Editorial Reviews
Description:From Mel Gibson, director of THE PASSION OF THE CHRIST and the Academy Award®-winning BRAVEHEART (Best Director, Best Picture, 1995) comes the thrilling historical epic APOCALYPTO. This intense, nonstop action-adventure transports you to an ancient South American civilization, for an experience unlike anything you’ve ever known. In the twilight of the mysterious Mayan culture, young Jaguar Paw is captured and taken to the great Mayan city where he faces a harrowing end. Driven by the power of his love for his wife and son, he makes an adrenaline-soaked, heart-racing escape to rescue them and ultimately save his way of life. Filled with unrelenting action and stunning cinematography, APOCALYPTO is an enthralling and unforgettable film experience.'
Amazon.com:Forget any off-screen impressions you may have of Mel Gibson, and experience
Apocalypto as the mad, bloody runaway train that it is. The story is set in the pre-Columbian Maya population: one village is brutally overrun, its residents either slaughtered or abducted, by a ruling tribe that needs slaves and human sacrifices. We focus on the capable warrior Jaguar Paw (Rudy Youngblood), although Gibson skillfully sketches a whole population of characters--many of whom don't survive the early reels. Most of the film is set in the dense jungle, but the middle section, in a grand Mayan city, is a dazzling triumph of design, costuming, and sheer decadent terror. The movie itself is a triumph of brutality, as Gibson lets loose his well-established fascination with bodily mortification in a litany of assaults including impalement, evisceration, snakebite, and bee stings. It's a dark, disgusted vision, but Gibson doesn't forget to apply some very canny moviemaking instincts to the violence--including the creation of a tremendous pair of villains (strikingly played by Raoul Trujillo and Rodolfo Palacias). The film is in a Maya dialect, subtitled in English, and shot on digital video (which occasionally betrays itself in some blurry quick pans). Amidst all the mayhem, nothing in the film is more devastating than a final wordless exchange of looks between captured villager Blunted (Jonathan Brewer) and his wife's mother (Maria Isabel Diaz), a superb change in tone from their early relationship. Yes, this is an obsessive, crazed movie, but Gibson knows what he's doing.
--Robert Horton Beyond Apocalypto
More films directed by Mel Gibson | 
Apocalypto soundtrack by James Horner |
Stills from Mel Gibson's Apocalypto (click for larger image) Customer Reviews
Average Customer Review
Apocalypto is Vivid, January 6, 2009
By
Mr. William Stubbs (New Haven CT USA)
A decent adventure film, by no means as bloody as Mayan history would lead one to expect. But not complex -- most of the movie is a chase film.
Great film, January 5, 2009
By
nodice (Manchester, Ga United States)
The violence is a bit much and is the only reason why its not a 5 star for me. I could hardly sit still through most of it. It's definately high octane and loaded with suspense. The visuals are great, wonderful directiion. Whatever you might think of Gibson, one thing is clear: he's a wonderful filmmaker.
A Visual Buffet!, January 2, 2009
By
Indy Fan (Jonesboro, AR)
Don't bother reading what misinformed people wrote in their one star reviews of this film. I would expect that of those who do not do their homework and understand what Mel Gibson was making. First, this is NOT a story suggesting that the Mayans were defeated by Europeans because they were primitive and corrupt. Secondly, its NOT a film suggesting that only through the coming of Europeans were they made better. Gibson clearly stated in interviews that the film's theme is how civilizations can abuse their own resources and way of life (hint, hint, our own environmental concerns today) which can lead to their downfall from within. And this is one of many theories today among historians concerning the Mayans. Thirdly, he was NOT making a film to teach us about Mayan culture or giving us a history lesson. Get off that one, people, please. This is a film focusing on the heroes journey, much like Greek myths of old. And in this particular story, one who has been plucked out of his normal life through brutal capture and made to be a human sacrifice. Instead, he struggles through dangerous odds to make it alive back to his wife and child. And many reviewers have flinched at the violence and think it is because Mel Gibson is uninspired to shoot it differently. Are you kidding me people? Maybe he shoots it like that because that is how he wants it! Every director no matter how bad they are have a particular style, and if he wants to show violence, let him do it. Maybe that is his style, and when I think of any Mel Gibson film I always love how they do not hold back or be PC about situations. I applaud him for it. So why only the 4 star rating I give this film? Because to me, 5 star would be Braveheart, and though this is certainly not that film, I still think its entertaining, beautiful in photography, sets, costumes and makeup, with a good well paced story to it. And if the subtitles are not your cup of tea, you can still turn off the sound and know exactly what the story is about. I think that is the true mark of a director, when one does not have to use dialogue, because after all, motion pictures are just that. Pictures that move and tell a story on their own. Gibson gets my highest respect for that one.
An awesome thriller, December 21, 2008
By
Sasha (Stamford, CT)
I rank this movie up there with The Departed and Gladiator. Amazing adrenaline rush. Great plot and good depiction of the demise of the Mayan culture. This should have atleast been an Oscar contender for best picture of the year.
Much Better than Anticipated, December 21, 2008
By
Jonathan Lull (Orlando, FL)
I have a lot of respect for Mel Gibson's historical story-telling ability. The depth and detail seems to increase with each film. However, I find his use of gore and violence to be excessive. With Apocalypto, again Mel Gibson seems to surpass himself in the creation of this story and the use of incredible detail. Bloodshed has not been excessive which makes for a much more refined picture. And the ending ... I will not comment on such a beautiful surprise. This is an excellent, thoughtful, and adventurous piece of art.
