Home Video: Apocalypto

Apocalypto
Directed by Mel Gibson
Released December 8, 2006

Mel Gibson's latest film is an extensive bloodbath centered around the final days of the Mayan empire. The story centers around Jaguar Paw, a courageous and determined leader in his tribe. Gibson's film was praised for its daring cinematography and excellent asthetics. The cinematography is in truth uneven, and the set is occasionally well-decorated, though most of the film takes place running through the forest. The brutality is a bit extensive. While it is representative of the society at the time, Gibson seems to take a certain pleasure in showing every detail of every bloody death. The film is only 2 hours and 20 minutes, but feels unbearably long. An interesting premise which is ultimately lost, like Jaguar Paw among the massive Mayan empire, in the great undertaking which is "Apocalypto."

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