Apocalypto (2006) User Reviews

The opinion of a professional archaeologist

[mstomaso · 8/10 · 5 September 2008]

I've been a professional archaeologist for 21 yrs. And despite having only worked on a few projects involving the Maya, I am well aware of the vast cinematic license used in Apocalypto - as well as the many aspects of Mayan life that the film's creators got right. My purpose however, is not to discuss ANY of this. Rather, I want to appreciate the film for exactly what it is - an entertaining and heroic story set in ancient Mesoamerica with the usual Mel Gibson attention to atmospheric use of details. The actors speak Mayan, but this is not The Passion of Kukulcan. The script nicely shows the range of customs and culture that actually thrived in Post-Classic Mayan times, and for once, depicts Native Americans as people with senses of humor! The costuming and sets are amazing and the warfare is honestly and brutally depicted.

Jaguar Paw (Rudy Youngblood) is the son of a chief in a small Mayan lowlands forest village during Post-Classic collapse. These Maya may well be ancestors of the contemporary Lacandon. Refugees have been seen in the forest and foreshadow a coming disaster. That shadow is a merciless battalion of mercenaries working for the patron god of a nearby urban center. They are seeking slaves and sacrificial victims. What can Jaguar Paw do to protect his young child, his pregnant wife, and his beloved village?

Unlike some of Gibson's recent films, Apocalypto is a fairly straightforward adventure story with a lot of brutal action. It also hints at subtle but intelligent critique of religious fanaticism, elitism and classism, and displays a great respect (though not exaggerated, worshipful or patronizing) for the living culture it loosely portrays.

Acting: A

Directing: A

Cinematography: A+

Sets: A

Costumes: A+

Story: B

Script: B

Historical Accuracy: C- (but who cares?)

Worth seeing for adventure fans, and fans of ancient warfare films. But turn to Archaeology Magazine or Latin American Antiquity if you're too concerned with facts to enjoy prehistoric fiction.

I am Jaguar Paw. This is my forest!

[From93tillInfinity · 8/10 · 12 July 2020]

I really don't get some of the comments, rating it one star because it didnt depict true mayans... There are obviously flaws in historical accuracy but who cares? It's a movie.. and it's brilliant. In another multiverse the Mayans probably did human sacrifice. The cinematography in this is outstanding, the acting.. costumes are all so good! There was a subtleness behind this genius screenplay, it didn't try to hard on the plot. One of my all time favourites of its kind!

Pure exploration of primal fear. Brutal survival flick.

[Fella_shibby · 10/10 · 28 August 2016]

I was lucky to see this film in a theatre in 2006.

What an experience that was man.

Went into without watching the trailer or reading any reviews.

Revisited it recently on a dvd which I own.

This is one of the best survival films ever made. Everything is good about this flick.

It is an awesome visual treat.

It is one of the best adventure story with a lot of brutal action.

Its has one of the best adrenaline filled chase sequence.

The last 45 minutes beats all parkour n survival films put together.

Thank you Mad Gibson for a wonderful cinematic experience.

This movie held me on the edge of my seat from its beginning til the end credits.

The waterfall sequence is just breathtaking. It beats the scene from Predator n US Marshals.

Those cameramen really deserves credit for the chase scenes.

The movie has an amazing n breathtaking visuals and landscapes.

A rare cinematic treat, a film that takes us to another world

[ThreeSadTigers · 11 July 2008]

Without wishing to fall into the trap of critical hyperbole, I can honestly say that this is the most original and impressive American film that I've seen this decade, more so than the highly acclaimed likes of The Departed (2006) or No Country for Old Men (2007). Whatever problems you might have with Gibson, from his personal politics to his previous work, there is no denying the determination of his vision, or the sheer sense of daring and imagination in attempting to pull off a project of this size and pitch; taking elements of an already well-documented real life civilisation and abstracting it for the purposes of dramatic tension, to create a once-in-a-lifetime cinematic experience that genuinely takes us to a world that we've never before experienced on film.

In my opinion, it is the very essence of cinema; developing a story and reducing it to the most simple and iconic of images, placing the emphasis on family and a race for survival, and all captured with a skillful combination of design, editing, music, performance, choreography, photography and character. Admittedly, you could always argue that the narrative is secondary to the atmosphere that Gibson and his crew so skilfully create, and yet, it is no less affecting or exciting as we come to know and respect these characters through the film's rich and amusing opening sequences - filled with a great sense of character and warmth - as well as a fairly pointed visual metaphor in the killing of an animal that will come to prefigure the subsequent actions of the final film. To counter some of the criticisms levelled against Gibson by historians and scholars alike, it is worth taking into consideration the subtle way in which the director plays with the notions of myths and legends; creating a heightened atmosphere of continual stylisation that stresses the influence of a film like Apocalypse Now (1979) or Aguirre, Wrath of God (1972), with the fevered madness of the jungle giving way to an unforgettable depiction of the Maya civilisation as an infernal hell on earth.

