary tobenevolent priest. Gabriel is consistently a kind, selfless, &incredible pillar of faith throughout this story.The events are based on the Treaty of Madrid in 1750, where Spaintransfered part of South America to Portugal. Spain and the Papacyapparently showed no concern regarding the plight of these Guarani,certain to elicit a sense of outrage in the viewer. However, theJesuits at this mission are both devout in their faith and dedicated intheir service to these natives.The South American scenery is utterly spectacular, the Oscar winningcinematography superb, and the music & costuming perfect. However, thecompelling aspects of this magnificent film are the characterportrayals of Father Gabriel & Mendoza, the sacrifices these Jesuitsare prepared to make for this mission, the beauty of the peacefulnative Guarani people, the abundant symbolism, the sense of graveinjustice that these South American natives are nothing more thanhelpless pawns to European politicking, and the brutal atrocities towhich they are subjected at the hands of the encroaching Portuguese.This movie is a masterpiece...a tragic, poignant, & heart wrenching,yet ultimately uplifting epic tale that is certain to remain with youfor years. It is amazing viewing for anyone, but especially inspiringfor people of faith.

nama chakravorty 2012-05-07 23:59:09

A Well-Made Film!

Capturing the experiences of a Jesuit missionary in 18th century SouthAmerica, 'The Mission' is A Well-Made Film, that is beautifully shot,nicely directed & superbly acted.'The Mission' Synopsis: 18th century Spanish Jesuits try to protect aremote South American Indian tribe in danger of falling under the ruleof pro-slavery Portugal.'The Mission' is about struggle, courage & hope. Cinematically, itcomes across as emotional & violent. The bloodshed that was spilled,the struggle that existed & the hope throughout the entire journey,leaves a strong impact on celluloid as well. Robert Bolt's Screenplayoffers a good blend of emotion, struggle & violence. Roland Joffé'sDirection is nice. Cinematography by Chris Menges is beautifully done.Art Direction, Costume Design & Editing, are worth a mention. Music byEnnio Morricone is wonderful.Performance-Wise: Robert De Niro shines, as always. Jeremy Irons isremarkably restrained in his part, while Liam Neeson is sincere. RayMcAnally is excellent. Aidan Quinn is quite good. Cherie Lunghi &Ronald Pickup are effective.On the whole, 'The Mission' is a Well-Made Film In All Respects.

Dave Warner 2012-05-05 09:29:26

absolutely amazing

This movie is easily one of the most masterful pieces it has ever been myjoy to experience. With beautiful cinematography, brilliant performancesbyall involved, an incredible score, and a deep and meaningful theme, Iwouldeasily rank this among the top five movies I have ever seen. A fabulousstudy into the characters of Captain Mendoza and Father Gabriel amidst astrong and meaningful setting, I cannot recommend this movie highlyenough.

2012-05-04 20:39:37

A powerful movie, for the most part

Set in Paraguay in 1750, a Jesuit mission faces extinction for political reasons in Europe. Robert De Niro is a slave trader who one day kills his brother when he finds him in the arms of his fiance. He becomes guilt ridden, goes to the local monastery, and wishes to do penance. A missionary (Jeremy Irons) invites De Niro to return with him to his mission deep in the jungle; his penance is toting a heavy sack of material things behind him. Climbing up a huge waterfall he almost dies lugging this junk, but he refuses to let go. Finally, the Indians, whom he hates and vice-versa, cut the sack free, and he is overwhelmed by a feeling of forgiveness. He wants to join the Jesuits, and is reminded he will have to take a vow of obedience. From here on we can see what's coming, and what was once a powerful movie becomes more routine. Portuguese troops come to close the mission, and the Jesuits are ordered to leave by their superior. Of course, De Niro refuses and decides to fight it out to his death. (Irons disobeys orders, too, but sits and prays with the natives and does not fight.) The movie is visually stunning and mostly entertaining, although the ending is cliche ridden.

2012-04-27 07:42:53

Great Movie...See it!

