Mel, Mel, Mel ... Mel Gibson's latest films all seem to use the same tactics, namely, sickening violence and the focus on one man destined in some manner (usually religious) for 'greatness' within his community. I cite Braveheart and The Passion of the Christ as recent examples. In Apocalypto, Mel takes these two themes to their usual extremes following Jaguar Paw, a young man taken from his forest village and trekked to the Mayan capital to become a human sacrifice to the Gods. Destiny intervenes in the form of an eclipse and thereafter the film becomes the story of Jaguar Paw's odyssey back to save his wife and child, all the while being pursued by his Mayan captures. As a reflection of Mayan history at the time of the conquest, this story is aesthetically accurate and utterly breathtaking in its cinematography. As virtual history, it is hogwash and is simply a setting for the grander story Mel is filming. The violence in the film is horrific on many, many levels and I wonder if the film could have been a 10 out of 10 had Mel reduced it? ... That all said, I would still highly recommend Apocalypto for those of strong stomach who want a glimpse at a world long since gone.
My rating 9 out of 10.
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