Apocalypto

Apocalypto is Mel Gibson's greatest achievement since Braveheart. As a matter of fact, it's his greatest of achievement of his career. The foreign language film spoken in the Mayan dialect is pitch perfect from its opening sequence to its gut wrenching climax. Besides the beautiful yet insanely tragic story being told its best qualities lie in its technical works.

The film tells the story of a Mayan tribe headed by the swift and wise, Flint Sky whom get overtaken by a Maya kingdom who feel they must offer more temples and human sacrifices to gain prosperity with the Gods. When dozens upon dozens of women, children, and men are killed and taken, Flint Sky's courageous son Jaguar Paw places his pregnant wife and son in deep hole to keep the safe from the bloody battle that was occurring. When Jaguar Paw is captured with the rest of his people, his wife and son are left in a helpless state without food and water and with Jaguar Paw helpless himself and slated for human sacrifice he is more relentless and determined to get back to his family. When Jaguar Paw escapes and has a "platoon" to say the least gunning for him we are locked into an action-filled and heartbreaking film experience. The way the film is shot, as if it were a documentary about wild men in the wilderness hunting prey on a Discovery Channel special following "Shark Week" is the definitely the most potent and surprisingly eye catching aspect of the film.

Despite Gibson's recent outbursts of Anti-Semitics which of course is unacceptable, we cannot deny his artistic eye and his eagerness to awe the viewer to breathless moments. Rudy Youngblood who plays the powerful Jaguar Paw puts in a fine performance and among the top breakthrough performances of the year. Along with Youngblood, Morris Birdyellowhead who plays the wise Flint Sky gives a wonderful supporting turn. With all the action and drama-full moments, we even get some interesting and much needed comic relief in the film.

Oscar consideration would warrant Gibson and his film among the final five of the year but honestly, that is not happening. It can find its way in the categories of Makeup, Cinematography, Score, and Film Editing. I cannot wait for Gibson's next project, whatever that may be.

Grade: ****/****