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From Amazon.co.uk
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
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Brand new and sealed!! Please note this is the region free USA edition!! Get it quick!! Get it now !!
Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
71 of 73 people found the following review helpful
By D. Evans
TOP 1000 REVIEWER
Format:Blu-ray
I first saw Apocalypto when it was released on DVD about a year and a half ago. I found the film to be original and impressive; a breath of fresh air in a historical genre that had become predictable and stale.
Whatever you think of Mel Gibson as a person, it's hard to deny that he's a good director. Apocalypto was a huge financial risk on his part, considering he'd taken a very obscure part of history and put his own inventive, original twist on the story. It took a lot of guts to cast unknown Native American actors and have them speak in the Maya language; a risk that most conventional directors would have never taken as it would have beeen box office suicide (especially when you consider the 18 rating).
The result is one of the most breathtaking, exciting and vibrant historical epics of the last few years. Gibson took a story that most Hollywood film executives wouldn't touch, and made it into a heart pounding and exhilirating action-adventure.
Although the film might sound like your typical art film (subtitles, unknown actors, elaborate costumes, 138 minute running time) Gibson manages to make the film easily understandable without sacrificing its substance. The film although set in the past, is hardly a history lesson. If anything, the film has been widely criticised for its numerous historical inaccuracies, perhaps the largest being that the film is set during the 16th century, but Classical Maya Civilisation had already collapsed between the late 9th and early 10th centuries.
With that in mind, it's worth covering the story which is simplistic but displayed with a lot of verve. It revolves around a young hunter named Jaguar Paw who lives in a isolated village, deep in the Yucatan Jungle.... Read more ›
Whatever you think of Mel Gibson as a person, it's hard to deny that he's a good director. Apocalypto was a huge financial risk on his part, considering he'd taken a very obscure part of history and put his own inventive, original twist on the story. It took a lot of guts to cast unknown Native American actors and have them speak in the Maya language; a risk that most conventional directors would have never taken as it would have beeen box office suicide (especially when you consider the 18 rating).
The result is one of the most breathtaking, exciting and vibrant historical epics of the last few years. Gibson took a story that most Hollywood film executives wouldn't touch, and made it into a heart pounding and exhilirating action-adventure.
Although the film might sound like your typical art film (subtitles, unknown actors, elaborate costumes, 138 minute running time) Gibson manages to make the film easily understandable without sacrificing its substance. The film although set in the past, is hardly a history lesson. If anything, the film has been widely criticised for its numerous historical inaccuracies, perhaps the largest being that the film is set during the 16th century, but Classical Maya Civilisation had already collapsed between the late 9th and early 10th centuries.
With that in mind, it's worth covering the story which is simplistic but displayed with a lot of verve. It revolves around a young hunter named Jaguar Paw who lives in a isolated village, deep in the Yucatan Jungle.... Read more ›
10 of 10 people found the following review helpful
Format:Blu-ray
This is what blu-ray presentation was made for. An absolutely stunning film that uses the technology to the full. Every rustle of the grass, every whisker of the jaguar's face, was picked out with astonishing clarity. I almost felt I had to wipe the humidity of the jungle off my brow as I watched it. The story is a straightforward tale of a community ripped apart by violent outsiders and the struggle for one of its inhabitants to flee from his captors and return to his doomed family. But it is in such simplicity that the story is made. The villains are bad beyond redemption and you long for their deaths, you root for the hero from the moment he is taken, and you prey for a happy ending to his plight - may his family be saved. Gibson knows exactly what he is doing and the viewer actually cares about what they are watching. Before viewing the movie, I was troubled about the level of violence contained in the film and, whilst there is undoubtedly some gore - ripping out a beating heart is never going to be pretty - I found nothing that wasn't essential to the plot or added to the menacing atmosphere of the period depicted. Don't let the lurid tales put you off. As an archaeologist, I was also drawn into the debate about authenticity but such thoughts were quickly banished by the pulsating intensity and sheer brilliance of the film. Similarly, the subtitles are forgotten and the foreign language even adds to the feeling that what you are witnessing is real; this actually happened. Apocalypto is stunning - an experience rather than a movie.
5 of 5 people found the following review helpful
By Mr P
Format:Blu-ray
The film is very good. Exciting, interesting, mysterious. I have 'only' given it four stars because I just felt something was missing, as well as for the historical inaccuracies.
I won't review the film much as there are so many other reviews. I did think I might be a bit bored by some 'adventure' film about native tribes in the forest, but actually it is very well done. The dialogue, although subtitled, is what brings the film to life. Quite fascinating really, I recommend seeing it. At some stages however the interactions of the various characters just do not ring true and the hollywood need for action becomes apparent.
The Blu Ray offers 5.1 and 5.1 uncompressed sound. No DTS. My current amp only plays 5.1 or DTS unfortunately, but the standard 5.1 sound was still very good.
The Blu Ray picture quality is excellent. Very vivid, some amazing scenes. There is a waterfall sequence that is particularly cool.
I won't review the film much as there are so many other reviews. I did think I might be a bit bored by some 'adventure' film about native tribes in the forest, but actually it is very well done. The dialogue, although subtitled, is what brings the film to life. Quite fascinating really, I recommend seeing it. At some stages however the interactions of the various characters just do not ring true and the hollywood need for action becomes apparent.