Great movie with fantastic script, editing, camera work, and a dynamic soundtrack by Enno Mariconne (yep, the same guy who composed Once Upon a Time in the West, The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly, and all those other spaghetti westerns). Let's not forget about the acting -- Robert Di Niro, Jeremy Irons, and a very young Liam Neison...My only criticism is that this DVD version was way overdue...But at last it is out...Don't miss it..

2012-04-26 17:03:37

Thoughtful and complex

Besides being gorgeous and well-cast, this movie impressed me by its thoughtful treatment of very complex and complicated moral issues and problems. It effectively demonstrated how good intentions and good principles can lead to disastrous results. The Mission highlights the difficulty in fighting for what you believe in and also draws attention to the difficulty of determining your method of "fighting". Irons is spectacular. Well-worth seeing. It avoids easy answers.

2012-04-22 04:50:13

the mission

This is one of the most powerful movies ever made and the 2 disc with the background history of the making of the movie adds depth to an already great movie.

2012-04-21 19:32:27

Religious Experience

Lush cinematography, haunting soundtrack, and two actors at their best. What's not to love.

2012-04-20 11:42:03

Shoulda won the Oscar!!!!

I have consistently heard critics harping about the lack of a human element in this movie, the chatacters being hollow, less than absorbing.....Well, to this "critic's" eye the Critics don't get it.This film was an amazing accomplishment. It made you witness first hand the demise of a group of "primitives" at the hand of a holy sanctioned conqurer....ring any bells? The beauty of The Mission is that it dispensed with much of the trite explanation of character in such PC black and white easily digested exposition. This film brought you into a realm in a completely different manner. You were not the evil Spaniard or the helpless Native. You observed the struggle, almost voyeruisticly. The conclusions are drawn by seeing what transpires. Not by some easily digested, expositioned viewpoint.That is what makes this movie affect you with such power. It is different, and for a good reason. You may crawl and yearn for A Color Purple, To Kill a Mocking Bird, and numerous other armchair activist classics. But instead you are handed the task in drawing your own conclusions in witnessing the transformation of the Natives culture. In other words.....it sticks with you!So for the Critics that lambast this film, go for it! Ivory towers guarantee you sublime distance from art that asks you to do the work. Yes this film is art!

2012-04-19 16:54:00

The Mission

I thoroughly enjoyed watching The Mission. The acting, cinematography and film score were outstanding, and the message was profound. A group of Spanish Jesuit missionaries christianize a tribe of Guarani indians living along the border between Paraguay and Brazil. They set up a mission, San Marcos, and achieve impressive results related to the protection, organization, education and christianization of the Guarani. The story of their success is told with love and in a way that clearly demonstrates the magnitude of the work that was accomplished, especially in face of the opposition that the priests faced from their Spanish compatriots who wanted to exploit the natural and human resources of the Guarani land. Suddenly Portugal, which was awarded the Guarani land under the treaty of Madrid, demands that San Carlos be closed and the priests withdrawn under threat of military invasion. The film follows the desperate efforts of the priests of San Marcos to protect the indian land from Portugese invasion and save the mission through diplomatic, pacific and even military action. This marvelous story reflects the brutality of a world order of empires dedicated to the pitiless exploitation of the natural and human resources of their colonies. In the end it all comes down to San Marcos, can it be allowed stand as a beacon of christian love and understanding among the indians or must it be sacrificed to the political realities of empire?

