Review of Apocalypto (2006) by Stacey K — 19 Jun 2012

What makes Apocalypto good is not the plot which, if I'm honest is a fairly predictable and linear tale with more than a few "jungle movie" clichà (C)s (everything from quick sand to a solar eclipse and a plunge over a waterfall) but rather is the extraordinary civilisation it depicts.

The story concerns a peaceful rainforest dwelling tribe in South America whose village is raided by a party of Mayan warriors. The warriors are intent on capturing victims to use in sacrificial ceremonies to the gods and march the captives back to their city and what unfolds is a brutal and violent struggle for survival.

Whilst criticised for the historical accuracy of the setting, it is stunningly well presented and truly feels like observing a completely mystical and alien world. The movie has scenes which are viscerally bloody and hard to watch but rather than glamourising the brutality it presents aspects of it as belonging to a strange and alien culture that has all but vanished from the face of the Earth.

We go from the lush and slightly claustrophobic rainforest to the expansive Mayan city with its temples and pyramids. The culture clash is extreme and director Mel Gibson doesn't shy away from allowing the full horror to be shown.

The cast is superb and Gibson's direction is real edge of the seat stuff. The strangeness of the visual world is complimented by the dialogue being delivered in a Mexican indian language making the viewer even further distanced from this bizarre world.

Very compelling viewing with characters that are portrayed with conviction, this movie has much to recommend.