The Blu Ray offers 5.1 and 5.1 uncompressed sound. No DTS. My current amp only plays 5.1 or DTS unfortunately, but the standard 5.1 sound was still very good.
The Blu Ray picture quality is excellent. Very vivid, some amazing scenes. There is a waterfall sequence that is particularly cool.
4 of 4 people found the following review helpful
By Theresa Cole
Format:DVD
I was not sure what to expect as I had not paid much attention to the trailer for this. If you have not seen it, then you simply must. The film is about the Mayan civilisation . Jaguar Paw's journey is one viewers really connect with. It's one of those films where you simply can't describe it well enough, it must be viewed. I was left exhausted when it finished, I felt as I had run every step with Jaguar Paw!
Top class from Mel Gibson, absolutely brilliant!
Top class from Mel Gibson, absolutely brilliant!
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful
By Spike Owen
TOP 500 REVIEWER
Format:DVD|Amazon Verified Purchase
I'll start right off and say I practically loved this film, but let me state that I loved it for none of the reasons I was expecting I would, prior to the viewing. Upon loading the disc I was prepared for over two hours of deep cranial work taking in the destruction of the Mayan civilisation, perhaps an insightful look at this particular race of people and how they lived? What I got was actually one of the best action movies of the 00s!
Looking at the ream of reviews here and viewing all the threads across this particular site it is evident that I was not on my own in being torpedoed as to how the film panned out, was it Mel Gibson's intention from the off to do a straight action piece in subtitles ?, perhaps he started off to do a deep thinker but quickly realised that he could make a top dollar actioner instead? Either way this film delivers royally to those who get much from the action genre itself, and thankfully I count myself amongst that number.
Mel Gibson ups the violence quotient here, perhaps not quite for violence sake, but very nearly because it's part of a story that uses every cliché in the action film book, in essence the film is a simple chase/revenge plot piece, only here the added gimmick of a civilisation long past puts a bit more weight on the freshly stripped of skin bones. What lifts this film above your standard genre pieces tho is the great work Gibson does with his camera, he knows his money shots, he can frame a breathtaking scene very well indeed, and he manages to get tremendous performances from a largely unknown (and some never worked before) cast.... Read more ›
Looking at the ream of reviews here and viewing all the threads across this particular site it is evident that I was not on my own in being torpedoed as to how the film panned out, was it Mel Gibson's intention from the off to do a straight action piece in subtitles ?, perhaps he started off to do a deep thinker but quickly realised that he could make a top dollar actioner instead? Either way this film delivers royally to those who get much from the action genre itself, and thankfully I count myself amongst that number.
Mel Gibson ups the violence quotient here, perhaps not quite for violence sake, but very nearly because it's part of a story that uses every cliché in the action film book, in essence the film is a simple chase/revenge plot piece, only here the added gimmick of a civilisation long past puts a bit more weight on the freshly stripped of skin bones. What lifts this film above your standard genre pieces tho is the great work Gibson does with his camera, he knows his money shots, he can frame a breathtaking scene very well indeed, and he manages to get tremendous performances from a largely unknown (and some never worked before) cast.... Read more ›
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4.2 out of 5 stars
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
4.0 out of 5 stars
Good film
I ilked this, a bit gory at the end when the heads are chopped off but that I suppose is what happened! I would recommend this film if you are interested in South American history.
Published 14 days ago by Neil3478
4.0 out of 5 stars
Pretty good
Not got into much of Mel Gibson as an actor or director but I will give him some credit for this film as I enjoyed it.
Published 23 days ago by Ross Stenson
5.0 out of 5 stars
"My name is Jaguar Paw!...I am a Hunter!"
Well what can i say...This movie blew me away when i first watched it. Visually stunning it looks awesome and imposing on blu ray. Read more
Published 28 days ago by Ben Soden
5.0 out of 5 stars
O warrior, unafraid and willing, with your blood you renew the world!...
Apocalypto [Blu-ray]
This is easily one of my all time favourite movies, and I've seen it many times now. Read more
This is easily one of my all time favourite movies, and I've seen it many times now. Read more
Published 1 month ago by CharlieMbro
3.0 out of 5 stars
Apocalypto
I have recently returned from Mexico whilst there I visited Chichen Itza which was built by The Myans 1000 years ago our guide there recommended this film to me but I was... Read more
Published 2 months ago by Mr. J. Clark
5.0 out of 5 stars
BUY IT. I DON'T THINK YOU WILL BE DISAPPOINTED..
If you like fast paced, action packed, edge of the seat stuff, then you won be far off with this film. Read more
Published 2 months ago by Theroux
5.0 out of 5 stars
Gripping!
Don't let the fact that this film is sub-titled put you off it, it's stunning to watch and the performances are strong and gripping. Read more
Published 2 months ago by Ms. Loraine H. Wills
5.0 out of 5 stars
Appoc
Arrived on time and pleased with purchase .Would use this company again for sure...not happy with the minimum word feed back it deters people from writing feedback..
Published 2 months ago by Bill
4.0 out of 5 stars
Entertaining
Good, entertaining watch, that I would definitely recommend to anyone with an interest in Latin America or just people looking for a good film to watch
Published 4 months ago by Sam
5.0 out of 5 stars
Exciting
I have watched this DVD over and over. It keeps you on the edge of your seat from start to finish. Good family movie except for a few gory instances. I recommend it.
Published 4 months ago by Darlington Mnandi
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