The Mission Reviews

"Ahora subsisten la fe, la esperanza y la caridad, estas tres. Pero la mayor de todas ellas es la caridad."

I Corintios 13:13

Este versículo, bien narrado dentro de la película hoy a reseñar, envuelve todo el significado de la película, y todo el significado dela cristiandad, aquel que trasciende la Iglesia, y que es la iglesia en sí, esa Iglesia espiritual, que esta por encima de esa necesaria, pero falible iglesia política, como tan falible es cualquier institución humana.

Una de las cosas que me hizo querer mas este filme, fue su carácter pedagógico, que envuelve la contribución a la ciencia de la docencia dada por los jesuitas, esto porque soy estudiante de docencia en Geografía e historia. Esta orden, aprendió la lengua y las costumbres de los aborígenes, se sumió con ellos en las limitaciones de una vida primitiva bajo el riesgo de ser acribillado por lanzas o flechas (cosa que no pocas veces paso). Es en esta lucha por imponer la evangelización, esa imposición que muchos critican, es precisamente lo que representa la superioridad del catolicismo, e incluso, de la evangelización hispana de la américa, al no ser indiferentes a culturas que muchas veces, eran problemáticas por sus creencias para sus propios practicantes. En ofrecerles una creencia mejor, y la oportunidad de guiarse y salvar sus almas, y esto es, el creer que los hombres pueden cambiar, y que todos tienen derecho a escuchar las verdades de la Fe, por el sencillo hecho hijos de ser también hijos de Dios, la oportunidad de conocer el amor de Cristo.

Una obra donde un esclavista lamentado, toca convivir con aquellos que a afectado, reconociendo sus malas obras, padeciendo con ellos, sintiéndose salvo por primera vez.

En su catarsis, enfrenta esos dos poderes, el eterno y el temporal, eterno eclesiástico y espiritual y temporal estatal y en un sentido político también ese lado temporal de la iglesia. Donde no tiembla el pulso a estos sacerdotes, inspirados en la gallardía de un Francisco de Victoria y Fray Bartolome de las Casas, haciendo frente al deber de estado en nombre del amor al prójimo. Lo peor es que no se demoniza al otro lado, que solo obra según la condición humana, sin olvidar que a pesar de esta a veces imperfecta condición, el hombre es bueno a pesar de todo.

Destaco la banda sonora del gran Ennio Morricone, y la dirección es sublime, sumadas a las grandes actuaciones de dos grandes como Robert de Niro y Jeremy Irons.

Back in 1984, Roland Joffe accomplished the near impossible; his major motion picture debut, The Killing Fields, defied every expectation typically associated with neophyte filmmakers and what Joffe delivered was one of the most powerful and moving films I've ever seen. So it's no surprise I highly anticipated his follow-up film, The Mission, and it's obvious that by bringing back the same team (producer David Puttnam, cinematographer Chris Menges, and editor Jim Clark), they attempted to capture the proverbial "lightning in a bottle" a second time. Unfortunately, the end product isn't quite cinematic magic.
Set in the 18th century, Jeremy Irons stars as Father Gabriel, one of several Spanish Jesuit priests (including Liam Neeson) assigned to convert the Guarini tribe of South America into Christians. His efforts are gradual, but successful. Converging with this story is Rodrigo Mendoza (Robert De Niro), a slave trader who seeks penance after killing his own brother in a fit of rage. For all the Guarini that he has killed or sold off into slavery, they still show compassion and forgiveness towards him, and he is accepted into the mission, even converting into a Jesuit priest under the guidance of Father Gabriel.

The priests and the Guarini natives eventually find themselves in heated discussion with politicians and slave-owners, who are debating over whether the mission should fall under the rule of Portugal, thus endangering all the Guarini with the possibility of being made into slaves. Determined to prevent such an action at any cost, Mendoza takes up his sword once more, coming into conflict with Father Gabriel's peaceful approach.

The Mission was released in 1986 with little success in theaters, despite garnering a respectable 7 Oscar nominations, including Best Picture. Since then, it's developed a devoted fan base who consider it among the most underrated films of the decade. As much as I'd like to, I can't quite agree. Though a respectable and often beautifully crafted effort, the film ultimately comes up short in human interest and emotions, with Joffe often favoring lingering shots of lush jungle scenery and needlessly overlong political machinations involving secondary characters whom we couldn't care less about.

The film is divided into three acts, the first, involving the spiritual transformation of Mendoza, is easily the most compelling. Despite De Niro's occasionally stilted performance (his delivery of some of the dialogue, particularly "Are you laughing at me?" still makes me cringe), his emotional torment is heartfelt and absorbing and his acceptance into the mission is genuinely moving. It's almost all downhill from there.

The build-up in the second act is initially effective, with the heated debate over the Guarini engrossing, but the conflict eventually loses steam when we're subjected to dull, endless dialogue that grows inadvertently confusing even as it intends to clear up the matters at hand. It's also in the middle segment the film loses its human focus and all that's really left is the question of will they or won't they fight.

