A TRULY EXCITING ADVENTURE WITH THE MAYANS

I've read only one review of this film and it was quite favorable. The reviewer pointed out that several people were talking about boycotting the film due to Director/Screenwriter Mel Gibson's recent behaviour. The reviewer also pointed out that if we start deciding to see movies based on the reported character of directors, writers and actors, we may have to stop going to movies. Although I was repulsed by Gibson's remarks when he was arrested, that does not mean that he is a bad director.

Enough of that. This is one hell of a film. From the opening scenes, we are taken into a world that was made realistic by all those connected with the film. All of the characters (save the very end) are natives. There is no English spoken in the film at any time but English subtitles are used. Often, there is no need for language due to the adventurous nature of the film.

THE PLOT

In the opening scenes, we meet the main character of the film, Jaguar Paw (Rudy Youngblood) who leads a fairly contented life with his wife who is with child and their young son, Turtles Run (Carlos Baez). Jaguar Paw is the son of the apparent leader of the small village. While out hunting, Jaguar Paw and his fathers plus a few other braves happen across another tribe that is apparently running for their lives from an unnamed invader. A day or so later, Jaguar Paw and his fellow tribe members find out who the invader is: a group of Mayan warriors who capture most of the tribe and kill the rest.

Jaguar and his fellow tribe members are taken to a Mayan city where are to become the featured members of Temple sacrifices. Jaguar is spared due to a prophecy which turns out to be accurate and he escapes from the Mayans. Fully half of the film concerns his flight from the enraged Mayans. Jaguar is trying to return to his village where he has left in wife and son in a cavelike hole in order to hide them from the Mayans.

Not only does the majority of the film concern the chase of Jaguar but the amazing methods that he uses to avoid getting caught are spectacular.

WHAT I LIKED ABOUT THE FILM

I have to admit that, except for Jaguar Paw (Youngblood) and a few others, I could not identify the actors and their parts. Nevertheless, their acting (which I understand was the first movie for nearly everyone in the film) was realistic. The characters not only looked the part of natives but they projected a very true to nature performances.

The closeness to nature that native people have is very evident in the film from start to finish. Since most of us in the "civilized modern world" have lost these abilities, it is fascinating to watch a society based on a true appreciation of the earth. Of course, the native peoples of the jungle had to be close to nature but it was shown with great expertise by Gibson and his crew.

The cinematography by Dean Semler("Dances With Wolves" and "Dead Calm") was, at times, breathtaking. Not only were the "full shots" of the jungle and river valleys beautiful, but the incredible attention to detail was remarkable.

The original music is the film was also perfect for the storyline. That music was by James Horner who won as Oscar for "Titanic" and also wrote the music for "Braveheart", "Troy" and "The New World" among several others.

The "makeup" and costumes were outstanding in the film. The work of the crew and the actors was astonishing in the realism that the makeup conveyed.

Lastly, the direction and scriptwriting of Gibson was truly inspired. Again, along with the cinematographer, the attention to minute details was incredible in the film. The prolonged chase scene had elements from other great movies from "Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid" to "Indiana Jones" but the scenes frequently had a realistic, naturalistic approach that I have seldom seen

The film kept me on the edge of my seat for its entire two hours plus. Some of the events, especially during the chase, were a little hard to believe but not beyond possibility. This is one of the best adventure films I've seen in years.

I should mention that there is a lot of violence in the film so I don't believe small children should see it. The violence was an important part of the story but it would certainly not be good for children to see.

FIVE STARS