Overall Rating: 5.0/5.0
The Mission is a 1986 film which is based upon the real story of Jesuit missions within the Guaraní. The Guaraní are a native tribe that lives off the land in the forests and jungles of South America. Directed by Roland Joffé, this stunning film is filled with historically accurate twists and turns. It's one of those rare movies that makes you wonder... A good movie will make you look twice, a great movie will make you think, but a truly amazing movie makes you wonder. This movie is no exception to this rule...
Realism Rating: 5.0/5.0
Scenery Rating: 5.0/5.0
Portion of cover
Set above the Iguazu Falls throughout most of the film, this movie's scenery has some exquisite scenery. While I must say that they didn't pick the best soundtrack cover on the planet (yes, because everyone wants a CD with a priest tied to a cross falling to his death from a waterfall on the cover!), their scenery is everything but fake. In fact, much of the movie was filmed on location. The buildings and structures within the film are also strikingly realistic. Though the effects are a bit lackluster according to today's CGI, when one considers the $24.5 million (US Dollars) budget this film had, and the technology available at the time of the movie's making, the effects and graphics are shocking. Though it's not exactly a thoroughly beautifully film, its scenery does it a lot of justice. In addition, let's not forget to mention the fuzzy little critters littered throughout the film! Yes, there are cute little creatures throughout the film, from monkeys to sloths.
In addition to scenery, we also have the costumes. The costumes and props were shockingly real. In fact, it was as if we were all transported back in time. The entire film itself is amazing when it comes to first-glances, as seen with the cover alone.
In addition to scenery, we also have the costumes. The costumes and props were shockingly real. In fact, it was as if we were all transported back in time. The entire film itself is amazing when it comes to first-glances, as seen with the cover alone.
Acting Rating: 5.0/5.0
Jeremy Irons
With stunning acting featuring a cast including actors ranging from the well-known voice of Scar from the Lion King, Jeremy Irons, to Ray McAnally and Robert De Niro, the entire acting crew and staff is truly amazing. It was hard to believe that the acts in the film weren't truly happening. Yes, this movie includes death, but this isn't some corny acting death, they actually look like they're dead. What a novel idea! Make the dead people look dead! Hurhurhur! But that's off-topic. Anyway, the film features spectacular acting, though they mumble a lot, so it can be hard to hear what they're saying. The script, however, also enhances the film's realism rating. Why? Because it uses dialogue faithful to the time period in which the film was set! Again, novel idea, eh?
Music Rating: 5.0/5.0
Music/Soundtrack Rating: 5.0/5.0
Jeremy Irons plays his oboe
Featuring music by Ennio Morricone, the film is littered with spectacular music to match its amazing cinematography. The music is littered with native-inspired musical pieces, giving it a feel similar to The Lion King. Throughout songs including (fourth on the soundtrack) Ave Maria (Guarani), native voices can be heard harmonizing. The expertly articulated sound of the music makes for a moving and memorable experience.
In addition to these native-inspired pieces, there are pieces which intertwine both the Spanish culture and Guarani culture, such as (nineteenth on soundtrack) The Sword. Also, the unforgettable sound of the song (fourth on soundtrack and with a reprise as the thirteenth on the soundtrack) Gabriel's Oboe is another piece which will remain within the minds of the listener. Many modern instruments were used in the pieces, some pre-used to acquire the precise sound needed, and many native Guarani instruments were also used. The soundtrack was nominated for the Academy Awards (1986), won the Golden Globe Award for Best Original Score, listed as number 23 on AFI's 100 Years of Film Scores, and its music was also played during the 2002 Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City, Utah. The main theme for the movie, Falls (second on soundtrack) has been released on many commercials, and remains popular today.
In addition to these native-inspired pieces, there are pieces which intertwine both the Spanish culture and Guarani culture, such as (nineteenth on soundtrack) The Sword. Also, the unforgettable sound of the song (fourth on soundtrack and with a reprise as the thirteenth on the soundtrack) Gabriel's Oboe is another piece which will remain within the minds of the listener. Many modern instruments were used in the pieces, some pre-used to acquire the precise sound needed, and many native Guarani instruments were also used. The soundtrack was nominated for the Academy Awards (1986), won the Golden Globe Award for Best Original Score, listed as number 23 on AFI's 100 Years of Film Scores, and its music was also played during the 2002 Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City, Utah. The main theme for the movie, Falls (second on soundtrack) has been released on many commercials, and remains popular today.
Disclaimers and Warnings
This movie IS NOT family friendly: Contains some partial nudity, one scene in which a suspected private male part is shown briefly, scenes of heavy violence, scenes containing intense blood and gore, possible nervous breakdown inducers, death, loud noises, tense scenes, and some mild language (worst word I recall would be 'bastard', I believe...), and one sex scene...but they were covered...mostly...except the woman had giant boobs that didn't get entirely covered...
This movie MAY cause emotional reactions: Includes death, blood, slaughter, scenes of historically accurate genocide, and one suicide
This movie IS NOT property of me, it is distributed by Warner Brothers Pictures, and property of all its respective owners. This includes but is not limited to its directors Fernando Ghia and David Puttnam, director Roland Joffe, and writer Robert Bolt. The movie's soundtrack is property of its creators as well.
This movie includes references of: racial superiority, slavery, genocide, murder, sex, romantic cheating, war, and smoking
This movie MAY cause emotional reactions: Includes death, blood, slaughter, scenes of historically accurate genocide, and one suicide
This movie IS NOT property of me, it is distributed by Warner Brothers Pictures, and property of all its respective owners. This includes but is not limited to its directors Fernando Ghia and David Puttnam, director Roland Joffe, and writer Robert Bolt. The movie's soundtrack is property of its creators as well.
This movie includes references of: racial superiority, slavery, genocide, murder, sex, romantic cheating, war, and smoking
Movie Facts
Release Date: 16 May 1986
Film Budget: 24.5 million US Dollars
Film Language: English (UK)
Location: Great Britain/UK
Running Time: 126 minutes (approximately, about 2:06 or two hours and six minutes)
Gross Revenue (US Dollars): 17,218,023 (seventeen million two hundred eighteen thousand twenty three US Dollars of gross revenue)
Movie Rating: Unavailable, I'd give it at least a PG13
Places to Buy: Amazon.com | The Mission: Original Soundtrack on iTunes [6.99 USD] | The Mission (Widescreen with subtitles) from Best Buy | The Mission (special widescreen edition) from Target
Film Budget: 24.5 million US Dollars
Film Language: English (UK)
Location: Great Britain/UK
Running Time: 126 minutes (approximately, about 2:06 or two hours and six minutes)
Gross Revenue (US Dollars): 17,218,023 (seventeen million two hundred eighteen thousand twenty three US Dollars of gross revenue)
Movie Rating: Unavailable, I'd give it at least a PG13
Places to Buy: Amazon.com | The Mission: Original Soundtrack on iTunes [6.99 USD] | The Mission (Widescreen with subtitles) from Best Buy | The Mission (special widescreen edition) from Target