The film can also be read as a story-within-a-story construct, in which the film we see becomes an extension of the folktales being told by the tribe's elder as the men sit quietly around the campfire in the scenes directly preceding the carnage. If we think about this particular interpretation, we can see the that the film is working on a level of fantasy, in which the more recognisable themes of the film create a parable related very much to the idea of becoming a man; illustrated by the journey that our central protagonist Jaguar Paw undertakes in order to prove himself to his wife and young family. More fascinating than even that, however, is the notion of the film as a prolonged nightmare; with the scene of the initial massacre beginning immediately after Jaguar Paw awakes from a particularly frightening dream, rife with subtle allusions and a sub-textual foreshadowing to certain themes further developed throughout the rest of the film.

For me, this interpretation makes a great deal of sense, with the opening sequences laying the foundation for Jaguar Paw's dream - as we are introduced to the ideas of family, loyalty, honour, death, fear and survival - and all represented by the image of the neighbouring villagers fleeing their homes and moving through the jungle as if escaping some foreboding evil; perhaps a foreshadowing to the plague subtext that will appear later? Regardless, the prolonged journey that our heroes take from their own village to the bustling metropolitan world of the Mayan civilisation, with their temples and sacrifices - and the staggering use of music, movement, sound and colour - all mark this out as one of the most richly fascinating and genuinely otherworldly experiences that I can currently recall in a contemporary film. Gibson's direction is faultless here; extending on the visual landscape and hyper-real approach to time and presentation that was developed in his previous film, the flawed though no less memorable The Passion of the Christ (2004), and continuing the idea of developing and exploring an entirely believable cinematic netherworld with roots in actual, documented fact.

Here, the controversial approach to accuracy and truth should be overlooked; after all, the film isn't attempting documentary realism, as anyone who has experienced the film will know. Instead, Gibson creates an adrenaline fuelled thriller that advances on the well-worn codes and conventions of Hollywood survival dramas such as Deliverance (1974) and Southern Comfort (1980), with an added depth created by the choice of characters and the location, and again, the use of the fireside folktales as a sort of implied framing-device. However, regardless of these notions, Apocalypto (2006) is a masterpiece, purely for its visceral impact and creation of a full-formed world that overloads the senses with its vivid, fever-dream-like atmosphere and truly unforgettable design.

One of the most underrated masterpieces

[inlovewithmovies · 10/10 · 17 June 2007]

I have to respectfully disagree with the reviewer who was trying to minimize the violence of this movie as not more than most action films. The reviewer had asserted that the descriptions of "brutallay violent," "sadistic barbarity," and "unrelenting violence" were inaccurate. Well, it's more than that......in fact, I would say that it takes barbarous violence to a whole new level.....but, what would you expect from a movie that is about human sacrifice and village plundering!!! A Disney movie about a Native American, this movie is not! The difference between this movie and say a movie like Saw is that Saw uses needless violence just to titillate audiences, this movie takes you back in time and you shows you what it was like, blood and all. I've always hated movies that go back to a historical event and wimps out by not showing how bloodthirsty and cruel a certain ritual was--somehow trying to sugarcoat the ugly parts of history.

I admit that I didn't like the first 45 minutes of this movie...in fact, I was thinking "oh. oh. this looks like a dud." But, something happened when the movie moves to the incredible Mayan Civilization. The incredible majesty of the tower, the exotic looks of the people with face tattoos, brightly colored dress, and menacing piercings is a sight to behold. Whoever did the casting should get a pat on the back because the faces were very convincing. It felt like you were watching Mayan people rather than out of work actors from Central Casting Extra agency. At that point in the movie, you feel like you are transported back in time to this period and watching the real thing..... when the people are lined up to be the next human sacrifice, you can feel the fear. From there, you are taken on a pulse-pounding ride that never lets up. I kept thinking "wow" wished I had watched this in the theaters instead of on DVD. It's incredible. Nothing was cookie-cutter. Nothing was pandering. Gibson and his DP showed some of the most creative ways to film back to back action sequences while not making it redundant like some of the Matrix sequels. Obviously, Mel Gibson has some demons and I did not appreciate his recent remarks, but I just can't deny his work. This was a masterpiece and one that I didn't even expect to find. I expected something good, but it totally blew me away. I really hope that more movies are made about this civilization. It's really fascinating. I was always intrigued when reading about this period and would love to see more movies like Apocalypto.

