Review of The Mission (1986) by Serkan S — 24 Nov 2010

What happens if "God changes his mind"? Winner of the Palme D'or, "The Mission" is a feast to the eyes, as well as to the souls. Shot in exotic and spectacular backdrops of Colombia and Brazil, the film explores the power struggles and duality of Spanish and Portuguese presence in South America, depicts the violent clash of cultures, the subjugation and eventual massacre of a tribe of Paraguayan indians known as the Guarani in the 1750s.

Seemingly, "The Mission" appears to be a poignant movie about the harsh brutality of European imperialists toward primitive indians in an exotic locale. But the film is full of social didactic commentary, capturing the eternal struggle between greed & faith and power & honor. Without their consent, bringing "civilization" to an uncivilized mass be a good thing?; are they going to be better of with the salvation brought by the Jesuits? or their lives destined to be turned into hell by the condemnation brought by colonial monarchies? At the end, Christianized "savages" become the victims of economic realpolitik, and people of God are killed in the name of God. This is really pitiful.

Of course, like all good movies the story is not enough. In this sense, "The Mission" depends too much on substance and style at the same time. Without top-notch performances of Robert De Niro and Jeremy Irons, dazzling cinematography by Oscar-winner Chris Menges, and taut direction by Roland Joffe, it might have easily degraded into a cliche-drenched, stereotype-based flick narrating the story of the noble white man who civilized the savages by bringing them theocracy. Beatifully photographed from beginning to end, no single shot is without interest. The colors are wonderfully washed out to give the best possible effect. Backgrounds are thrilling, the views of the Igassu falls are particularly wonderful.

Last word: pure, plain and pitiful. This is a kinda movie that makes you think over and over again about the battle between faith and greed. Forget "Avatar", give "The Mission" a chance!