Yeah this movie is on another level! Want to vote on what I should watch next? Click here! www.patreon.com/jamesvscinema CAST AWAY TIME WATCHING will be uploaded Thursday! Enjoy the day!
@James vs Cinema great movie great reaction. My top 10 movie just love it. I have a movie suggestion for you in the future :The 13th Warrior With Antonio Banderas a Viking movie that by the relase didn't get the appreciation that it deserves, would be great to see you watching it.
@Shep Proudfoot true words many people accept the way they live as given without questioning the ideas behind the big companies and how they control everything. Btw like the name
My favorite part about this flick is the fact that when the first Euros landed on the beach, their own records show that there really were only two Natives on the beach to meet them, and the Euros were never able to figure out why those two Natives were there or what they had been doing. So this flick takes that tiny morsel of historical mystery and crafts an entire amazing panorama around it.
@@roseandstem8054 Actually heard it from a middle school teacher, back in about 1985. Obviously she wasn't talking about this movie, but rather about some old black and white ones that were still shown on late night TV from time to time back then, which depicted a whole native army in ceremonial regalia, standing in formation on the beach to greet the visitors.
Fun fact: This film was supposed to take place in what now is Yucatán, México. Legends tell that the conquistadores named Yucatán after a linguistic confusion; when the europeans asked for the name of the place they were, the natives responded something that sounded like "Yucatán" (but in their native language). Also, the afterlife (Xibalbá) for Mayans entailed a trip through different tests, that's why they said "travel well" to the guy that got bitten by the snake. Greetings from México!
Interesting. And funny how they mentioned Xibalba, because it’s how I see this movie. The history is crap, mixing aztecs and Mayan together, when they didn’t exist at the same time. But I do think it’s a good historical retelling of many different Mayan myths. Like what if the city is a stand in for a Xibalba and the Jaquarpaw’s trials, from facing the horrors, the tricks he must play (making reminiscent of the hero twins) and all the battles he must fight, it does remind me of a Mayan underworld story.
I feel like they added that panther scene so late in the movie too because they wanted to make you realize that as ruthless and raw as the people were back then they were STILL no challenge for the animals of the wild
@@JamesVSCinema Hollywood Reporter has a video of a roundtable on UA-cam in which Mel Gibson says it was a real wild Jaguar chained on a cable actually chasing after the actor, but they could stop it if they needed to.
@@JamesVSCinema ACTUALLY you should watch the History Buffs channel review of this, turns out that it is SUPER NOT historically accurate. Like they do one thing then the next thing they do in the film was 400 years later in actual events.
@@AddSerious weeeellllll acccctttuaaalllyyy. Its a movie. Its made for entertainment. I love history too, but this movie is amazing (even if its not 100% accurate).
1000% percent! If I remember correctly his armor is intended to be human bones. So when you are facing him in battle you literally see what happens when you lose...
You know a guy is an efficient leader when even the lunatics in his War party submit to him. He's not a lunatic as he shows empathy and affection for his own Son, he's just cold, calculating, and willing to go to any lengths to preserve their positions and get the job done. However, if even members of his own party step out of line he will just as quickly eliminate one of them.
The girl's prediction was fulfilled: at first the solar eclipse , then the man running side by side with the jaguar and, at last the end of their world coming...
I’m Native American (Canadian First Nations specifically), and many of us love this film, even though we’ve heard it isn’t very accurate, historically. We, especially, love and adore Jaguar Paw’s father. In the film, he is depicted as a man with great wisdom and valuable characteristics/traits to learn from. Very much to be strongly considered an elder in our community.
Flint Sky might be wise but that doesn't stop him from pranking the shit out of Blunted and laughing like a loon afterward. The tribe seems cool but don't hang out with them if you don't like pranks.
Native-north americans and Native-central and south americans were always connected and knew each other for centuries, just a little comment to put in perspective why the cultures have many believes and knowledges from each other.
@@cooleroconnor1718 That's BS, the Sioux (Dakota and Lakota) did not know anything about the Mayans or the Incas, they never knew each other existed. Don't just make shit up.
As a linguist I really appreciate the use of the Yucatec Maya language. Also, you’re assessment of the sacrifices we’ve made for technological advancement are 100%. We have to remember that there’s a flip side for every coin.
Interesting. I was just about to post how the language sounds like the one from westworld (Navajo iirc or something NA at least) and it wouldn't suprise me considering badhistory this movie is otherwise.
Arguably Mel's best film. The acting was so realistic, it did not feel like a movie. The set design was insane and very realistic. A very painful journey of humanity's past
Lol, most of the crew were not even actor, or had much experience; heck, the little creepy girl had never have any experience whatsoever outside her real life village.
Thats a really funny part if you are Swedish, cuz it sounds EXACTLY like they are saying "Det är fel på han, han luktar bajs!" before she gives the speech. And it means "Something is wrong with him, he smells like poop!"
Generally speaking, movie reactors have to cut at least part of a speech out of their videos, because if they show a speech in its entirety, they get copyright flagged. He probably decided to cut it out rather than show bits and pieces that would make no sense without context.
