Apocalypto

8

nathaliey.Dec 24, 2006

At first I was a bit dissapointed but now I want to go see it sgain.Mel Gibson should had focused more on their inteligence and discories instead of those bloody scenes.

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9

A.M.Dec 27, 2006

Very realistic rendering Mayan/Aztec life with a story that was exciting and full of action. Costumes were excellent, filming and storyline very believable, overall I really liked this film. I thought it was original and not as violent as Very realistic rendering Mayan/Aztec life with a story that was exciting and full of action. Costumes were excellent, filming and storyline very believable, overall I really liked this film. I thought it was original and not as violent as the critics said.… Expand

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10

JerryK.Dec 28, 2006

From beginning to end I was on the edge of my seat. I learned a lot about the Mayan culture and it was a very worthwhile experience.

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7

BillyS.Dec 8, 2006

Well, if Emilio Estevez can do a remake of Nashville under the guise of Robert Kennedy's assassination then why not Mel Gibson's remake of The Fugitive under the guise of the fall of the Mayan Empire? Apocolypto fares much better Well, if Emilio Estevez can do a remake of Nashville under the guise of Robert Kennedy's assassination then why not Mel Gibson's remake of The Fugitive under the guise of the fall of the Mayan Empire? Apocolypto fares much better though, especilly the waterfall escape scene, but it's still just amounts to an ambitious chase movie in a extinct language that continues the brutal violence that Gibson has become famous for. The technical credits are all top notch, and the acting is good considering there's nothing much more than suffering to play. It's all pretty evident that Mr. Gibson is just cashing in on the same gimmicks that worked so well for him in Passion Of The Christ.… Expand

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10

KorriK.Dec 8, 2006

Easily the best big movie of the year. Visually stunning. Most of what is shown of the Mayan culture is supported by accepted historical assumptions.

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9

ColbyS.Dec 8, 2006

The critics are full of shite on this one, trust me. When a critic criticizes the maker of a movie instead of the movie itself, you know they're no longer credible. Although violent, gory and somewhat boring at parts, this is an The critics are full of shite on this one, trust me. When a critic criticizes the maker of a movie instead of the movie itself, you know they're no longer credible. Although violent, gory and somewhat boring at parts, this is an amazingly executed allegorical indicment of the society that we are headed toward today. As for the "horrific violence" many Mel-detractors are preaching against: These are the same people that loved Kill Bill, a film using disgustingly bloody violence for sheer entertainment. Apocalypto is violent, yes, but so were the Mayans. It's historical. It adds to the tension. If you don't like it (which no one does), then look away or brace yourself. Overall, lush photography, compelling plot and pretty decent acting, especially considering such a rookie cast.… Expand

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9

KitchManDec 9, 2006

Just got in from watching this film... It is truly: an Experience, an intense one at that. Technically speaking, (cinematography, editing, sound fx, score), this film is a present day filmic masterpiece. Gibson truly takes you into his Just got in from watching this film... It is truly: an Experience, an intense one at that. Technically speaking, (cinematography, editing, sound fx, score), this film is a present day filmic masterpiece. Gibson truly takes you into his world, makes you care/empathize with the hero and his plight, pushes and pulls you like you're on a daunting rollercoaster ride. The performances (none of which are Hollywood trained actors, thankfully) are all solid, authentic and believable, especially the lead character, "Jaguar Paw." In my mind, Gibson has created, by far, the greatest foot chase sequence ever put onto film. I am thinking fans of Braveheart will truly enjoy this film/ ride; (after they get past the simple fact that it is in sub-titles/ meaning: not in English).… Expand

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7

TracyB.Dec 9, 2006

Beautiful film, but overwhelmingly violent. Yet, I must say that it is much better than the numerous slasher films.

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9

OAKsideJan 11, 2007

What a film. Never boring, and never before have the Mayans been on screen like this. A must-watch for 2007. Oh, and Ana C., to give this, of all movies, a zero for "blood and gore" is disgusting. Leave and never come back, please.

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9

MIGUELG.Jan 12, 2007

Very Original. Adventure action drama full of thrills, suspense, and a powerful love story. Its environment and civilization apocalypses seems oddly very current.

