Review of Apocalypto (2006) by Tor M — 23 Oct 2018

I dunno why it took so long to give this one a go. I never believed in it when it was fresh - "The Passion of the Christ" was pretty weak, you know, and I was never really into the plot. Later on I've read positive things, especially technical stuff - so I went for it.

Some Mayan tribe is attacted by another tribe and the strongest men are captured. They are going to meet a grim future, that's for sure. I won't give up much more as for the plot, since it's a film that really develops and morphs into very different aspects of leads, points of view and turns.

This is incredibly well shot. It's twelve years old, but does not look like it. It has little CGI and all the jungle and tribe stuff looks legit. It's a very violent film and it's not believeable as a story, but I surely enjoy the ride. The 140 minutes went fast.

I dig the fact that most of the actors never really had any experience and I dig the overall atmosphere. It's intense, actionfilled and brutal - still on a historical take with key elements from the old Mayan traditions - even if it's not historically correct. It takes me to another world - somthing that's not too easy. I guess some people think it's too violent. Sure, a bodycount of 114 is maybe a bit over the top, but that really evoke true anger and emotions for survivals when we see entire villages get slayed. It ran at 15 years or elder for about one week back here in Norway when it hit cinemas, but it was rightfully adjuested to 18.

Mel Gibson can deliver amazing films as an director - this is a cinematic treat.

8 out of 10 pits.