The Mission
Dir: Roland Joffé
1986
****
The Mission's shocking yet beautiful opening sequence reels you immediately and the warm and sublime soundtrack keeps you there comfortably. The Mission may not technically fit the description of what is thought of as the 'Epic' but I personally can't think of a better one to describe it. Again, the Score by the great Ennio Morricone has to take much of the credit for this. The Jesuit missionaries of the 18th century have got a lot to answer for, Roland Joffé's film explores the troubles encountered from the very beginning, focusing on the South American rainforests and the Guaraní people. Religion is certainly not on trial here, its translation is and the power and ignorance of the heads of the Church are but the good work that was done isn't ignored. It's an important subject for discussion that is always relevant, Roland Joffé's film is often dream-like but doesn't sugar-coat or white-wash the fundamentals. It looks and sounds glorious.