2012-04-11 10:18:36

The Mission

En la película The Mission, dirigido por Roland Joffé, un cura que se llama Gabriel (Jeremy Irons) vine a un pueblo indigena en las montañas para que los convirtiera en cristianos y enseñarlos la manera en vivir una vida civil (como los europeos). Al hacerlo, había mucho conflicto entre los indigenas y los de España y Portugal. Como siempre muestran los películas y mucho de la literatura, las Coronas de España y Portugal maltrataron los indigenas para mostrar el poder y ganar la tierra. En el proceso, los indigenas tenía que sufrir mucho por causea de la injusticía de Europa. Tenían que cambiar o abandonar muchos (si no todos) de los costumbres y tradiciones que practicaban antes. Tenía que luchar para la dignidad del pueblo. Esta película demuestra claramente la tema de injusticía entre los indigenas (Guarani) y los europeos. Los europeos vinieron a cambiar el mundo salvaje y ni dieron cuento que la vida que vivieron los indigenas era completamente suficiente para ellos. Durante toda esta película la ignorancia y brutalidad de los europeos (símbolos de la oscuridad y la maldad de la humanidad) puso un mala reputación en el nombre de humano blanco. En realidad, uno puede decir que las cosas no han cambiado mucho. Ahora como antes, los indigenas tienen el derecho y una razon racionable a rebelar contra la sociedad civil.Casi todas las películas que viene de Hollywood terminan la película con algo maravilloso...los buenos ganan y los malos se mueren o se castiguen. Esta película, no termina así. Termina con la verdad, la verdad que todavía sique la lucha de los indigenas. Sí, termina con la esperanza de que quizas los niños indigenas tendrán la oportunidad a vivir la vida en paz y continuarán con los tradicciones y culturas indigenas, pero la dejamos pensar. La dejamos pensar en que ahora sabemos que pasó, ¿Cómo vamos a cambiar nuestra mente después de saber que pasó? Algo que me molesta muchisimo es como producieron la película en la mentalidad de los Europeos. Los indigenas eran el sujeto de la película, pero ni uno de ellos tenían un parte sigificante en la película entera. Cuando hablaron ellos, no traducieron niguna palabra. Eso solamente amplifía el pensamiento del hombre europeo (blanco) que la idioma y cultura de los indigenas no tiene valor para gastar el dinero a traducir lo que dijeron. Si en realidad querían mostrar que los indigenas tienen un identidad y voz importante, traducieran la idioma indigena.

dreampot 2012-04-10 18:38:03

All around best!

If you have never seen this movie, don't call yourself a movie-lover. Theperformance by every single actors is perfect, the cinematography isabsolutely stunning, and the direction is at Roland Joffe's personal best.Not to mention, the music by Ennio Moricone is still alive and movingafteralmost 2 decades. It was almost a shock to me when I found out a lot ofpeople around me haven't seen this movie. Shame on you guys!Oh! And if you can, try to catch this on a big screen. I had a chance toseethe movie one more time on my uncle's wide screen TV, and it wasbreath-taking. You'll know what I mean when you see the great waterfallscene.

Keith F. Hatcher 2012-04-09 18:18:37

One of the great epic historical films of all time

In `The Mission' Roland Joffé has succeeded in putting together one of themost majestic visual adventures of all time: and a story that had to betold. Chris Menges' sumptuous photography is a feast, such that – for once –the Newsweek quotation on the video cover is superbly apt: `a sweepingspectacle'.The whole film is breathtaking: from the depths of the jungle to the indianvillages, from face close-ups to broad panoramas, the visual effects are sopowerful that I just cannot think of any other comparable film. Add to thatfine interpretations, carefully considered and delivered performances by allconcerned with Joffé's exquisite direction, and you have a guarantee of amagnificent production.But that is NOT all there is to this great film: Ennio Morricone's musicreaches its greatest power, its most poignant intensity, its most gratifyingmelodic line, right here in `The Mission', surpassing everything thisItalian composer had ever done before – even with his great friend, SergioLeone. Here Morricone reaches symphonic levels in a wealth of melodicharmonies, such that what is supposedly `only' a visual attraction – a film– becomes also a delight to the ears, bringing a lump to my throat atvarious moments through this genuinely mighty film.You might wish to compare this film with `1492: a Conquest of Paradise'(1992) in which the best of Vangelis can be heard; but even so, I rate `TheMission' just ahead of `1492'. Both films highly recommendable.

antosarmy 2012-04-09 05:46:28

Not about Fim Making

A wonderfully told true story about politics versus reality. This filmwould have one on the fence, understanding both sides of the divide.One would find oneself sympathizing with the church in Europe at thetime as well as with the native inhabitants of the film, whose localnaivety maybe allowed them to not understand the mechanics of power onan International scale; and rightly so.Joffe's direction coupled with Morricone's greatest ever score makethis file an absolute must for anybody who considers themselves a filmbuff. You ain't no buff until you've reviewed this.Wonderful performances throughout, wonderful direction and a masterfulscore make this one of THE movies of the Twentieth century.