"You will recognize what Mendoza's conversion looks like when you watch the well-depicted transition from grief and despair to tears of gratitude, and finally, to shared laughter with his Guarani brothers in Christ. It is rare in a major movie to find forgiveness and faith so beautfully depicted. It is a cinematic jewel that any Christian would be thrilled to see, as I was." -- Tom AskewI found this picture and grabbed an excerpt on the same blog (http://dovemountaineers.blogspot.com/2009/11/mission.html). The author hit it on the head in terms of what this film does in dealing with themes of repentance and renewal.
I liked this film for a few different reasons. The music, the sets, and the unique perspective of the standard "white men are evil" type of story.
The music I recognized immediately from a Yo Yo Ma CD I used to listen to in high school. There are two distinct themes that are played throughout. One is a somewhat calm, dwindling series of notes each being held out fairly long and systematically separated from one another. The other theme is first heard in the jungle when the Jesuit Priest pulls out his oboe and plays to pacify and intrigue the natives. This, to me, represents and embodies the goal of love and persistence of the Priests while the other takes on the dwindling sadness of the unbridled evil in men.
Here is the Yo Yo Ma version of Gabriel's oboe theme. Just stunning.
The second reason I really enjoyed this film was the amazing scenery. Not only the stunning waterfalls and lush forests but the beautiful missions themselves filled with natives singing gloriously. It is unlike anything I have ever thought of or seen before. It displayed the truth that light is in all of us and that the principles of the Gospel work wonders where ever they are applied. Watching this was a treat for the eyes and I appreciate the energy the filmmakers must have expended to get the footage that they did.
Last of all I liked this film because of it's unique treatment of the conquering white man movement. Like in Dances With Wolves, Avatar, Ghandi, Roots, Hidalgo, Tarzan and many other films, I felt awful for the minority native group. While taking western American history in High School I remember thinking, "I hate our race." But this film does more then communicate how evil and corrupt some people are but encourages a deeper perspective in humanity and forgiveness. Instead of the normal themes of innocence being exterminated by power hungry white men, this film touches on a few differing principles of discussion.
- As a person of faith, should you fight to defend truth? Or love thy enemies? I think of Joshua son of Nun, the Savior's sermon on the mount. Captain Moroni and the Anti-Nephi-Lehi's. Haun's Mill, Battle at Crooked River, extermination order, and the mountain meadows massacre. I don't think there is a "one hat fits all" to this topic.
- When has one suffered enough Godly sorrow to experience the change in which the Lord gives them a new heart and spirit and takes away the stony heart (EZK 36:26)? As mentioned before, forgiveness scene is so beautifully depicted. Most films of this nature don't accentuate the effects that brutal acts can have upon the conscience of those that take part in them.
- This film also prompted me to think about some concerns of today. The border, Indian reservations, and so forth. What is really ours? What rights do we have to allow or not allow? I have no answers but this film put things in perspective as to how we (men in general) tend to claim things that aren't really ours. Spain and Portugal where throwing around treaties about who owned the land where all these people had been living for generations and yet the people were living peacefully and unaware of the developments. "I too am a king and decide not to listen!"
I liked this film a great deal primarily because of the way it encourages thought and feeling. It was not merely to entertain (though that is not a crime if it was). And the length of this epistle like blog shows this I think. I give it a 9 out of 10 because it is hard to give something a perfect score unless I am left absolutely stunned. I almost was, but not quite. Maybe I am just slightly sour toward this genre I don't know.
Grey, I watched The Mission a long time ago and agree with your rating. It's soundtrack is amazing and the scenes. I loved it but found the end all hard to watch. Had to have a box of tissues close at hand. I love reading your reviews. . . keep 'em coming if you ever have time once school starts:) Love all you guys and miss you!
ReplyDeleteI remember watching this film in one of my racial diversity psych classes. We had several Hispanic and Native American people in our class, and it was really educational to hear their remarks about the film and throughout the class. It gives one a greater appreciation when one steps back and uses different perspectives, especially ones of an eternal nature. I also found this movie giving me a lot to think about, especially regarding faith/defending our faith as you noted.
ReplyDeleteGrey--I've never watched this but you make me want to. Also, Ennio M. has lots of amazing music out which Yo Yo Ma plays and it is really good stuff.
ReplyDeleteThanks for this thoughtful review. It was pretty powerful