Not Your Typical Mayan Family Drama

[ccrivelli2005 · 10/10 · 15 January 2007]

A family drama like no other. Two hours plus that rush at the speed of light. This is cinema. I'm sorry but it is. Don't look for inner meanings. This is the work of one of the greatest artists of our time. Yes, I'm talking about Mel Gibson. And as most of the great artists, he's bound to be controversial, erratic and infuriating sometimes but, thank God he exists. He's always going to surprise us for better or worse in sickness and in health. There are no intellectual under pinnings here. This is an adventure flick that takes us to places we've never been before. It entertains and moves and startles. Masterfully shot at a breathless pace that never, ever, lets go. And then, of course, the acting - if you can call it that. The most remarkable performances by an ensemble cast of unknowns. Gloroious faces that speak louder than words. Well, as you may have guessed. I'm overwhelmed by the experience. Thank you Mel, thank you very much.

Do some research before writing a negative review!

[nicolovvassil · 7/10 · 14 March 2008]

I liked the movie and before writing a review I read only negative comments on IMDb to see why people hated the film.Most of them claim that the movie is historically incorrect,based on false facts.Here are two arguments of the haters of the movie:

1.The Mayans didn't make human sacrifices and didn't rip off the hearts of the victims.That is something the Aztecs did.

2.The Spaniards arrived 500 years later.

OK, I didn't know if that was true so I decided to take 20-30 min. of my time and do some research on the internet.And guess what!!It turns out that Mel Gibson did his homework right and those who write the hate it reviews didn't!The Mayans DID make human sacrifices, they DID rip off the hearts of their victims, they were no better than the Aztecs. They began with human sacrificing about 300 A.D.This is a fact known since 1973(the year scientists managed to encrypt the Mayan hieroglyphs).Besides:who sais that the bad guys in the film are too Mayans?!!They may be Aztecs or Toltecs!The Aztecs were at that time at the peak of their civilization, their territories went deep into the south.

"The Spaniards arrived 500 years later" You really don't know when the movie takes place until the end when the conquistadors show up.Then we see, aha: the year is 1511 + something.Is this possible?Why not?The end of the great Mayan civilization was about 900 A.D. After that we have the post classic period until 1511 (the year of the arrival of Cortes).Gibson doesn't claim that the occurrence's in the film take place in the early Mayan history.To all the haters of the film who have a problem with not presenting the great achievements of that culture(mathematics, astrology an so on):That was BEFORE the happenings in the movie!And besides, that was not the story of the movie.Not showing the greatness of the culture doesn't mean that Gibson denies it! "The Mayans were presented as savages" - that is because they were(check out their rituals), or what is your definition of a savage?There is another moment in the film:the bad guy threatens Jaguar Paw he would skin him alive and then wear his skin.I first thought, well that was original of Gibson, but then I found out on the internet that skinning your enemies and wearing their skin was an ACTUAL RITUAL of the Mayans.Yes they were savages, and I don't care how many Mexicans(who think they are the legacy of the Mayans, which they are not) feel offended by this movie.

Another point is the gore in the film.After reading some reviews I noticed that people who liked "The passion of the Christ" have a problem with the gore in this movie...Excuse me!?!!So you don't have problems watching the Romans beat the crap out of Jesus but mind some Mayan heads being cut off!

My recommendation to all who want to write a negative review: make some research before doing so!That is the only way to find out how much truth there is in this film!I, for example found also out that they were using exact the same type of weapons at that time, like knifes made of obsidian. I would also recommend to see this film along with another great film:The Mission(1986).If you liked "Apocalypto" and want to see a true story about what happened next, you should see "The Mission".If you saw "Apocalypto" and hated it, "The Mission" will make you fell better. Yes, I agree that Mr. Gibson is a Christian fanatic, but unlike many others I wouldn't interpret the ending as pro-Christian.Why?Because there was a priest on a boat?

The film is not perfect though.Mr. Gibson, if you want to make a realistic movie, you have to stick to this idea the whole way:No human is faster than a puma!There were hundreds of beheaded bodies in that pit, that was too much to be believed!The little girl having the plague(!!!where did that come from?) and making prophecies was also unbelievable.But this is still a movie! And in my opinion it deserves 7 stars for being good but not special.

