Review of Aguirre, the Wrath of God (1972) by Ari S — 25 Mar 2011
This is a film that is nearly flawless in its depiction of madness. The film portrays an expedition into the mountains of 16th century South America, in search of the alleged El Dorado. El Dorado doesn't exist at all so it's blatantly clear that this expedition is doomed from the beginning. As the expedition continues and rations run short, the surviving conquistadors fall prey to the Indians constant barrage of spears and the terror Aguirre reigns on them.
The movie becomes immensely intense towards its ending with its depiction of physical and moral decay amongst the surviving men. Klaus Kinski plays Aguirri and portrays some of the finest acting I've seen. His depiction is so powerful that he nearly washes out the entire cast, which all give solid performances as well. His depiction of a man losing his sanity is not over exaggerated but powerfully realistic. He is so good, that any scenes not containing him feel slightly empty.
The on-location shooting does more than reveal the merciless world they were trying to conquer and the films cinematography wonderfully establishes the magnificence of the jungle. The film contains an eerily claustrophobic feel and uncompromising sense of dread. This is a great movie.
10/10.
This review of Aguirre, the Wrath of God (1972) was written by Ari S on 25 Mar 2011.
Aguirre, the Wrath of God has generally received very positive reviews.
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