The movie is a powerful meditation on faith, politics, and colonialism. It tells the story of two men who come from very different worlds and have very different views on religion and morality, but who are brought together by a shared desire to do good in the world. Father Gabriel is a Jesuit priest who believes in the power of love and compassion, while Rodrigo is a former slave trader who is haunted by his past and looking for redemption.
The movie begins with a powerful scene of violence, as Rodrigo kills his brother over a woman. This event sets him on a path of torment and self-loathing, and he becomes a mercenary and slave trader, traveling to the New World to exploit the natives. But when he kills a Guarani Indian during a raid, he is haunted by this act and seeks salvation by joining Father Gabriel’s mission.
The mission is a place of sanctuary for the Guarani Indians, who are being persecuted by the Spanish and Portuguese colonial powers. Father Gabriel and Rodrigo build a community of peaceful coexistence, where the Guarani can live in harmony with nature and each other. But the colonizers see the mission as a threat, and they launch a brutal attack on the indigenous people, killing many and destroying the mission.
The movie raises important questions about the relationship between religion, politics, and power. Father Gabriel and Rodrigo are both motivated by their faith, but their beliefs are very different. Father Gabriel is a true humanitarian, who believes in the power of love and forgiveness to create a better world. Rodrigo is more cynical, and he has seen firsthand how power corrupts and destroys.
The Mission is a powerful movie that raises important questions about the role of faith in society. It shows how religion can be a force for good, but it also shows how it can be co-opted and used to justify violence and repression. The movie is an important reminder of the need for compassion, empathy, and understanding in our world, and it challenges us to think deeply about the values that should guide our lives and our societies.
In conclusion, The Mission is a powerful and moving movie that tells a story of faith, redemption, and colonialism. It challenges us to think deeply about the role of religion in our world, and it reminds us of the importance of compassion and empathy in our interactions with others. The performances of Robert De Niro and Jeremy Irons are outstanding, and the movie’s themes are as relevant today as they were when it was released in 1986. The Mission is a must-see movie for anyone interested in exploring the complexities of faith and power in our world.