Apocalypto - Movie Review

Apocalypto is a 90 minutes drama movie that attempts to depict the last days of the Mayan civilization. It is a story about a young hunter called Jaguar Paw, whose cozily existence collapses as a result of an invasion. Though himself a prisoner, the the film presents the audience with the story of Jaguar Paw and his struggles through a dangerous new and oppressive world he is forced into in an attempt to get back to his family. It is melancholic and contains elements of savagery and panic hanging a question of how thin is the layer of civilization that separates civilization from savages and telling a story of people’s capability to fight for their life.

Rudy Youngblood as Jaguar Paw is quite believable and his portrayal of the character demonstrates courage and desperation. The supporting cast adds dimension, converting the Mayan world to a tangible reality by bringing out feelings of fear, authority and compassion, all of which are portrayed in the movie. He fills the movie with cultural atmosphere and cultural violence of people, and despite the fact that the view of human sacrifice affects the audience painfully and evokes compassion, this movie has a magic that captures viewers.

The film’s music is another aspect – James Horner has created brilliant music that delivers the atmosphere of movie and exacerbates the actions depicted on the screen. For many of the same reasons it also adds a tribal flavor to the score which complements the orchestral elements and in turn increases the emotional foundation of the film and incorporating the audience even deeper in the Maya environment.

Apocalypto’s extensive shoot is credited to Dean Semler, and it is one of the major strengths of the film: the vast greens of the forests, the bare neerness of the terrains. The chase scenes are given a further dimension by the powerful camera work that contributes to the movie’s accelerating pace during this segment.

When it comes to production design, which involves elaborate settings and elaborate constructions of pre-Columbian villages as well as gigantic Mayan pyramids, the result is sensational. Each location is believable, and brings the audience into the 80s.

Paramount suitably uses special effects to create a realistic movie without overpowering the feature. While the action sequences may lack the close-to-life impact, even the depiction of a battle, sacrificial rituals and more stay realistic aiding in the enhancement of the narrative locale.

The editing is tight and steady, providing the right amount of tension while keeping the audience’s attention at all times. The sharp contrasts of fight scenes and moments of suspense show a clear vision of narrative pacing.

The rhythm of the movie is a relentless one, which echoes the main character’s situation. Such an arrangement of measures drags the audience into a sort of cabriole, which tells about the concerns and sinisters of his travel, and the intention of dialogues is dramatic and filled with deep meaning and deep thought, usually explaining characters’ condition or condition of cultures. Mentioned Mayan language as an additional plus since it gives the extra impact to the film’s historical setting.

Even though worth much appreciation, Apocalypto seems to step into the sphere of some doubts while depicting Mayan culture. Some critics complain that it elevates the violence to heights that could obscure the many cultural specifics Gibson wanted to shine light upon.

Witnessing Apocalypto is like being put in front of the most hardcore roller-coaster ride: unforgiving, breathtaking and impactful. The film looks at the disposition which all cultures are in a highly risky position of collapse and this just adds to the experience that is left in the minds of the viewers well after the movie ends.