I couldn't believe two hours had gone by that quickly

[socrates99 · 9/10 · 8 December 2006]

Having some Mexican-Indian blood in me, I've always been interested in what I could read about the Aztecs and Mayans and others. But never did I achieve as elaborate a vision in my head, try as I might, as Mel Gibson has with the beautiful Apocalypto. Is it accurate? I've more than just strong doubts in at least one case, but like all good fiction, it probably tells more truth, despite its inaccuracies, than a dozen scholarly tomes. The movie is engrossing and, even more difficult, plausible and quite evocative. I would have bet any amount of money that this movie was impossible to make. And though some have complained that the film's ending involves an historical inaccuracy, I think there was more than enough reason to put it in.

There's a strong story that reminded me of other Third World folklore I've read, only better. In a lot of ways these people could have been North American Indians, but somehow that's not much of a criticism. And Gibson's recent PR problems only highlighted, for me, how it took an Australian-reared actor to make an exciting film about natives before Columbus. Clearly Hollywood is incapable of even conceiving of such a movie, much less bringing it brilliantly to life. Hollywood has an agenda and very narrow perspectives. It's agenda has no room for illuminating the humanity of non-Westerners, and there's too much relying on the same old set of sensibilities and intuition. I think if Hollywood is up in arms it ought to be because Gibson is making them look inept.

But as to this particular subject matter, there's no doubt in my mind that what fascinates most Anglos about the Aztecs and the Maya is the idea of human sacrifice. Gibson depicts the ritual as having an element of frenzy to it, and he may be right, but what is more convincing to me, at least, is his idea of what a village raid must have been like. His point by point reconstruction is pretty compelling, and I'm quite sure he could make some early American military raids on Indian villages so vivid and unforgettable that grown men would cry. I only hope he does, but as to this film, I would have depicted the human sacrifice with a nod toward a notion most Anglos find completely foreign, namely that these people understood that gain often entails pain, and they were willing to pay the price. Was it really so unreasonable that these people thought God might want them to create pain, and not just endure it, to gain His favor given that life entails so much struggle anyway? That willingness to endure pain clearly survives today, not the desire to create it in others, and that's the only point I would have added to this wonderful film.

Haunting

[richpeters_14215 · 7/10 · 29 November 2006]

Just saw Apocalypto last night with a free pass ticket. Surely one of the goriest and most graphic movies ever made. In the wake of "Passion," I think it's safe to opine that Mel Gibson likes to dwell on torture a bit too much, and this is my biggest reservation. Not that "first nation" communities in America all made nice with each other before the Europeans arrived. Of course not. There is clearly a cultural message going on, regarding violence, war, and man's inhumanity to man. I was hoping for at least some vague allusion to the Mayan/Aztec calendar, as the predictions of 2012 in the New Age community are revving up and fascinating -- but that's just my own bugaboo. Otherwise, the film-making of Apocalypto is masterful. The authenticity of the Mesoamerican depictions rivals, if not surpasses, Malick's "New World." The make-up and prosthetics, tattoos, scarification of the cast, as well as the overall look and texture of the movie, make for one of the most vivid and haunting movies you will ever see. Though it contains some earthy humor, this movie is definitely not for the fainthearted. It is a Class A adrenaline churner. Perhaps Gibson will redeem himself in the public eye after this work. Bound to be a blockbuster.

The Artist As A Tough/Rough Man

[carlostallman · 10/10 · 16 January 2007]

One of the roughest, toughest art films I've ever seen. Remarkable, sensational. Non a mean task to put aside all the gossip surrounding the man behind this miracle and look at "Apocalypto" for what it is : a startling piece of art done by one of the most startling artists of our time. But I was able to do exactly that and sit there open mouthed, totally transported to the world Mel Gibson had in store for me. I don't want to get into any spoilers but let me tell you there are, at least, 4 moments - not merely technical but emotional - that are a first for the movies. There is violence in the film yes, but not nearly as much as in "Casino Royale" and definitely more justified. I'll take my wife next time, she stayed home, brainwashed by the avalanche of misinformation claiming it was one of the most violent films ever made. I know my wife well enough to know she will love "Apocalypto"

To A New Beginning

[shifty1032231 · 7/10 · 2 December 2006]

I've recently watched a free preview of Apocalypto at my college CU Boulder and the place was packed to see if Mel Gibson can top or sink after the Passion of the Christ. First off if your not considering to watch this movie after what Mel said when he got arrested will not do justice to this very well made film. The film is packed with chases, blood, gore, fluid camera movements, and pulsing music. The film is not perfect but satisfies the taste for great entertainment when most of our films now bore us with unoriginal clichés and ridiculous plot lines. This film is original and takes a sincere look at the Myan culture without reducing it to its primitive nature. Yes the sacrifices and violence could be stereotypical of all native cultures before the Europeans came in some eyes but the film has sincere moments at the village with the people interacting. Its when the village is raided and the villagers are captured as slaves when everything changes. The film revolves around a native hunter named Jaguar Paw who is at peace with his village. His wife is far along pregnant with a new son and the world is looking up for the village. The village, as I previously said, is raided. He becomes a slave after being caught but his wife and son are hidden away. The rest of the film revolves his journey back to them. The costumes, music, and art direction for the settings are stunning and worth the money. Mel Gibson uses the chase element to its max with the ferocity of the battle scenes in Braveheart. You will not be bored. The film has some unbelievable and cliché moments which serves the hero purpose back. The acting however is done well with the mostly newcomer Myan speaking in the native tongue. Have fun with the film, I did but I expected more to be shown of the culture than just a chase and blood gushing thrill ride. 7 out of 10

