Jamie passion and passionfruit!

I liked this far more than I expected.  In a fragmented market with everyone trying to target the bland centre, Gibson just goes and gives us an exciting adventure film in an exotic setting.  To hell with the politically correct.  We don’t know how accurate his portrayal of this period at the end of the Mayan empire is but he shows it brilliantly on film.  What is even more successful is the action side, the pace is a bit slow to begin but later never lets up and we are on our seats in the last half hour.  Dean Semler’s photography is terrific and you really feel you are in the jungle or the city (Tikal?) which is equally awesome.  Now, the story and the message may have its detractors – were the Mayans really so sadistic? – and the ideology chosen by Gibson to portray as the best may not be your choice but I felt that Apocalypto was a film that can introduce people to this era and an exploration of the civilizations and events at that time. It also can help shed light on our era.  Lots of violence too for those who like that but the chase takes the mind away from those scenes.  So, top direction, top setting and top photography and a satisfying movie for its entertainment value.

¶¶¶¶