Happy timezones, Friends! It’s movie time! However, this film is not for the faint of heart. Today, we’re talking about Apocalypto, an excellent movie from 2006 by Mel Gibson. I give this one a 5/5!
Apocalypto (2006)
No one can outrun their destiny.
As the Mayan kingdom faces its decline, a young man is taken on a perilous journey to a world ruled by fear and oppression.
Director: Mel Gibson
Writers: Mel Gibson, Farhad Safinia
Genres: Action, Adventure, Drama, Thriller
MPAA: Rated R for sequences of graphic violence and disturbing images.
I’ve been interested in Mayan culture ever since The Mister and I took a trip to Cozumel, Mexico.
Seeing the ruins left a deep impression on me, and I had to learn more about the people who once lived there.
What was important to them? How did they think? What made them tick?
Honestly, I wasn’t sure if I wanted to watch this movie because I don’t like overly bloody content.
I know, I know, I love to read horror books, and watch horror movies. But I like ghost stories, folks. I’m not much into gore.
Well, I thought about it for a while, then finally decided to bite the bullet and watch it. I figured if it got to be too much for me, I could always turn it off.
Friends, once I started watching, I could not stop myself. The story was immediately engrossing, and the cast was the epitome of perfection, the costuming was spot on, the cinematography was awe-inspiring, and the suspense kept me glued to my screen.
The character development is awesome, and the story is, too.
The courage of Jaguar Paw (excellently played by Rudy Youngblood) is outstanding and storytelling at its finest. His character creates twists and turns you might not expect.
Jaguar Paw’s pregnant wife, Seven (Dalia Hernández), and their little son, Turtles Run (Carlos Emilio Báez), show incredible bravery and ingenuity, too.
So, yes, there is blood. Yes, it is intense. And violent.
It’s also beautiful as it allows us a realistic feeling peek into their lives. I dig history. Historical fiction is a genre I cannot get enough of. This movie fits the bill.
I have rewatched this two more times. In each viewing, I found details I hadn’t noticed before. I felt like I was there with these people, in the best, (and at times, the scariest), kind of way.
Apocalypto isn’t for everyone. The Mister still hasn’t watched it because, while he enjoys historical fiction, this is definitely not his cup of tea. However, if you decide to watch, I can say, the story and characters are worth the viewing. Unfortunately, I don’t see how they could have made this movie if they hadn’t shown what they did. Life then was harsh, and probably short.
Here is the official trailer1:
So, is Apocalypto for you? Let me know below. 🙂
I’m so glad you stopped by today. Any plans for the weekend? Will you watch Apocalypto? Do you like movie reviews and should I do more of those?
Thank you, kind readers, for liking, lurking, reading, and commenting. You are important!
Credits:
Featured Image by DEZALB from Pixabay
Movie Photos from Pinterest
Citations:
1. Apocalypto – Official® Trailer [HD]. (2013). Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gSw5l5jMnPM&t=26s&ab_channel=TrailersPlaygroundHD
Copyright © 2023 | KL Hawke & booomcha.com | All Rights Reserved.
63 comments
This was the last movie I saw with my father-in-law before he passed, and he does come from the ancient Mayans! I wept all the way through, but it was a phenomenal film. I’m like you … love ghost stories, mysteries, crime solving, but leave the bloody gore hot-mess for someone who is not a clean freak! Excellent review and so good of you to share! <3
Thank you for this review!!! I heard this was a great one!
Thank you. 🙂 It definitely is a great one.
I’m a Mel Gibson fan, so this would definitely click that box for me. I’m not a blood and gore girl, but in the context of a story like this, I think it’s necessary.
Great review, Kymber!
This is one of Mel Gibson’s finest, I believe. I totally agree with you about the blood and gore and when it’s necessary for a story. I’m so glad you liked the review!
I’ve watched it, and I loved it! Mel Gibson is good at making movies like this. I would definitely watch it again…and again…
Thank you for your input, Holly. 🙂 I think Mel Gibson does a good job with movies, too. This is definitely one that can be watched again and again. There are so many details to see.
Hi Kymber, I haven’t watched this movie and, generally, never watch movies, but I have read books about this period. I have also written a short story about the child sacrifices that were made to the gods in Mayan culture.
Wow, Robbie! That sounds really interesting! Do you have a link? I’d love to read it. 🙂
I watched this movie when it was released, and bought the dvd as soon as it was available – it’s absolutely the kind of movie i can watch over and over again. I’m also fascinated by the inca and mayan culture, there is so much that was wiped out by the conquistadores, as usual when we Europeans set our mind on colonization…
Yes, that is all so true. I didn’t know about this when it came out, and tbh, I probably would not have chosen to see it because I would have been too afraid of the violence. But you know, I’m so glad I finally did watch it, and I’m sorry I didn’t see it in the theater because that would have been such an awesome experience.
Yeah, you were in the jungle running with them…
I never heard of this film. Is it on dvd or on cable or streaming.
I streamed it, but I can’t remember where I streamed it from. I think it’s streaming on Prime Video now.
If you watch, I hope you like it. 🙂
Great review, Kymber, and I’d love to see more! I haven’t heard of this one and it sounds super exciting! Thanks for sharing, and have a great weekend! ❤️
Thank you so much, Lauren. ❤️ I’m so glad you liked the review and would like to see more.
