Apocalypto
apocalypto - Greek : a verb meaning 'uncover; disclose, reveal.'
Our local movie critic gave Apocalypto an A minus rating (Tempo Magazine, December 14-20, 2006).
My rating would be somewhat lower, maybe C minus, mostly for grave historical inaccuracy.
For excitement and just doing this story I might give it an A minus.
The Mayan people were not the violent people portrayed. There is no evidence of them having made the sacrifices shown.
The existence of the nearby forest tribe Jaguar Paw belonged to was nearly impossible. The Mayans did not just have major cities placed in the middle of the jungle--they had 'suburbs' for miles around the cities. Being an agricultural people, these were mostly "milpas", small farms. Plus, the major cities--some 40 plus--were connected by roads and causeways.
The director, Mel Gibson, knew all this because he had consultants like the Maya expert Richard Hansen. Apparently, the actual lifestyle of these people didn't make for quite as exciting a film.
One might consider the possible metaphor Gibson is using of our decaying civilization (empire)--I would leave that up to the viewer to decide.
I do give Gibson an A for costume, architecture (except for the sacrificial columns shown) and the use of the Yucatec Maya language--also, an A for presenting this subject which, I believe, is a first.
The local critic--who is also indigenous, from the Tewa or Pueblo tribe--suggested that someone do a film about the Pueblo Revolt of 1680 in New Mexico and I will add to that the Mayan revolt at Chan Santa Cruz of 1848.
I hope the film will, at least, inspire viewers to look further into the interesting history of these and other indigenous peoples of this continent and--in the case of the Maya--visit where they lived.
It is now possible to see many fine Mayan archaeological sites have been uncovered and restored.
by John Lamkin
Freelance writer
Taos, New Mexico
© 2006
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