Gibsons Masterwork

[dirdir207 · 5/10 · 8 December 2006]

Apocalypto is certainly Gibsons finest work. The end product is a masterwork displaying his true prowess in film making. The visuals are beautiful equaled only by the clever camera display in producing a truly entrenching experience. One can't help but feel supremely involved with this movie, as the viewer is lead through a vivid culture and world of which I personally believe (although perhaps not historically accurate) produced an accurate image of life and its intricacies. This film is relentless, and the violence is not easily avoided by the camera, only adding to the grasping nature of this film, as the viewer is forced, as the Mayans are, to watch the massacre and demise of there brethren, ones own visceral responses in key with those of the suffering (albeit to a much lesser degree, something conjured only within the viewers mind). The only thing that bothered me viewing this film were the immature audience members to my flank, giggling gaily at the sight of an almost bare bottom, or a partially exposed bosom. I feel the gore in this movie was appropriate given the circumstances. I mean, what would one expect from a human sacrifice? Or two people at battle? This film simply more accurately depicts the events that take place during such trying times, and it is this unrelenting quality that I believe the majority of viewers who do not like this movie are maladaptive to. Certainly worth dishing out the seven dollars to see this one, both for psychological viewers, as well as action chasers. 10/10

A masterclass in filmmaking

[joemccoy-72932 · 9 January 2019]

This film proves that the crazy guy Mel Gibson is a genius of sorts. With Apocalypto, Mel Gibson has proven it's possible to create a compelling action/adventure film in almost any setting. Gibson's theme is that all great civilizations fail when they begin to rot from the inside. Over the next 2 1/4 hours, he provides glimpses into the degeneracy of the Mayan society on the eve of its encounter with the Spanish conquistadores. However, Apocalypto is not a political tract or a dissertation about why the Mayan age came to an end. Instead, it's a high-octane adventure that concludes with one of the most intense extended chase sequences in recent movie history.

Unearthing the realities of Mayan Culture with Adventure, Fiction, Sacrifice, Redemption

[pawanpunjabithewriter · 8/10 · 1 August 2023]

On a delightful Sunday evening, I craved an adventure-filled movie brimming with wildlife and thrills. I googled, Keyword Jungle top IMDb movies. My search led me to Apocalypto, available on Prime Video in Spanish. Despite a slightly comedic start, Mel Gibson's creation gradually unfolds into a mesmerizing film, with no major stars and devoid of mass-centric elements.

Apocalypto skillfully immerses us in the reality of Mayan culture adding a touch of fictional drama. The first half grips us with intense violence and disquieting scenes, testing our patience, resolve to watch. However, the second half presents an entirely different experience brimming with adventures that entertain and enchant. While the first half reveals the intricacies of Mayan rituals, costumes, and their way of life, the second half is engaging, enthralling with spice-filled climax.

Apocalypto stands as a captivating journey into the heart of Mayan culture, a powerful fusion of reality and fiction. An unforgettable cinematic gem that leaves a lasting impression.

Possibly one of the best films ever made

[bigdmia · 10/10 · 8 December 2018]

The effort and attention to detail in the production is evident when you watch the film. Just the authenticity of the film's location, costumes, weaponry and actors is worth the ticket price. Then you watch the rest of the film, and it simply blows you away. Mel Gibson created a masterpiece. The only flaws are the critics who helped in denying him and the film - the accolades that they rightly deserved.

Jaguar Paw's Great Adventure

[mushbuster · 10/10 · 11 December 2006]

The reviewers are trying to damn this movie with an untruthful and insincere mantra about its alleged excess of violence: "brutally violent," "over-the-top violence," "unrelenting violence," "ultraviolent," "The Hills Have Eyes in the jungle," "unpleasant, pointless, gruesome, and exploitative," "pure, amoral sensationalism," "blood and gore … so extreme that they provoke titters of ridicule," "savage cruelty and sadistic barbarity," "lunatic violence," "feverish, mad violence." You'd think from the reviews that you were going to see two hours of babies being fed through a wood chipper. One went as far as to claim that it made the Saw movies seem like Little Women or some such nonsense.