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9

MikeH.Jan 13, 2007

Highly coherent and entertaining. Regardless of your opinion on Gibson, his direction in Apocalypto is sensational, often gritty and confronting at times yet offering enough scope to appreciate the Mayan civilization itself. Although Highly coherent and entertaining. Regardless of your opinion on Gibson, his direction in Apocalypto is sensational, often gritty and confronting at times yet offering enough scope to appreciate the Mayan civilization itself. Although violent, it is not exceptionally different from many other violent films released currently. A brilliant release.… Expand

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10

alteregoJan 14, 2007

Isnt Film is a great medium? Where else can you show the brutality of real life in such an artful way? Mel Gibson is a genuine moviemaker who obviously refuses to make the typical 'isnt-life-great' film...I am happy that we finally Isnt Film is a great medium? Where else can you show the brutality of real life in such an artful way? Mel Gibson is a genuine moviemaker who obviously refuses to make the typical 'isnt-life-great' film...I am happy that we finally get to see a movie that makes our adrenalin rush AND seriously think about human nature, it has fascinating faces in it, heartstopping action-scenes and a special atmosphere that definitely makes it one of the most interesting movies of the year...if you cant stand blood and truth, go watch gilmore girls! THANKS MEL.… Expand

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10

NiallL.Jan 14, 2007

Stunning - fantastic story telling. A wonderful cinematic experence - visually spectacular. Makes the heart pound relentlessly. Perhaps it lacks only an emphimeral dimension but I don't think that this detracts in the slightest.

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10

hugosanJan 26, 2007

I really cant understand why some ppl qualify this movie with 2's and 3's, its true the movie got gruesome scenes, but if you have a little brain you would realize that thats how reallity its really all about, ppl do loose arms andI really cant understand why some ppl qualify this movie with 2's and 3's, its true the movie got gruesome scenes, but if you have a little brain you would realize that thats how reallity its really all about, ppl do loose arms and legs and during prehispanic mayan and aztec cultures human sacrifices happened, sure its not historically acurrate but thats why its a movie and not a documentary. It transport you in a trip in the anciend Mesoamerica and offers the viewer a glimpse of what life whas all about during those times. Im very pleased as a Mexican with the portrait it delivers cose it neither glorify neither condmemn the society of those days. Its simply feels real.… Expand

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9

KevinM.Jun 16, 2007

This was a very good show, a real underdog kind of thing. I don't know how it got such a low rating, but I can't see how anyone could find fault with it.

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10

JoshW.Jun 25, 2007

I thought this movie was amazing! A superb story. Gripping and thought provoking from start to finish.Who cares if it might not be historically accurate. There are people who go on... Blah.Blah..Blah about it`s improper depiction of the I thought this movie was amazing! A superb story. Gripping and thought provoking from start to finish.Who cares if it might not be historically accurate. There are people who go on... Blah.Blah..Blah about it`s improper depiction of the Mayan culture and the likelihood of such circumstances arising. Where you there? I think not! So take your conceptions and get back to your TV so you can watch that "real life " drama that your so fond of. This Movie is thrilling and definitely one of the better movies to come out of Hollywood. Mel is a friggin genius!… Expand

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10

TimQJul 12, 2007

Horrific, and beautiful.

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9

{Anonymous]Sep 19, 2007

I really don't understand why people have such a huge issue with this movie. Yes it is violent, but I have seen people stabbed and if it is anything like being hit with an arrow, then I would say the amount of gore was absolutely I really don't understand why people have such a huge issue with this movie. Yes it is violent, but I have seen people stabbed and if it is anything like being hit with an arrow, then I would say the amount of gore was absolutely accurate! If you get clubbed in the head or shot or stabbed, you're going to effing bleed...profusely. It is actually historically accurate that the Mayans practiced sacrifice and anyone who tries to deny this is the one being ignorant. Yes, the Mayans were also highly advanced in many ways and the movie did not really address this but was there really time to delve into the various achievements of the Mayans? People already complained it was too long! Couldn't we see by their architecture and complex city system in the movie that they weren't just a barbaric people?? The story line had nothing to do with it, so get over it. Also, I would like to point out that everyone commented on the ridiculousness of the eclipse. The high priests could actually predict before hand (using their advanced Mayan knowledge everyone claimed the movie was devoid of...) the exact time of an eclipse and therefore could use these sacrifices more as a way to retain the people's support because they would then think the prest was behind the eclipse. He knew it was coming!! Did everyone miss the subtle nod between the priest and the "king" right when the eclipse occurred??? It was not so ridiculous after all. Also, giving birth in water is one of the easiest ways to give birth. Seriously people, get over it. Just be positive. I mean, it takes a good movie to be sad and disturbing the whole way through and then leave you feeling a sense of some hope in the end. And the ambiguity of the ending leaves so much room for after thought. ps. If you don't like blood and that makes you sick then a)don't see a Mel Gibson movie and b)don't see a rated R movie for gore and violence!! Those warnings are there for a reason!You, not Mel and his movie, are the idiots in this situation.… Expand

