The Mission (1986)

Featured Audience Ratings

• Chris W

  
  Based on actual events, this film, despite being a little erratic and flawed, is still a pretty good look at a fascinating subject. The story concerns a group of Jesuits working with the Guarani tribe in South America during the 1750s who get caught up in the socio-political… More
  Based on actual events, this film, despite being a little erratic and flawed, is still a pretty good look at a fascinating subject. The story concerns a group of Jesuits working with the Guarani tribe in South America during the 1750s who get caught up in the socio-political machinations of imperialism of the powers that be back in Europe. The leader of the order (Irons) is a pacifist who unwaveringly believes in love, peace, and the belief that his ways are best. Another, a convert into the order (De Niro) is a reformed sinner trying to right his wrongs. As a former mercenary and slave driver, he feels that violence is justified if it can be used to save what they had been working towards. The film works best as a big picture study versus a character piece. Besides the socio-political machinations, and the story of the Jesuits within this historical context, the big thmes of the film are of faith, suffering, and the human condition. There's a lot to really like (if not love) here, but there's also a lot that could have been far better. Ennio Morricone's score and Chris Menges's cinematography are both powerful and absolutely gorgeous. The attention to period detail, historical context, and authenticity of the casting of many Natives are also very strong and inspired. What's not so good are the way the individual character stories and character development are handled, as well as some of the inauthentic castings for the European characters. Despite some iffy casting choices, the performances are oddly interesting. I wanted some better development with the views of De Niro's and Irons's characters, as weel as some more convicing development of De Niro's character's motivations, but I still kinda dug what they were doing, regardless. It's also kinda neat to see Liam Neeson and Aidan Quinn early on in their respective careers. As a Catholic (albeit slightly lapsed) myself, and someone who is really close to a histroian who wrote a book on the Jesuits, I should have really, really enjoyed, if not loved this film. I do like the way the Jesuits are handled, and am happy they put it into a historical context. I also liked that the film's conclusion, though a downer, is the way it is, and that it wasn't given the Hollywood treatment. However, I can't feel justified in giving this a higher score based on the issues i've elaborated one. Do I still like this film and recommend it? Oh yeah. It's some good stuff, even if it is rather odd, and all over the place at times. Perhaps if I watched it some more times I might find my current views in need of changing, but, as it is, this is just a really good film, instead of the great piece of art it could have been.

• xGary X

  
  An ex slave trader seeking penance after murdering his brother in a jealous rage joins a Jesuit mission in the South American jungle , but when the colonial interests of the outside world threaten their peaceful existence he takes up arms once more. It's impossible to put the… More
  An ex slave trader seeking penance after murdering his brother in a jealous rage joins a Jesuit mission in the South American jungle , but when the colonial interests of the outside world threaten their peaceful existence he takes up arms once more. It's impossible to put the experience of watching this film into words. It's so stunning to look at I had to double check the release date; I never thought something this beautiful could be made in 1986, the year of Falcon Crest, Top Gun and Slippery When Wet. The locations, the photography and Ennio Morricone's wonderful score come together to create a visual and aural work of art. This combined with typically fine performances from Robert DeNiro and Jeremy Irons in an intelligent story of the destructive influences of colonialism make this a film that was bound to scoop up a plethora of awards and understandably so. I perhaps didn't get as involved emotionally with the characters as much as the story deserved, but still it's a stunning cinematic experience in all other departments.

• Curtis L

  
  Everyone love a tradgedy!

• Lady D

  
  The Mission started out as quite a fascinating story, showing wonderous views and delving into the Native American culture. The story is one certainly worthy to tell, but have to confess that I lost interest around half way through the film.

• Sanjaya &

  
  watch it in the Catholic subject... it was a boring movie...

• Robert C

  
  This film moved me to tears when I saw it in the theater. The cinematography if breath-taking, the acting is amazing and the music is sublime. To this day...I can not listen to the soundtrack (Thank you, Ennio Morricone) without getting goose bumps.

• Michael S

  
  Underrated as hell. What ever happen to Roland Joffe?

• Film C

  
  saw this it was ok it had a point to it i watched it in r.e but its ok

• Mike S

  
  Beautiful music and scenery, as well as some quite inspiring performances by Robert De Niro and Jeremy Irons. Many scenes are with little or no dialogue, which works remarkably well, as there is a fine-tuned soothness in that silence. It allows you to take in the great views in a much… More
  Beautiful music and scenery, as well as some quite inspiring performances by Robert De Niro and Jeremy Irons. Many scenes are with little or no dialogue, which works remarkably well, as there is a fine-tuned soothness in that silence. It allows you to take in the great views in a much better way, which is rare in todays hyperspeeded movies. It's a shame that Liam Neeson has such a small role, because his acting skill could have been used more wisely. Here he mostly just walks around in the background with not enough lines to define his character. But these are petty complaints when put within the frame of this very captivating movie, that at many points bordered on being great. Too bad the ending was so sad though, but I suppose it wouldn't have been very realistic if things didn't turn out the way they did.

• Steve K

  
  Good movie, great score.

• Jeffrey M

  
  The Mission features absolute superb cinematography, and a moving fact-based story at its' heart. Jeremy Irons and Robert De Ne Niro both display good work, but aren't given much to say in a film with sparse dialogue. The pacing is what really keeps the film back, sometimes… More
  The Mission features absolute superb cinematography, and a moving fact-based story at its' heart. Jeremy Irons and Robert De Ne Niro both display good work, but aren't given much to say in a film with sparse dialogue. The pacing is what really keeps the film back, sometimes bordering on boring. The themes are also a little overdone and preachy. Still, it's effective as an atmospheric historical drama.

