The Mission

A very strong film both in terms of content and visuals. However, it didn't manage to captivate me as much as I had expected. There are strong scenes that alternate with dull and relatively uninteresting ones, and at times I couldn't help but feel bored. The cinematography is excellent, as is the music. The South American scenery has something special to it and is truly worth watching. Robert De Niro delivers another excellent performance, and surprisingly, Jeremy Irons tries his best as well. The script is relatively simple, and Roland Joffé attacks the audience with emotions, which are especially abundantly conveyed towards the end of the film – the political intrigues play only a secondary role. Overall, it's a strong above-average film, the Oscar nominations are well-deserved. (24/03/2006)

When in a captivating story of unfortunate fate from a not-so-good time, the amazingly playing De Niro and Irons come together, the camera captures perfect scenery and in addition, the titan Morricone's music is playing, it is enough for even just average direction by Joffé, to create a unique film. The outcome is not as clear-cut as it may seem at first glance and the layered story leaves many ideological questions open. (14/08/2007)

The diametric difference between the two halves shatters the overall result into even smaller pieces. The first is perfect. The utterly captivating depiction of one person's transformation under the weight of their conscience and Christian teachings, further supported by the masterful acting performance of "Senor" Robert De Niro, is breathtaking. Especially when you factor in the excellent contrast between the Native Americans and the European settlers. However, the second half radically changes the point of view. The political struggle of colonial powers in South America, Spain, and Portugal, with the involvement of the Roman Catholic Church, goes completely against the flow of the previous narrative, and the whole story starts losing its persuasiveness and momentum and becomes rather unpleasantly dull. Moreover, everything starts to lead to a surprising final battle, which, despite having "something to it," cannot deny its own self-indulgence. Unfortunately, even the beautiful images of the South American jungle bordering on kitsch are lacking here, but Morricone's impressive music partially makes up for it. But to just close your eyes and listen? Given the first half, I'm sorry for my rating, but considering the second half, unfortunately, there's nothing I can do about it. (30/09/2005)

Let's think of this film as a very ordinary puzzle where one piece features amazing actors, another features Ennio Morricone's haunting music, and another features the spectacular and magical South American setting where the story takes place. They are all a joy to look at, but they are not easy to put together. Roland Joffé has taken great care, however, and The Mission is a well-thought-out and hugely impressive whole that slowly works its way into the viewer's mind and ultimately gets as deeply under the skin as the human wickedness it depicts deserves. For some, it may be too worn out and self-indulgent, but in fact everything in this film makes sense, and in its effort to make the viewer think and learn, The Mission has my endless admiration, even if it may never be one of my top films. (08/06/2012)

Nobody makes films like this these days. The Mission is perfect in every aspect, the story itself is very strong and is underscored by the beautiful scenery and cinematography, the amazing performances and of course the unforgettable music. Only Ennio Morricone can compose a melody that so perfectly portrays the elements of the earth, nature and the very nature of man. His music, like the landscape of South America, is harmonious, peaceful, but also unbridled and treacherous. Underneath its sound, all that cruelty seems unnecessary and absurd. Don't delay in watching this film as long as I did, you won't be disappointed. (16/09/2016)