Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #1429 in DVD
• Released on: 2007-06-11
• Rating: Suitable for 18 years and over
• Aspect ratio: 1.78:1
• Format: PAL
• Number of discs: 1
• Running time: 132 minutes

Amazon.co.uk Reviews
Forget any off-screen impressions you may have of Mel Gibson, and experience Apocalypto as the mad, bloody runaway train that it is. The story is set in the pre-Columbian Maya population: one village is brutally overrun, its residents either slaughtered or abducted, by a ruling tribe that needs slaves and human sacrifices. We focus on the capable warrior Jaguar Paw (Rudy Youngblood), although Gibson skillfully sketches a whole population of characters--many of whom don't survive the early reels. Most of the film is set in the dense jungle, but the middle section, in a grand Mayan city, is a dazzling triumph of design, costuming, and sheer decadent terror. The movie itself is a triumph of brutality, as Gibson lets loose his well-established fascination with bodily mortification in a litany of assaults including impalement, evisceration, snakebite, and bee stings. It's a dark, disgusted vision, but Gibson doesn't forget to apply some very canny moviemaking instincts to the violence--including the creation of a tremendous pair of villains (strikingly played by Raoul Trujillo and Rodolfo Palacias). The film is in a Maya dialect, subtitled in English, and shot on digital video (which occasionally betrays itself in some blurry quick pans). Amidst all the mayhem, nothing in the film is more devastating than a final wordless exchange of looks between captured villager Blunted (Jonathan Brewer) and his wife's mother (Maria Isabel Diaz), a superb change in tone from their early relationship. Yes, this is an obsessive, crazed movie, but Gibson knows what he's doing. --Robert Horton

Synopsis
Mel Gibson (BRAVEHEART, THE PASSION OF THE CHRIST) tackles the downfall of Mayan civilization in his latest turn as writer/director. Jaguar Paw (Rudy Youngblood) and his fellow villagers lead a peaceful life in the forest until a savage, unprovoked attack turns their world upside down. After hiding his pregnant wife and young son from the invaders, Jaguar Paw joins in the fight, only to be taken prisoner with the rest of the survivors. Uncertain of what the future holds and taken from his home to a thriving metropolis that might as well be a foreign country, Jaguar Paw has just one goal--to return to his wife and child. Jaguar Paw’s journey is a coming-of-age saga running the gamut of love, loss, courage, and redemption.


Filmed in Mexico with a cast of indigenous Americans speaking in the Yucatec dialect, this is a tale filled with contrasts. Muted greens and browns define the forest village while the city is awash in bright colours. The wealthy live in opulence, sporting elaborate jewellery, clothing, and hairdos while the villagers wear twig and bone ornaments. The villagers respect both life and nature, but the rulers of the great stone city condone violence in an effort to appease their gods. Gibson’s point is clear: the more "advanced" society is corrupt and unrepentant, while the more primitive Mayans have far greater faith and humanity. Gibson also drives home the recurring theme of rebirth with symbolism, including rain, pregnancy, and the arrival of Christianity. Beautifully filmed by Dean Semler and scored by James Horner, APOCALYPTO could benefit from some framing at its beginning to give the viewer a sense of time and place, but otherwise offers a rare glimpse into a lost world.

Customer Reviews

A typical Hollywood actioner in disguise
The fact it was set in pre-European arrival South America, and didn't use English, made me think this film would be different and interesting.

In fairness, in many ways it was. I admired the overall look and feel of the film, and the unusual setting. But, underneath it all, it was the typical Hollywood action movie.

The scene setting, the arrival of the seemingly invincible adversary, the action scene in which the bad guys win, the hero's valiant struggle, and then, just as all seems lost, the fightback and inevitable victory for the good guy.

Couldn't someone in Hollywood, just for once, throw that basic script away and make something new and original?

Crud
This film is rubbish - I had hoped it would be gritty and realistic but there were so many elements that were given the old hollywood treatment that I ultimatel didn't enjoy it. The kids enjoyed it but then again they have never seen Rambo.

Eye opening piece of art.....!
I was absolutely amazed with 'Apocalypto', the best way to describe it is 'a piece of art'. The costumes are amazing, Mel Gibson has done a superb job of capturing every single character. Be sure to view all the extras on the menu, the story and Mel's rundown on making the movie is really eye-opening. Enjoy...! Oh & I particularly liked the ending of this film, irony at its best!