Apocalypto-Review

I got a chance to watch the much acclaimed Mel Gibson directed 'Apocalypto' yesterday. I didnt have any expectations when I started. All I knew about this film was that it was directed by Mel Gibson who has directed some unforgettable films in Passion of Christ and Braveheart.

The film begins with an opening quote which reads; "A great civilization is not conquered from without until it has destroyed itself from within". From there Gibson takes us through a journey we have never dreamt of in our life. The story is set in Mexico's Yucatan peninsula just before Spanish contact, it depicts one person's experience during the decline of the ancient Maya civilization. Kudos to the art direction team which has brought the ancient civilization right in front of our eyes. The film has no opening credits and it starts off with a scene in which the Mayans chase a wild boar in the deep forests of Mexico. They catch their prey using innovative methods and they share the organs of the wild boar between themselves. If u think this is gory, wait, the best is yet to come!!! Thanx to Mel Gibson for not employing visuals which straightaway give the impact as he had done with Passion of Christ.

The USP of the movie is its presentation. Till Jaguar Paw wakes up and looks out at the forests with a puzzledlook, we do not know that there is a danger which awaits them. When suddenly things change one fine morning, the movie picks up its pace. The Mayan language is used throughout, but still we are in track with the film. Thanks to the subtitles. In fact, this usage of Mayan language had helped me get the feel that Gibson intended to give the viewers. The film is gory in parts. But in a under-developed civilization, we cant expect anything more.

Another creditable work comes from the cinematographer Dean Semler who had earlier worked with Gibson in 'The Patriot'. But he was the director then. The scene where the camera climbs above Jaguar Paw and then diving over the edge of the waterfall, giving the whole view of the waterfall is an outstanding one. James Horner's music is the backbone of the movie, particularly during the chasing scenes.

The performance of Rudy Youngblood (Jaguar Paw) is noteworthy along with Raoull Trujillo (Zero Wolf). But the man who steals the show is Jonathan Brewer, who plays the character of the blunted. He also provides the comic relief during the initial scenes of the movie.

In whole, this movie is a must-watch for all movie buffs. Mel Gibson, once again proves that he is one of the most talented directors in the world. But still there are some things which are getting repetitive in his movies. Barring that, its a creditable effort from the actor-director.