My first observation about this movie is that Mel Gibson is one sick dude. He is fascinated with extinct languages and LOVES horrific, graphic violence. That said, he is also an amazing story-teller. I could almost see the progression here: Gibson to studio: "I want to make a movie about Jesus, but I only want to do the part where he is brutally and savagely beaten." Studio: "You're nuts, go do it yourself!". One huge hit later, Mel comes back. "Nice job, Mel, what's next?". "I want to do it again." "Apocalypto" is the very violent story of a Mayan tribal battle shortly before the end of the Mayan empire. The story is told through the eyes of Jaguar Paw (Rudy Youngblood) , a young warrior who is captured when his village is raided and unable to do anything when some of his fellow villagers are beheaded and offered up as sacrifices to the Mayan gods. When he gets the chance to escape, the film follows his chase through the jungles as he fights to survive and return to his very pregnant wife and son, who are hiding at the bottom of a deep hole. It is very beautifully shot and Gibson does a great job, once again, telling a story despite using a language that nobody speaks any more. Two minor critiques: The first "character development" part of the film seems like it is trying too hard to send the message that these tribal, primitive people are "just like us". One of the characters is complaining that his mother-in-law is on his case because she wants a grandson and is later the victim of a practical joke. Secondly, the ending has a couple of brief "Wow" shots that seem like the opening shots of an even more interesting movie. I'll leave it at that to not give anything away. Overall, a very good film.Grade: B
Trailer:
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