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8

paulaSep 21, 2007

in general the movie is good, and it's the typical movie, with violence and gore, etc...but if you are looking for historical events or you want to know more about mesoamericans civilizations , better get a book, because this movie isin general the movie is good, and it's the typical movie, with violence and gore, etc...but if you are looking for historical events or you want to know more about mesoamericans civilizations , better get a book, because this movie is completely wrong. "you like gore and violence, go ahead,,,,,, this is the movie."""… Expand

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10

barbb.Nov 18, 2008

Great mel you are the best i like all of your movies but this one you out did your self i will watch it again also reading up on the mayan tribe now very interesting love it.

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10

JamesM.Dec 21, 2008

A movie about pre colonial Mexico with a message for today? Exciting and with a message that takes a little thought to see clearly. Excellent.

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9

JasonJacinthoDec 11, 2006

Hoberman and Toppman.... Hmmm, I wonder why they didn' t like this movie. Anyway, the movie is great. Braveheart was awesome and I didn't like The Passion all that much. Apoc is a stunning film. If the scenes depicted were inHoberman and Toppman.... Hmmm, I wonder why they didn' t like this movie. Anyway, the movie is great. Braveheart was awesome and I didn't like The Passion all that much. Apoc is a stunning film. If the scenes depicted were in Mayan hieroglyphics, guess what? It is an accurate historical portayal! Women may not like the portayal of violence because they don't like to live in reality (OK, maybe a few do), so stay home and watch something relevant like Friends. This movie rocks. The only reason I didn't give it a 10 is because there are a few irrelevant scenes like the tree falling. How did that make the cut?… Expand

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9

AaronH.Dec 12, 2006

I find it hard to believe that so many people are giving this movie below a 5. I can understand that it is not everyone's cup of tea, but overall its a well made movie. I liked the story and I really cared about the plight of Jaguar Paw I find it hard to believe that so many people are giving this movie below a 5. I can understand that it is not everyone's cup of tea, but overall its a well made movie. I liked the story and I really cared about the plight of Jaguar Paw and his tribe. It is essentially a different take on the Braveheart and Patriot formulas. If you liked either of these movies (Braveheart is one of my favorites and I thought the Patriot was very good) then I think you would like this movie. It's violent and gory in parts, but this aspect of the film is being exagerated by many. The graphic nature of the violence and suffering is in the ball park of what was in Braveheart, but it is nowhere as bad as The Passion of the Christ or many horror movies. I cant help but think that some people's views of this film are being influenced by Gibson's personal history and ultra graphic The Passion of the Christ. If this had opened before The Passion of the Christ and Mel's drunken incident the reviews would probably be significantly higher. Being that Braveheart was first I can't give it a 10, but it was one of my favorites this year and one I would like to see again.… Expand

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10

MICHAELA.Dec 14, 2006

Amazing! Hypnotic! Electrifying! Gibson has channeled the anchient Mayans and traveled back through the centuries bringing us a masterpiece. This filmic achievement places Mel Gibsen next to Hitchcock, Bergman, Welles, Coppola and Scorsese. Amazing! Hypnotic! Electrifying! Gibson has channeled the anchient Mayans and traveled back through the centuries bringing us a masterpiece. This filmic achievement places Mel Gibsen next to Hitchcock, Bergman, Welles, Coppola and Scorsese. Apocalypto is a stunning piece of cinematic magic and awe.… Expand

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10

UnPCReviewDec 16, 2006

All human civilizations were barbaric even while at the same time creating innovations in art, sciences, and technology. This movie addresses the cost of civilization, you have classes of people. Warriors trained only to kill, peasants only All human civilizations were barbaric even while at the same time creating innovations in art, sciences, and technology. This movie addresses the cost of civilization, you have classes of people. Warriors trained only to kill, peasants only skilled for farming, slaves only skilled for the quarries, greedy mechants putting prices on everything, rulers and priests controlling the masses. In the small village no such class structure existed, everything was a lot simpler. It was not as corruptible an environment as the civilization. Not once did the movie even refer to the civilization as being the Maya and theres no way of knowing for sure whether all sacrificial victims came from willing citizens. It's stupid to give this movie a 3 because you think it didn't represent Mayans fairly. The truth is human sacrifice was first practiced by the Mayans and it was carried out by the empires that succeded the Mayans (Toltecs/Aztecs). Mel used the Mayan civilization as a metaphor for all civilizations. Even with the appearance of the Spanish at the end our protaganist is smart enough to realize they are no different than the Mayans.… Expand

