Its called The Mission and is in fact the oldest film I have discussed and that gave me a really good idea for something in the future. What if I watch and talk about a film from the 60's, 70's, 80's 90's and so on, it may not work but I thought it was a nice idea.
Anyway, When my dad mention this film all he said was "the music is brilliant" and instantly I was intrigued then he mentions the cast and I just said "Yes!" Its based on a true story (I've been watching a lot lately) but when I saw the title I honestly imagined a navy seal film for some reason, I was so wrong; literally not even close. So enjoy!
Recognise him? well I'll give you a hint, he was a taxi driver. It is of course the great Robert De Niro. Like I said the film is based on a true story and it is based on the events surrounding the treaty of Madrid in 1750, the treaty formed a borderline in South America. Portugal took control of a region were a number of mission communities were founded by the society of Jesus and where thousands of natives lived, the Portuguese now want to get rid of the natives in anyway way they can, they consider slavery or simply moving them. Robert De Niro's character (Rodrigo Mendoza) is seeking redemption from god but is angered that these people who have also excepted god must leave and so he fights with them.
I will be honest, I had a bit of trouble keeping up with the film, there was a lot happening but eventually I got it and understood it all and it is actually a very nice film, it was beautifully directed by Roland Joffe and the characters were portrayed brilliantly by the selected cast.
The cast! wow, its such a brilliant cast involving Robert De Niro, Liam Neeson and the utterly brilliant Jeremy Irons, I am a very big fan of his I just think he is a wonderful actor and this certainly proves it. Liam Neeson despite having a minor role still impacts the film significantly as Father Fielding, Robert De Niro who plays Mendoza is a man seeking redemption after living a life of inflicting pain and even though the film doesn't end brilliantly I still saw him as the hero who stood up for what is right despite his flaws and errors in the past but he did indeed redeem himself. Jeremy Irons plays the wise and brilliant Father Gabriel who teaches a tribe that hated god how to accept god and become more civilised in the cut off world they live in, his role specifically is one of the most powerful attributes towards this film and I applause Jeremy for his work. The film creates a complete contrast between the 2 groups of characters, we have the priests who explore the beauty of nature and self sacrifice whilst the Portuguese stride towards self interest and take barbaric actions towards a group of people who already struggle.
You thought I would forget! but I didn't, the music of course had an amazing impact on the film that created a tranquil vibe but also kept this tribal feel to it. The score was composed by Ennio Morricone who composed the infamous theme to "The good, the bad and the ugly" and I believe he tops it with this score which is just beautiful, its nice and soft and what is strange is that it combines biblical music with native sounds and it worked brilliantly.
I thought I would mention as well the scenery and the setting, it is visually stunning. filming it must have been an honour especially visiting Iguazu falls.
The actual film itself is sad but there is a lot of happiness to be taken away from it. I just feel that non religious people may have bad words for the film and honestly a lot of films based on religion do which is why I am nervous about "Noah" but I will leave that for another time.
Overall I give the a 7.5/10, and here's a brief list of good and bad points
Good
- Music
- Cast
- Scenery
- Story
- The truth
The only bad point I felt was that I didn't connect with the movie as much as I wanted, I understood Mendoza's role because we will always seek redemption in times of need and I think his character is fairly relatable however because of my religious beliefs I had trouble connecting with the films message of god and thats more of a personal thing than a criticism. I really enjoyed it and I would recommend it if your looking for a serious film with a powerful message.
Anyway thats it from me on this Friday night, I am going to go and enjoy Agents of Shield after a 2 month break -_- and pig out. I hope you have a great weekend! and I sure hope you enjoyed this post :)
Until next time :)
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