For extra credit this marking period you may write a film review for any one of the following movies:
Last of the Mohicans (R) (Action-Drama : Native American culture, colonization, resistance)
1492 (Drama: Columbus, imperialism, conquest)
The Crucible (Drama: The Salem witch trials)
The Salem Witch Trials - 2002 (Take a guess on the subject of this movie with a star-studded cast)
The Mission (Political Drama: missionaries and conquest in Brazil, 16th Century)
Apocolypto (R) (Action: Conquistadors and the Maya, 15th Century)
The Scarlet Letter - 1995 (R), 1979 PG-13
Drama: Women in Colonial New England)
*note: the 1979 version of this film is FAR more school appropriate and true to historical accuracy than then the 1995 version
If you see one of the films with an R rating, please submit a written note signed by your parent/guardian granting permission for seeing the film. Or if typed work is submitted, have your guardian sign the top of your work. Without a signature, the assignment will not count.
Your review must include:
a) a synopsis of the film including details on the plot, characters and conclusion/ ending of the conflicts presented in the movie
b) an explanation of how this film relates to the period in American History and discussions/ readings we've shared in class
c) A personal analysis of the film and your opinion on it. What did you like/ dislike about this film? Did it seem to present an accurate portrayl of period in which it was set? What further questions do you have about the plot or actual historical events related to this movie? Would you reccomend it to other students of American History? Why or why not?
Film reviews must be 300 words and be submitted or blogged by no later than Wednesday, 10/8.
(if you use outside sources, please cite them in MLA format or link them to your blog)
You MAY complete more than one film review, but this assignment does not supplement missing work.
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2 comments:
Aleksandra Makowskka
Apocalypto is a 2006 epic film directed by Mel Gibson and set in Mexico'a Yucatan Peninsula, documenting the downfall of Mayan civilization. Jaguar Paw, played by Rudy Youngblood, and his fellow villagers lead a peaceful life in the forest until a savage, unprovoked attack threatens to destroy it. He joins the fight, only to be taken prisoner with the other captives. They are tied to bamboo poles and forced to walk through perilous terrain to the Mayan civilization, losing many prisoners on the way. On this journey, they encounter a young girl who delivers an omen to the Mayan soldiers that one of their captives will bring them all to their end. Though frightened by her premonition, the soldiers flee quickly because of the girl's apparent flesh-eating disease (most likely smallpox). Upon arrival at the Mayan civilization, the women are sold into slavery and the men are painted blue and lined up to be sacrificed to the Gods. Jaguar Paw, who already lay at the summit of the temple, is saved by a conveniently timed eclipse. He escapes to freedom, taking the life of the general's son on the way. He is chased by Mayan soldiers, but he is able to kill them off one by one with his ingenious thinking (poison darts from a frog >.<). The story is not without a love story, as Jaguar Paw was forced to hide his pregnant wife and son befroe fighting for his small village in the very beginning for the movie. By the end, it is his only hope to return to them, which he does. The movie is concluded powerfully, showing the arrival of Spanish ships on the ocean's horizon.
Mel Gibson has often been criticized for his movie because of the negative way in which he portrays Mayan culture. Rated R for good reason, the most dramatic scenes of the movie include beheading, human sacrifice where the heart is taken out while still beating, rape of women, brutal spearing, scalping, and burning alive of infants. As these are done by one Native tribe to another, Gibson's message appears to be "the Natives were uncivilized and brutal". Though it is undeniable that such events occurred among Native tribes, it would also be wrong to assume their culture was uncivilized. However, Gibson doesn't fail to acknowledge the good in Mayan society. His portrayal of Mayan architecture is amazing, with the temples designed so intricately and beautifully. Their weaponry is clearly very effective when defending because it is so clearly effective when attacking. Their attire is beautiful as well. Every person is dressed in elaborate clothing, emphasizing wealth of the Mayan culture. Gibson may be criticized for portraying such brutal violence of Native societies, but he clearly doesn't ignore the positive.
I liked the movie very much, to be very honest. Admittedly, I kept my eyes shut for a great portion of the beaning fighting scenes. This did not change the fact that I found the movie exceptionally moving and powerful. The movie showed how the Mayans lived and how neighboring tribes got along. It showed the positive aspects of their cultures, and it showed the very worst of their societal lives. Plainly stated, it was educational. Even the love story between Jaguar Paw and his wife was moving, though I generally find such aspects of historical movies predictable, pathetic, and forced. The single question I have regards the timing of the movie. Was there really an eclipse in the years when the Spanish arrived? This bears no importance, but I'm still curious. Also, did the Mayans sacrifice humans for their Gods? Or was it only the Aztecs? Anyways, I would definitely recommend this movie to AP students because of the deep message it sends about Mayan civilization. However, I'd also warn them to keep their eyes shut a good portion of the time.
http://www.statesman.com/search/content/shared/movies/stories/2006/12/history.html
http://www.archaeology.org/online/reviews/apocalypto.html
http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/apocalypto/
*I'll hand in a signed note tomorrow :) *
Fantastic synopsis of the film. I'd have liked for you to have given a more in-depth historical evaluation of the film, but this is quality work in it's own rite. I'm glad you showed initiative with completing this assignment. It raised your 1st marking period grade a plus point!
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