It does no such thing. The Saw films were gratuitously and sadisticly violent; they set out to make audiences squirm and blanch at their sick, nihilistic machinations.

Apocalypto, on the other hand, is the typical, essentially optimistic Disney story of a happy Indian youth ripped savagely from his rainforest life by ruthless marauders, after which he has to escape and fight his way back to his land and people. That's it.

The violence arises from the fact that these particular marauders are bloodthirsty Mayan warriors harvesting neighboring tribes for their human sacrifices. Even then, much of the violence is Shakespearean and takes place just off-camera. For instance, you see women being carried off in the rape-and-pillage scene and you hear their cries but you don't see them being raped and murdered. Battles are staged much as they were in Braveheart. And yes, there's a beating heart lifted from a sacrificed man's chest by a blood-streaked Mayan shaman, but moviegoers saw the same thing in Spielberg's Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom; it got a PG rating and we read no critical hysterics about "lunatic violence." On the whole, you'll see as much blood and gore on the average CSI episode.

It probably should have been titled Jaguar Paw's Great Adventure. The glimpses Gibson provides of Mayan civilization are jaw-dropping. You won't ever see a more convincing cinematic evocation of another time and place in such scope and meticulous detail. Every face seems to have a complete history as Jaguar Paw is marched through the Mayan city. A well-to-do Mayan woman does nothing more than look at the prisoners from her doorway but the story her face tells is voluminous.

The last part of the movie is a rousing chase akin to The Naked Prey, and again, no more bloody and violent then the film it resembles.

Let's be plain here. What really has the critics'--especially those of the Eastern Elite variety--panties in a twist is the director, Mel Gibson. He said some things that upset them, plus (and most unforgivably) he's an outspoken and conservative Christian, so they're going to practice any sort of mendacity that will keep people from buying tickets to his film.

Don't buy the lies or you'll miss an amazing movie.

"Beware the man who brings the jaguar."

[classicsoncall · 10/10 · 19 August 2018]

Whether intentional or inadvertent, what director Mel Gibson did here was cast a light on the true history of the world in microcosm, that civilizations rise and fall via the aggressive use of force. And that leaders of warrior tribes rely on fear, courage, power and the threat of death to maintain their supremacy, not only at the top of their own hierarchy, but in the conquest of weaker tribes. A little superstition goes a long way too, as in taking advantage of an unexpected eclipse of the sun to silence and cast terror into the masses. Not to mention a literal translation of an implicit threat that heads will roll.

Gibson brings a unique vision to the screen with this jungle drama, unlike most any other picture one is likely to imagine. With a cast of unknowns, he tells a story of unrelenting violence and a deep commitment held by his principal character to escape from his captors and return to his family and freedom. What kept me occupied throughout most of the picture was how Gibson and his film crew managed to capture all of the action and drama that unfolded and make it look as seamless as it did. The film ends with the irony that this civilization too will eventually come to an end with the appearance of the Conquistadors.

Very good in parts, and very very bad in parts

[tetanurae · 6/10 · 9 December 2006]

I saw Apocalypto yesterday afternoon because I was genuinely curious what the movie would be like. I left conflicted as the movie is really good and really bad at the same time.

The Good: 1) Acting in general was quite good and it was exciting to see so many native actors.

2) Costuming was also quite impressive, detailed, intricate, and diverse. It's honestly award-worthy.

3) The scenes in and around Generic Mayan City were incredible, believable, and amazing. This is the first and only time I can say I've had a genuine feel for what a Pre-Columbian city in Central America would have actually been like, despite having visited some, seen tons of dioramas, and Discovery Channel CGI. If these were real sets (I imagine a lot of it was CGI), they deserve awards.

The Bad: 1) No one in Jaguar Paw's village seemed to know anything about the fact there was a huge city full of hostile people less than two days walk from them. They seem genuinely shocked that they were being attacked and genuinely curious as to where they were going. This would be akin to people in Anaheim being unaware of the existence of Los Angeles....

2) The scenes of human sacrifice seem to be much more in line with what actually happened in Aztec cities, not Mayan, and even then on these types of sacrifices happened on extremely rare occasions.

3) The Maya were arguably the best astronomers in the pre-scientific world and would have known an eclipse was coming. It probably wouldn't have surprised the crowd and certainly wouldn't have surprised the priests.