• Cameron J

  
  Man, my creative reviewing juices have been a little off lately. Probably because I've been watching films that aren't terribly interesting. This is no excepetion. Still, that doesn't make it bad, but it does make not as good as it could have been. The film also suffers… More
  Man, my creative reviewing juices have been a little off lately. Probably because I've been watching films that aren't terribly interesting. This is no excepetion. Still, that doesn't make it bad, but it does make not as good as it could have been. The film also suffers from a overdrawn points, rushing at points and a deal of slow spots. Still, the film's grandest sin is its being underwhelming. The film focuses more on the politics behind the film, rather than the actual compelling story, making the film quite uninteresting and not likely to consistently hold your attention. Still, through all of my complainings, the film retains a compelling story that, when focused upon, is rather captivating, being carried by the fine production designs and fine performances. Something else very captivating in this film is the cinematography, which gracefully shows us the wide scope of the environment. Of course, the film's greatest strength might be its famous score. The music of the film is original, elagent and captivating. It's a type of score that was far ahead its time and remains a treat to hear to this day. Another day, another underwhelming review. Oh well, it can't be as big of an underwhelming execution of potential as this film. In the end, though it's not terribly interesting or as good as it could have been, "The Mission" remains a generally enjoyable film that boasts visual and audible grace.

• Mark K

  
  This movies strengths lie in two things: The performances by Robert De Niro and Jeremy Irons, and the splendor of the scenery that surrounds the mission in question. However, the movie lacks the emotional depth of similar 'human condition' stories, and there are some… More
  This movies strengths lie in two things: The performances by Robert De Niro and Jeremy Irons, and the splendor of the scenery that surrounds the mission in question. However, the movie lacks the emotional depth of similar 'human condition' stories, and there are some subplots that are never fully explored. It's a good idea: The juxtaposition of 'kindness' with cruelty and barbarism is a plot worth exploring. It's a sad story often repeated in many countries, that religion indeed has the power to uplift people to show the better angels of their nature. However, there's always a cost. However, most of the indigenous culture with their natural barbarism is a little lost amidst the jungle scenery,. The process of examining their salvation isn't carried all the way through. But bright places remain. The hidalgo that De Niro portrays is not a nice guy, and conflicted from start (penance) to finish (what really is salvation?). That's what makes for interesting, multi-layered characters. A slow film, but well-crafted and shot, with another Morricone score that is nicely crafted for mood.

• Naughtia N

  
  This movie seemed more like a documentary than anything else. The story is about the South American Indian tribe who is in danger of getting into the hands of Portugese slavery. Spanish Jesuits try what they can to protect this tribe but it isn't easy. The cast is great (it was… More
  This movie seemed more like a documentary than anything else. The story is about the South American Indian tribe who is in danger of getting into the hands of Portugese slavery. Spanish Jesuits try what they can to protect this tribe but it isn't easy. The cast is great (it was the only reason I wanted to watch this movie). It's a bit weird to watch Jeremy Irons, Robert De Niro and Liam Neeson being so young but they're awesome actors, as always. This movie seemed a bit long but very authentic.

• Alec B

  
  Tremendously underated, this is a film about what happens when political and religious leaders focus on self-preservation instead of simply doing the right thing. The film recieved multiple Oscar nominations but lost to Best picture to Platoon. The biggest crime was not awarding Ennio… More
  Tremendously underated, this is a film about what happens when political and religious leaders focus on self-preservation instead of simply doing the right thing. The film recieved multiple Oscar nominations but lost to Best picture to Platoon. The biggest crime was not awarding Ennio Morriconne best original score for some of the most beautiful music ever used in film.

• a b

  
  I dunno, Robert De Niro reminds me too much of the guy from Princess Bride.

• Andre T

  
  This movie is beautiful.The music and cinematography are divine.Great performances in a true story.This film about the experiences of a Jesuit missionary in 18th century South America. The film was written by Robert Bolt and directed by Roland Joffé. It stars Robert De Niro, Jeremy… More
  This movie is beautiful.The music and cinematography are divine.Great performances in a true story.This film about the experiences of a Jesuit missionary in 18th century South America. The film was written by Robert Bolt and directed by Roland Joffé. It stars Robert De Niro, Jeremy Irons, Ray McAnally, Aidan Quinn, Cherie Lunghi and Liam Neeson. It won the Palme d'Or and the Academy Award for Best Cinematography. In April 2007, it was elected number one on the Church Times Top 50 Religious Films list. The music, scored by Italian composer Ennio Morricone, was listed at #23 on AFI's 100 Years of Film Scores.

• Ivan D

  
  I could have given this film a perfect 10, because who wouldn't? But beyond the strong script, and compelling performances, there is a promise of creating a classic that absolutely came up short. The music was beautiful, and so was the great cinematography that reminds of… More
  I could have given this film a perfect 10, because who wouldn't? But beyond the strong script, and compelling performances, there is a promise of creating a classic that absolutely came up short. The music was beautiful, and so was the great cinematography that reminds of "Aguirre: The Wrath of God's" muddy terrain a lot. "The Mission" gave a promising first-half, with honest exchanges between De Niro and Irons, but the climactic siege of the tribes felt a little rushed and lacked the emotional depths it so rightfully need. But through the flaws, "The Mission" is a beautifully rendered film, especially the opening sequence of a crucified priest fighting the turbulent waves of the waters, a disturbingly beautiful early scene.

• Jason R

  
  Beautiful, heartwarming, and heartwrenching. De Niro plays a mercenary who after a series of bad events finds himself looking for forgiveness and finds Jeremy Irons character a Jesuit Priest, and eventually becomes one himself. Beautiful cinematography, and story. Really enjoyed it.

• Tom S

  
  I love the theme music.

Read all 20 featured audience ratings