The Mission: Rare Gem Capturing 18th Century Latin America on Film? or, a Slow Methodical Snoozefest?

If you chose to watch Roland Joffe's The Mission in its entirety, you were hopefully in for a treat. If you find colonial Latin American history intriguing, or if you are simply a Robert DeNiro fan and you were interested in seeing him in his younger days, this film likely was quite an experience for you. The opening scene is captivating, as an unknown man tied to a cross is seen rapidly floating down a river that is descending into a waterfall, and of course the mortal plunge that follows. The film does slow down a bit for the first half, but this, in my opinion, is important for character development purposes. Father Gabriel, played by Jeremy Irons, is a Jesuit missionary that is commissioned to build a mission in a remote part of South America, apparently Brazil, as the land is eventually sold to the Portuguese during the film. Rodrigo Mendoza, played by a young Robert DeNiro, is a former slaver and newly converted Jesuit that is commissioned to assist in the building of this new mission and convert the natives. The beauty of the film lies in the forced assimilation of the natives that one witnesses as one watches the film. We know that the Spanish had a clear agenda coming to the Americas, often refered to the 3 Gs- God, gold, and glory. The question remains though, was the agenda exactly in that order? In fact, what really was "the mission" of the Spanish, as it were, in South America? The film explores just that question, and while the film doesn't force any conclusions, no doubt the viewer arrives at some bitter, and at times conflicting, conclusions. One scene in particular that hopefully will stir some dialogue in this discussion is the scene of the young children singing hymns that they have been taught. As beautiful as the harmony is, one cannot help but look further into this scene. Are these children willing participants? Is this brainwashing or is this part of the process to create a better and more orderly society? Is what we are witnessing part of a bigger agenda? Why is it children in particular that are portrayed in this scene? These are questions that must be discussed. In addition to the thought provoking story that The Mission contains, this film has other merits that I would like to point out. I especially find the musical score of this film to be completely riviting, especially in the monumental concluding 30 minutes. Although the film sets off at a slow pace, the final half moves lightening quick, and it truly does create a fist-clenching sense of suspense. If you enjoyed this film, Roland Joffe previously directed another film of historical significance entitled The Killing Fields in 1984. The film takes a candid and graphic look at the oftentimes overlooked genocide campaign in Cambodia during the 1970s. Viewer beware! This film is not for the faint of heart, and I would not recommend it to squeamish viewers. However, it does serve as an important reminder of the darker side of the human condition, one that, if not held in check, can be enormously devestating. Is there a similar theme that runs through The Mission?