Review of Apocalypto (2006) by D J — 15 May 2012

Surprisingly this movie was an absolute gripper. I had seen the trailer which really failed to instill any excitement for seeing this movie, but fighting against my instinct I went with it and I am so glad I did.

Not being a fan of Gibson, I was amazed just how incredibly engrossing this movie is, not only on an action level but more importantly on an emotional level. Although this may or may not be a factual story of Mayan culture, as a fictional one it hits all the right buttons.

Direction and editing linger only long enough to give you the feeling of walking through a busy market of delights and disturbances, it never bores but leaves you feeling a sense of wanting to know more, but kind of glad you don't - the psychopathic, hysterical, darkly insane Mayan ramblings are best left up on that hellish temple, you really wouldn't want to get inside the heads of these monsters. Gibson has touched incredibly on corners of madness and that is enough to chill you to the very bone.

The action part is intense and nail-biting, the violence deep and heavy, but fast enough to let you breathe - the emotional part is heart-breaking and unnerving. Not for one second did I want this movie to be over, I can rarely say that of much these days,.

Do yourself a favour and give it a go. You will be happily surprised.