I hope you have a great weekend, too. xo
an excellent review for sure…. haven’t watched but after reading this….sure to give it a try.
Thanks for the share , Kymber 🤍💫
Thank you, Destiny. 🙂 I hope you like it. xo
I vote yes for more movie reviews. This is one I hadn’t heard of, but it’s one I think I’d enjoy. Hubby not so much.
YAY! Thank you, Teri! 😀 Yeah my Mister was a hard pass on this one. LOL But I really liked it. I hope you like it, too. 🙂
Well done, K. I loved that movie. Exciting as all get out.
Thank you so much. 🙂 Great to see you! I’m glad you liked this movie, too.
Great review!
Thank you so much, Cindy! 🙂
WOW Kymber, this is an adventurous thriller. I will have to look it up because it sounds not simply exciting but very relevant to many cultures that seem to be vanishing around the world these days. Great review my dear ChickiePotPie! My curiosity is definitely piqued! 🤩👍🏼😎
Thank you so much, ChickieNoodle! xoxo The first time I saw this, it was between my fingers as I peeked through. LOLOL At the beginning, tough, I really loved seeing this small village of people and how they lived and got along. They were very much about their children, for instance. There was a lot of wisdom spoken, too, in just a few short scenes.
I could be wrong, but I think it’s streaming on Prime right now.
You have a fantabulous weekend, mah Chickie! xoxo
Well cock-a-doodle-doo to you my Maven of movies, stories, and CATS!!! 😹😺😻 I will certainly try to find it and check it out. My hubby has control of the DVR! I have to go bearing gifts if I can convince him to record something for me! 🤣😝😂
LOL 😂 … movies…. stories…. AND CATS! hahaha You have me laughing, gf. I’m not exactly in control of the DVR either, but if I bring buttered popcorn, The MIster and I always work things out. haha 😀
Oh my Kymber, how sly you are, 😲 but I so love your tactical maneuvers girlfriend! Hot buttered popcorn will do it every time!!! 🍿📺🍿
LOLOL I know that’s right! And, my suggestion for the popcorn is Kerrygold butter. It’s soooo good. ❤️🍿
OMG, stop it already! 😋🍿😋 I have to say, you know your popcorn ChickiePotPie! 😂😜🤣 Have a FANtabulous week! 😘💖🥰 Hugs and smooches!
All right, right. LOLOL You have a fantabulous week, too, my chickie! xoxo
🤩🥂🥰💖😍💐😘
You wrote an excellent review but this is not my kind of movie. I watched the trailer and am convinced I would not enjoy it. Thanks for your interest in my opinion.
Thank you, John. I knew this movie wouldn’t be for everyone, and I can understand not wanting to see it. 🙂 Thank you so much for stopping by and letting me know what you think. 🙂
😁
This is me: 🤓 lol
Thanks for sharing this idea with this movie . Anita
You’re welcome, Anita.
I would pass on this one.
When I learn about history, I prefer a documentary.
Nice review though!
Thank you. 🙂 I can understand that. I love documentaries. xo
Pretty sure I saw this and really enjoyed it.
Hi, Maranda. 🙂 It’s sure intense! 😀
A friend of mine loves this movie and ha been recommending it for years. I want to check it out, but just plain have not gotten to it yet. It’s not like it’s been out for almost 20 years or anything. lol
Thanks for the great review, Kymber!
LOL You’re so welcome. I’d be curious to know what you thought about it if you watch it.
If it’s on streaming I’ll try to check it out one of these days soon.
I think it’s streaming on Prime but I don’t remember which streaming platform I saw it on. 🙂
I can check Prime and see if it’s there. Now I just need to find the time to sit down and watch it lol
I can totally understand that. It’s not a short movie either.
No, I know it will be an investment time wise. I’ll get there eventually! 😄
Woot woot! LOL 😀
Fingers crossed LOL
How is your cat if I might ask?
Oh yes, thank you for asking. He is not doing well. I’m distraught about his condition. The vet wants to put in a feeding tube and I just don’t know what to do. I know that when you introduce anything into the body that is invasive like that, you run other risks like infection. Anyway, I just hope we make the right decision for him.
Oh, I’m very sorry to hear. 😢
My thoughts to you and yours. I know how difficult it can be. All my best and stay strong.
Thank you so much. It really was so kind of you to ask.
Of course. 🙂
I know it’s hard, but try to hang in there.
Thank you. I will. 🙂
I don’t remember hearing about this one, but it looks good, and like something I’d watch. 🙂
Cool! Let me know if you watch it and what you thought, if you don’t mind. 🙂
This movie is tough to watch, like you said. I stopped the dvd several times to take a visual and emotional break. I’ve since watched it a few more times. There is practically no time to take a breath from the intensity of the plot. The trapped in the well parts kicked my claustrophobia into hyperdrive.
I know what you mean about stopping the DVD during those rough moments. Sometimes, as you said, you need to take a breath. lol
I am drawn to this story for the same reasons you are, Kymber. I appreciate “Life then was harsh” and see nothing wrong with that. I’m always looking for new movies!
Hi, Jacqui! I was actually thinking about you when I watched this because I wondered if the story would appeal to you. If you watch, I’d sure like to know what you think. :)🤍🌷