4) After Jaguar Paw escaped he ran, and ran, and ran, and ran without stopping for literally 36 hours. And he was shot with arrows. Twice! And he jumped off the top of a waterfall at least 50 feet high! If he's such an invincible superman, how the hell did he get captured in the first place? 5) The scenes of Seven and Turtle Run (Jaguar Paw's wife and child) trapped in the well are superfluous, and well... silly. Add to that the fact that a few hours of rain causes the well to fill up with 6 to 8 feet of water despite the fact that it was empty when they went down into it.

6) The gore was overdone. I'm not saying this as a person who is afraid of blood (although if you are afraid of blood, do not see this movie), but someone who can see the line between necessary and excessive. Hunting, human sacrifice, and animal maulings are all real things that really are really bloody. But do we need to see a jaguar chew a man's face off? For three scenes? Does blood rhythmically squirting out of a wound really need to be seen? After the gore-fest we've endured Jaguar Paw finally kills his main tormentor with a blow to the head, but it just seemed cartoonish and over the top it caused the entire theater to erupt in laughter.

7) AND THEN THE Spanish SHOW UP! Talk about anachronistic! The decline of the classical Maya civilization happened almost 600 years before the Spanish arrived in Maya lands, and the great cities with the stepped pyramids were abandoned and overgrown with jungle at that time. Shall we have Elizabeth I and Shakespeare talking on cell phones in movies from now on? I could live with this movie if it was about the decline of the Aztecs, and the last days of Tenochtitlan, as almost nothing would have to be changed, but forcing the Maya into this framework just sinks the movie.

Belated review: OMG!

[A_Different_Drummer · 10/10 · 26 October 2016]

I missed this on first run but just caught it.

Easily one of the top 100 films of all time, maybe even one of the top 10.

Boy is it hard to reconcile this brilliant piece of work from writer/director Mel Gibson in 2010 with the same Mel Gibson who in 2016 came out of retirement to bring us Blood Father.

But I digress.

This is a treat for the eyes the ears and the soul. I do not think movies get any better than this.

I did note that the cynics said this film reflects Gibson' penchant for violence...? Give me a break! There is little known about the Mayans -- thanks to the Christian friar who became their friend and then decided the world would be better off if he burned 99.9% of their books -- not to mention the core paradox THAT THEY ACTUALLY HAD 1000s of BOOKS READY FOR BURNING? -- but their artwork clearly shows that, whatever their mysterious origins, by the end of their empire they had devolved toward an addiction to human sacrifice.

(Much like other more recent empires I could name ... but again I digress).

Given what he had to work with -- a mysterious people with a lost history -- Gibson not only created a glorious film but also a really neat revenge tale as well.

Highest rating. Recommended.

This movie is good...

[troy-daniel-bush · 7/10 · 3 February 2022]

Say what you want about Mel Gibson, I've said my fair share, the guy can make a good movie.

Both the plot and story are simple but effective.

The acting's great.

You want the villains to die, and for the hero to succeed.

Apparently, it's historically inaccurate, but at least the movie as a whole isn't bad.

It gets about everything right, except... There are a few conveniences.

Some of the editing during the fight scenes can be distracting.

And some of the practical effects, though competently done, do show their age.

Fair warning: Don't watch it if you don't like brutal violence and lots of gore.

Amazing to watch Brutally brilliant!

[Nazi_Fighter_David · 8/10 · 20 August 2007]

Mel Gibson's "Apocalypto" is not a normal movie but a big make-up movie…

From the moment the film starts to the moment it ends you feel you are transported into the ancient Mayan civilization, seeing full body tattoos, body art, multiple piercing and jewelry… It is a very exciting motion picture to look at, so strange to watch… It has the esthetic that began to appeal and it fills you with wonder…

Our hero Jaguar Paw (Rudy Youngblood) is a cunning hunter whose father requests him not to tell of what he saw in forest today… He is warned to strike fear from his heart and not to bring it into the village…His wife, Seven (Dalia Hernandez) is pregnant, and their small son, Turtles Run (Carlos Emilio Baez), live modestly in a village surrounded by a tranquil rain forest...

After a night of frivolity, the peaceful existence of this small community of hunters collapses when savage outsiders begin torching and burning everything in sight killing most and taking away dozens left…

Going undetected, Jaguar Paw hides his wife and child in a deep, waterless well promising to return when the attack has passed… However when he is captured by his fearsome aggressors, he is tied to a pole and marched with his friends and fellow villagers to a forsaken land, stone-built, where the earth bleeds…

A fortuitous switch provides Jaguar Paw with an unexpected opportunity to escape and get back to his family in peril… But for that he has to make his way home through a killing field and a dangerous jungle, racing against sadistic captors hot on his trail…

"Apocalypto" transports the viewers to a strange and unreachable world, to a civilization in decline, to an infernal vision of a city and its inhabitants, to shocking images of human barbarism which has always existed throughout the ages

remake of 70's classic smut films

[LovinMoviesMakinGames · 7/10 · 11 December 2006]

By about 30 minutes into this film I realized I was watching what seemed like a remake of 70's classic smut films such as

• Cannibal Holocaust - Jungle Holocaust - Cannibal ferox And many other fun filled films.

