Apocalypto (2006)

Note: This edited version is still quite violent.

O An excellent must-see
O Good video rental
O Mediocre
X Rent something else

Review by Jason Pyles / May 29, 2007

As noted above, though edited, “Apocalypto” is still brutally violent. The warfare depicted is that of an ancient civilization, so we see wounds with knives, spears, hatchets, and even beheadings. Oh, and I shouldn’t forget horrific animal attacks.

“Apocalypto” is a well-executed action drama. Set among the ancient Mayan culture, this movie depicts one man’s harrowing journey to save his wife and children before it’s too late.

One morning Jaguar Paw’s (Rudy Youngblood) tribe is attacked by another malicious tribe. The murderous assailants slaughter most of the village, capturing the young men for an even more unpleasant purpose.

Amid the attack, Jaguar Paw hides his pregnant wife and his little boy in a deep hole. He must survive and escape his captors and rush back to rescue his family from said hole.

The movie looks great and seems to be authentic. All of the Mayan dialogue is subtitled.

Some movies simply shouldn’t be edited; “Apocalypto” is one of them. Its scantily clad male and female natives’ partial nudity is one indicator. But I can spot the “shouldn’t be edited” movies pretty easily: When my wife leaves the room in disgust, I know I’ve found another one. Rent something else.

Directed by Mel Gibson
Rudy Youngblood / Morris Birdyellowhead / Raoul Trujillo
139 min. Action / Drama
(Original MPAA rating: R)
Edited version age recommendation: 18 and up

DVD release date: May 22, 2007
Copyright 2007.
JP0116 : 199