Apocalypto (2006)

Max Schreck as Graf Orlok in "Nosferatu" (1922)

Film Arts Guild

Nosferatu: A Symphony of Horror

Film.com's FREE movie of the week is "Nosferatu: A Symphony of Horror." This 1922 classic of cinema based on Bram Stoker's "Dracula" (but with names changed) directed by F.W. Murnau and starring Max Schrek in one of films most famous and frightening make-up jobs.

CinemaSource

Rating: R

Release Date: Dec 8, 2006

Running Time: 138 mins.

Additional Notes: dialogue Yucatec Maya, subtitled English

Country Of Origin: United States

starring: Dalia Hernandez, Mayra Serbulo, Gerardo Taracena, Raoul Trujillo, Rudy Youngblood, Jonathon Brewer, Morris Birdyyellowhead, Carlos Baez, Amilcar Ramirez, Israel Contreras

director: Mel Gibson

A tale set in the Mayan civilization. When a man's idyllic presence is brutally disrupted by a violent invading force, he is taken on a perilous journey to a world ruled by fear and oppression where a harrowing end awaits him. Through a twist of fate, and spurred by the power of his love for his woman and his family, he will make a desperate break to return home and to ultimately save his way of life.

As an action piece, Mel Gibson's violent, subtitled Mayan epic Apocalypto is engrossing, but it lacks a real emotional hook.

Story

In the waning days of the Mayan empire, brave hunter Jaguar Paw (Rudy Youngblood) lives a simple, contented life with his pregnant wife and young son in a small jungle village. His father, Flint Sky (Morris Birdyellowhead), warns him against fear, but it turns out Jaguar Paw is right to be afraid--one early morning, the sleepy village is ripped apart by invading…

PETER TRAVERS - November 21, 2006

Here's a thought: instead of rehashing Mel Gibson's Jew-bashing rants when L.A. cops got him on a DUI in July, let's stick to his movie. Apocalypto brings out what's unique and gripping in Gibson as a director. It's pure adrenaline -- a tremendously exciting chase movie, shot in Mexico, that just happens to be set in ancient Maya with dialogue spoken in Yucatec Maya, with English subtitles. Heck, you lived through Latin and Aramaic in Gibson's Passion of the Christ, so don't be a wussy.…