Except Mel's Apocalypto had 10% of the storyline and sociological statement of the previous ones.

Then again, I still think take out the religious affiliations, "The Passion" is a glorified snuff film. Prob because I've seen those kinds of movies before and can actually compare them.

The basic premise… tribe A captures… tortures kills tribe B. It is as black and white as all of Mel's movies. I.e. it shows an innocent family life, and then an invading force made of purely evil two dimensional characters.

If you want to see some mindless, but somewhat fun action and brutality… and you don't mind disturbing images.. this movie may work for you. Otherwise, steer clear.

Anyone who doesn't see this, and mel's movies for what they are, needs to rent some good old fashion "smut" and do a comparison.

Not what I expected.

[geebeegb1 · 5/10 · 9 December 2006]

I have been waiting for the release of this movie and was excited about seeing it. Unfortunately, it did not live up to my expectations.

I was expecting to see a representation of the Mayan culture as a tribute to the advanced culture they must have been based on the ruins left behind. Instead they were shown to be a blood-thirsty, primitive society that were scared of a solar eclipse. This type of people could never have been organized enough to create the fantastic cities found in the Yucatan. The Mayans were quite advanced in astronomy and would have known the eclipse was coming. In addition, the time "spent" with the Mayans was minimal in the realm of things. Since the portrayal of them was incorrect, I am not too upset with the short time spent in the city but the trailers are misleading. This is not really about the end of a civilization - it merely takes place at that time.

Now, if this "movie about the Mayans" intention is to include the tribal people as Mayans, I would then have to question whether the tribes in the forest were Mayans at all. My understanding is the Mayans were the city dwellers of that particular time in history. The people living in the forests were certainly native Mexicans but I question whether calling them Mayans is appropriate.

So I am still wondering how the movie can really be called a movie about the Mayans when it contains so little about them.

Also, Mel does seem to have the Mayans and Aztecs confused in some respects. Some of the scenes were taken right out of the book "Aztec". The sacrifices on the pyramid, the march of the captives to the city to be killed, etc. I agree with those who feel Mel Gibson is confusing the two cultures. Cortez and his group destroyed the Aztec civilization NOT the Mayan. The great Mayan cities were abandoned long before Cortez showed up although the descendants of the city dwellers were the first people Cortez encountered in Mexico. From a historical perspective, this movie just does not work.

I came away from the movie trying to determine the point. I thought the movie was going to speculate on the unfortunate early demise of a glorious and advanced culture and honor that era. Instead I am left with a feeling of "who cares".

I give the movie a 5 because there were some really good scenes and the acting was great given the script. The use of the Mayan language was impressive (assuming it was really the Mayan language - not sure we actually know that). I just think something was lost in the translation.

love this movie highly recommend.

[0U · 23 February 2020]

Epic. I fell in love with all the main characters. This movie is so exciting you just can't turn away . Dramatic, exciting, emotional, beautiful story of good versing evil. Even though the story involves the natives of Central America circa 1511 there is a moral implication than can be applied to modern America. The Mayan Empirical governing body had become so vile and corrupt that it's collapse was inevitable. Tribes and villagers who wanted to live solitary and peaceful lives were being attacked by the Mayans. The story is just amazing.

Probably one of the ten best movies of the year

[ewporter · 9/10 · 9 December 2006]

Apocalypto is probably one of the ten best movies of the year, a compelling action movie with not only adrenaline, but also brains and heart. Its portrayal of the Mayan culture -- including its strange dress, hair styles, costumes, tattoos, body piercing, and decorative scars, as well as its industry, class system, cities, warfare, weapons, myth, and religion -- provide a bizarre and fascinating anthropological backdrop for what is, at its heart, a solid, thrilling, fast paced old fashioned struggle between good guys and bad guys. The movie does have a lot of violence. But the violence is woven into a story with characters we care about. It is a realistic part of the culture being described. And it is not shown in a hyper gruesome manner, as is much of movie violence today. Thus, I found it much less offensive than many reviews had led me to believe I would. Unlike in some movies, I found the subtitles in Apocalypto so easy to read that most of time I forgot I was reading them. If anything the strange language only adds to the tone of exotic strangeness that pervades this unusually good and thrilling movie.