!! Apocalypto Blu ray

"Apocalypto" should have been more controversial than Mel Gibson's other traditionalist classic "Passion of the Christ". That it was not is a clue as to who holds real political sway in our culture. In any event, this movie is fine addition to Gibson's string of writer/directorial classics, making Gibson the top writer/director of our age.



Although violent and not very complex in plot, "Apocalyto" stands as a monument of originality in the wasteland of modern American cinema. To make a hero out of a small jungle tribe tyranized by the Maya was truly a unique stroke that stands apart in the entire Hollywood oeurve. To portray these people as they really were, that they had their own very dark side, was a startling act of bravery in our postmodern culture, which seldom portrays any but white Europeans, usually males, as villains and oppressors. The great civilizations of pre-Columbian Mexico and Central America had vices so horrific that history should regard the Conquistadores as liberators rather than the gold-crazed pillagers that have become paradigmatic in our youths' history texts. Sure, they had cultural achievements to compare with those of the Egyptians, but the "Egyptians never practised human sacrifice", according to Herodotus.



Secondly, an impressive amount of cinematic talent was necessary to mold a riveting adventure out of an alien culture, using strictly unknown foreign actors. Many a fine premise has been ruined by poor execution, but not so "Apocalypto". There is vivid character development despite the limitations imposed by subtitles. The visuals are a stunning recreation of how the Mayan civilizations probably appeared. The entertaining series of deus ex machinas that save the hero, Jaguar Paw, as he is pursued by blood thirsty Mayans, culminating with the masterful suprise ending, driving home the message of the film, were inspired.



All in all, "Apocalypto" is an original, well executed movie, somewhat limited by its subject matter and excessive gore, which serve the purpose of the film, but don't watch it over dinner!
(540 customers reviews )
Customers Rating=4.0 / 5.0

More Detail For Apocalypto Blu ray

• ISBN13: 0786936726145
• Condition: NEW
• Notes: Brand New from Publisher. No Remainder Mark.

!@ Apocalypto Blu ray

Wow, what can I say? I put this movie off for so long due to all the reviews talking about how graphically violent it is. Yes, its violent. I wouldn't recommend it to someone who gets squeamish but the violence isn't that much different from Braveheart, Gladiator, or even the Passion. In fact, the scourging scene from the Passion is worse than this.



Apocalypto tells the story about a man named Jaguar Paw who is having a very bad couple of days. He is captured by a group of marauders/mercenaries, etc who capture people for slaves and sacrificial victims. As his village is being attacked, he manages to hide his very pregnant wife and young son.



This movie is set during the post-classic period of Maya civilization, around the time when they were being influenced by other groups (ie. the Aztec,etc). There is a small part at the end of the movie that will date the movie more precisely.



The attention to detail is superb from the costumes, the cinematography, the make up, etc. You will actually feel that you are back in time. I know that what we see on the screen is a composite of several time periods of Mayan civilization and I think that Gibson did blur a bit of the Maya culture with that of the Aztec but other than that and a few quibbles about astronomy, the film is brilliant.



Definitely watch this movie. It will keep you on the edge of your seat :).
(539 customers reviews)
Customers Rating=4.0 / 5.0

More Detail For Apocalypto Blu ray

• ISBN13: 0786936726145
• Condition: NEW
• Notes: Brand New from Publisher. No Remainder Mark.