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7

PatrickD.Dec 16, 2006

Mel Gibson's films are heart on sleeve action films, and Apocalypto does not do anyting to persuade otherwise. It's overly sentimental in many ways, but in the end hews closer to Braveheart than it does The Passion of the Christ. Mel Gibson's films are heart on sleeve action films, and Apocalypto does not do anyting to persuade otherwise. It's overly sentimental in many ways, but in the end hews closer to Braveheart than it does The Passion of the Christ. The costumes are beautiful and there are some beautiful shots. The problems that I have with the film is that the plot is light and that the grand pronouncement at the beginning of the film is nowhere to be found later. In the end if you want to watch a solid action film with emotional resonance set in a different world, then I'd watch this film.… Expand

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10

WayneJ.Dec 17, 2006

Absolutely amazing. An epic. Wait 10 years and it will be appreciated for the great film it is. Truly great films are never immediately appreciated by critics or movie fans - it takes time.

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8

ChadS.Dec 18, 2006

"An Occurence at Owl Creek" was atypical of "The Twilight Zone"(it was more like a French short subject film), but "Apocalypto" bears an uncanny resemblance to both. The payoff for this visionary film is executed with Rod Serling-like "An Occurence at Owl Creek" was atypical of "The Twilight Zone"(it was more like a French short subject film), but "Apocalypto" bears an uncanny resemblance to both. The payoff for this visionary film is executed with Rod Serling-like precision. For me, and for others, what the Mayans are confronted with is akin to a twist ending, because some of us thought the cause of the Mayans' demise was greater in scale. All that chasing, and there's a lot of chasing (and blood, there's a lot of blood), seems less monotonous in afterthought. There's a method to this anti-Semite's madness. "Apocalypto" is absolutely brilliant in how the film's genre has fluidity, which would be made possible if a viewer from an isolated part of the world (with a primitive culture) migrated to a technologically-advanced country. If you think "Apocalypto" is simple-minded, think again.… Expand

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9

ErikN.Dec 19, 2006

Mel Gibson proves once again that he is a terrific director. Action movie making at its best.

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9

DaleM.Dec 26, 2006

Excellent. Typical of Gibson in the way he juxtaposes scenes of tremedous violence with scenes of commonplace tenderness. This movie may be too vilolent for some viewers, but filmgoers who enjoy teen-oriented blood and gore movies will be Excellent. Typical of Gibson in the way he juxtaposes scenes of tremedous violence with scenes of commonplace tenderness. This movie may be too vilolent for some viewers, but filmgoers who enjoy teen-oriented blood and gore movies will be disappointed. The point of the movie is not to present violence and to scare you. The movie shows a world where there is both violence and tenderness. It's the same world as in Passion of the Christ and Braveheart. The poet Yeats said it well: when the domestic world of tenderness is violated, "a terrible beauty is born." It is terrible and it is beautiful and it is awe-inspiring. We come away appreciating the commonplace more than ever.… Expand

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8

DirigiblePulpJan 4, 2017

Mel Gibson can direct some real intensity, even through ham-handed moments that would derail lesser films. This film is intense and febrile, using the Gibson-classic near Martyrdom of a main character's suffering to build to an enlightenment.Mel Gibson can direct some real intensity, even through ham-handed moments that would derail lesser films. This film is intense and febrile, using the Gibson-classic near Martyrdom of a main character's suffering to build to an enlightenment. It works, even when his wife is giving birth in a rapidly filling well and he's being saved by a little kid's prophecies and sudden eclipses in the sky (I thought the Mayans could predict these with precision?) that is admittedly awe-inspiring.

There's no need to reiterate in too much detail (it's been done to death) how impressive this film was to make. Shot on location, using the Maya language with a bunch of local, non-professional actors, elaborately re-created sets and mostly stunning camera work.

Though I will say some of the digital hand-held photography hasn't held up, like most digital from that time, and looks "digitized" and lacking in detail and clarity. Some shots are still amazing (I think some of this was shot on film and I read briefly about some crane they used for overhead shots) but others are bafflingly video-like. It creates a disconnect at times.… Expand