Rated R for sequences of graphic violence and disturbing images.
Directed by Mel Gibson (Braveheart, The Passion of the Christ)
Starring Rudy Youngblood, Dalia Hernández
Apocalypto is breathtaking – and that’s not a word I use a lot. From the scenery and cinematography to the characters and story, I loved everything about this movie.
The story centers on Jaguar Paw (Rudy Youngblood), a peaceful hunter in the ancient Mayan civilization. Jaguar is from a remote forest tribe whose life is forever changed when his village is raided and he is marched off to be prepared as a sacrifice for the Mayan gods. The brave hunter knows that he must find a way to escape and get home in time to save his pregnant wife (Dalia Hernández) and son.
Braveheart and The Passion of The Christ are two of my favorite movies of all time, but honestly when I read that Gibson was making another film completely in a dead language I wondered if I would even want to see it. Ancient civilizations, subtitles, no name actors, and a lot of naked butts…not exactly my idea of a great movie, but Mel Gibson delivers again. Not only is Apocalypto a stunning epic filled with action, tension, drama and even a bit of humor, it tells a wonderful story filled with deep characters that you really care about. Whether I was cheering for Jaguar or distressed by the tribe’s affliction, I found myself emotionally involved very quickly.
One of the things I loved about the film is that like Braveheart, there is a lot of violence and intense battle scenes, but at the heart of the movie there is a love story. In both films outside forces separate the warrior from his wife, leaving him to fight against insurmountable odds. In fact, Apocalypto, Braveheart, and The Passion of The Christ tell that same “what one man will do for love” story.
I realize not everyone will like this movie, maybe they won’t like the violence or the subtitles or the naked butts, but I loved it…well not the butts part.
SHOULD KIDS SEE IT?
Apocalypto has a true R-rating with some pretty graphic images and plenty of violence so younger kids should not see it.
However, I think that some older kids that can process the violence and with intentional discussion will discover some valuable life lessons.
Conversation Starter
Three Simple Questions (with Answers You May Be Looking for):
- What are some of the messages or themes you observed in this movie?
- How do you suppose we—as serious Christ-followers—should react to this movie?
- How can we move from healthy, Bible-based opinions about this movie to actually living out those opinions?