The third act is the inevitable battle, and while there are a few powerful moments amidst the chaos, the sequence is a badly choreographed mess. The editing also feels a little rough, with quite a few scenes feeling like they clocked in a little too soon (the sudden transition after Irons' "God is love!" line is disjointed, to say the least). The Guarini are never developed beyond the typical "noble savage" portrayal, so it's difficult to feel for their plight beyond the fact that their forced subjugation and mass slaughter is a heinous crime. I wanted to feel more for them, but they're merely a backdrop for the more seasoned cast.

As Father Gabriel, Jeremy Irons is superb, unquestionably one of the film's consistent bright spots. It's unfortunate he's never that well-developed in any of the film's separate acts, but his performance alone is able to draw us in even if the script lets him (and the audience) down. In supporting roles, Ray McAnally and Liam Neeson are excellent, though a bit limited in screen time. For Neeson, this was more of a hint of greater things to come.

Ennio Morricone's score deserves a special mention; whatever emotions Joffe is unable to convey on screen, Morricone's music can conjure in just a few notes. It's one of the most beautiful scores I've had the pleasure to listen to, especially in segments with oboe and flute. The chorus in the background is perhaps a bit much, but an overpowering score can do wonders in a film otherwise unable to muster all the intended emotions.
Joffe's work in the film is still overall quite solid, but he completely lost his footing soon afterward, losing a grip on his career with a long string of critical and financial disasters, including Super Mario Bros., The Scarlet Letter, and Goodbye Lover. I'm convinced The Killing Fields was not a fluke, but the sign of a genuine auteur who showed his prowess thanks to a brilliant script and cast. Blend those two elements with his natural skills and I'm sure we'll get a film worthy of mention alongside his debut. Let's just hope this happens sooner rather than later.

''Though I have all faith so that I could remove mountains and have not love, I am nothing. And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor and though I give my body to be burned and have not love, it profiteth me nothing. Love suffereth and love is kind. Love envieth not. Love vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up. When I was a child, I spake as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child. But when I became a man, I put away childish things. But now abideth faith, hope, love... these three. But the greatest of these is love.''

18th century Spanish Jesuits try to protect a remote South American Indian tribe in danger of falling under the rule of pro-slavery Portugal.

Robert De Niro: Rodrigo Mendoza

Jeremy Irons: Father Gabriel

Wind back the clocks to 1986, to an epic, original story and film being unleashed upon a World. An historical, rendition regarding an age of great injustice, confusion and slavery for an entire people. Roland Joffé's The Mission is the film concerned, with it's mightily moving score and music from Ennio Morricone and powerfully written screenplay by Robert Bolt. The Mission is an emotionally charged journey not just focusing upon it's heroes but an innocent people of the forest invaded by the religious peoples from the Old World. This is greatness.



The Mission conveys poignant points and storytelling threads upon appreciative audiences. In terms of appreciation, unfortunately the story and experience are mildly disregarded. Simply an under-rated gem which has a vigour, an essence, and poignant, breath-takingly sweeping cinematography.
In fact the Cinematography by Chris Menges, mixed with miraculous Costume Design by Enrico Sabbatini then polished off with Ennio Morricone's haunting music makes the film what it is; An effective experience, a soulful lesson and turbulently stormy story.
Robert De Niro as Rodrigo Mendoza and Jeremy Irons as Father Gabriel are obviously the performers whom stand out from this mastery canvas upon film.
The Mission even contains a young Liam Neeson playing Fielding in a relatively small yet essential role.
Such an admirable priest Jeremy Irons results in being in The Mission. Aided and abetted by Robert DeNiro playing a former slaver whom became a monk, renouncing civilization after killing his brother Aidan Quinn in a fight over a woman. The tribe they are working with and actually gaining trust and even some converts has been earmarked to be captured and used as slave labour over in Portuguese territory.

Christianity was duly a saviour and destroyer regarding animist Indian tribes back in 1758 and ongoing, concerning both American continents. The Mission works as a message towards Christianity as a whole, rendering their culture and beliefs as being altogether wrong and in desperate need of change.
Although there are also numerous recorded incidents where priests whom have been raised by The Catholic Church here put their lives and reputations on the line to defend these societies and peoples from the evils that The Old World civilizations were bringing and inflicting upon them.
The Mission received seven Oscar nominations including Best Picture and won the Oscar in 1986 for Best Cinematography. The performances are some of the best that all the principal players have ever given upon screen. The story is a tragic one, yet with a story capturing hope, that there are indeed people like Irons and DeNiro for whom the positive aspects regarding their religion is not just platitudes but honourable, pure freedoms. These men were ahead of their time.

Overall, The Mission is one film I wouldn't mind watching again and again. At times some may find it slow, they may mumble and grumble about the level of detail and grace the film affords us. The truth is that this is a loving, truthful depiction based upon the realities of a non-siding historical front. It may not be entirely perfect but the film or story isn't trying to be.
The Cannes Festival garnered Awards to Director Roland Joffé's visionary film, and the Golden Globes respected and honoured a timeless score from Ennio Morricone while also awarding Robert Bolt for an effortless, incredible screenplay.
The Mission should be watched for it's emotional, vibrant story. It should be experienced for it's magical, absorbing score and it's intelligent strong cast.

''If might is right, then love has no place in the world. It may be so, it may be so. But I don't have the strength to live in a world like that, Rodrigo.''