Mel Gibson really had this explosion of genius during the early 2000s. Passion of the Christ came out in 2004 I think. This film in 2006. So similar in their structures. Beautiful sets, costumes, cinematography, authentic dialogue and languages. Absolutely brutal screenplays and difficult to watch but so stunning visually and captivating filmmaking.
@@brianlafrazia8237 Not used to replying, but you're absolutely right. Artistically, it was a *journey*, as James says. Mel Gibson was going bonkers in the best way possible. Historicity aside, it's an absolute beautiful work.
There are a lot of historical fiction in this movie but you cant deny the movie watching experience, such a captivating movie and the acting is amazing.
@@saikonus if it's addressed to my comment, you can easily find the true story about william wallace and his rebellion in history books, or even online. you will find that almost everything in braveheart is historically inaccurate
@@JamesVSCinema should check out aguire : the wrath of god. A German film about conquistadors going on a hellish journey through the jungle. Apparently the cast and crew went on a similar journey during the making of the film.
Your movie diversity is sick man, actually watching some bangers that I havent seen people watch before. Really love your enthousiasm aswell explaining your thoughts and feelings, keep it up man!
@@JamesVSCinema Bro, you should see Bone Tomahawk... absolutely the best Western movie out there.. Its like a blend of horror, adventure and western.. It has the same level of brutality as this movie... but the dialogue is on pair with Tarantino movies.
There are communities of mayan descendants in Yucatan. I don't know if this depiction is very realistic. It sure is visually striking, but this movie blends together both mayan and aztec culture as if they were the same. (wich they are not) It also depicts cultural and historical aspects that would have happened centuries apart, as if the meso-american culture was stuck in time, wich it wasn't. This movie wants you to feel that the americas were so terrible before the europeans arrived, that the biggest human mass-extinction event in history wasn't that much of a loss after all. It makes me sick. But hey, who's going to complain about what kind of history Mel Gibson desides to tell. The Maya sure don't have much of a platform (no pun intended)
This is a LEGIT GREAT film. Pure art. And it’s underrated - but shouldn’t be. Now do Gibson’s BRAVEHEART if you haven’t already. It was Gibson’s breakthrough directorial film and won best picture at the Academy Awards.
This does depict the Mayans. To painstaking detail, from the buildings to the tattoos and jewelry and of course the language. And the Mayans did collapse, due to a collection of factors that included environmental degredation, and Mayans did practice some human sacrifice, but a lot of the brutality in this movie: the slavery, the mass sacrifices, seems to be inspired more by the Aztecs who sacrificed tens of thousands of people to sanctify temples and make structures out of their skulls
Tens of thousands is just a slight under estimate there mate. They find that number of skulls on one site lol. they built literal walls of skulls. And trust me, the mayans practiced slavery, their brothers in the north did , why would you think they wouldnt? its quicker to name peoples that didnt have slaves than those that did, ie, most people at some point in history have held slaves.
@@AmericansMarryCousins that part is inspired by Mexicas looks at their temples and yes it was thousands and thousands of people in moder Mexico City today you can dig underground and find literally bones of human beings
I find APOCALYPTO refreshing as a story told about some culture other than modern, American or others we typically get as entertainment. I love that these characters are portrayed as human beings and not just stoic stereotypical native caricatures. I was totally drawn in by Jaguar Paw and his village as they joked, laughed, loved and lived. I know it's not totally historically accurate but it's a step up from the normal fare and may inspire some viewers to actually take interest in history. At least for me, it did.
This is such an amazing film! It is almost criminally underrated too. The acting, script, cinematography, sound, production design, etc. are fantastic! I know that Mel Gibson had his issues, but this is one of his greatest films. It serves as something of an allegory or warning too. *EDIT - BTW, I traveled to the Yucatan during college as part of a course in Mesoamerican anthropology. I visited the Mayan cities of Tulum, Chichen Itza, Yaxchilan and Uxmal. I went alongside a professor who served as a consultant on this film. These locations (and ruins) are amazing. Many of the images seen in this film are reproductions of images in some of those temples and pyramids. Some of those images describe some of what is depicted in this film. In fact, hand prints made of blue and red pigment (prior to sacrifice) are still on the temple walls in places like Tulum.
The actor who played the main bad guy played a small part in both sicario films. It's crazy how intense he looks in this, and the quality of the make up and costume.
Imagine what must have been going through their minds when they saw a fleet of ships with conquistadores approaching for the first time. Comparable to a UFO experience.
One of the greatest thing from this movie is that the every single death scene was unique and creative. That's an odd appreciation, but seeing so many different ways to die is kinda interesting to me. Dying of jaguar bite on face, dying of booby trap, dying of poisoning etc. When I first time watching this movie, I was a little kid and literally memorized all death scenes one by one. This movie is such a mature and appealing story to watch.
Amazing film! The film is not entirely accurate, but that's not what it's trying to convey. It's a atmospheric journey of the human condition. This "world" is ending. Not a history class 101. One of the most underrated films in the last 25 years. Mel Gibson literally at the height of his creativity. Unfortunately there was a perfect storm of negativity around Gibson when this movie released, it really destroyed the film's opportunities. Real life.
OMG Finally !!! Someone is reacting to Apocalypto !!! Thank you so so much. No idea if my suggestion had anything to do with it (probably didn't since I'm not a patrion), but still so happy to see a reaction to this tremendous film and I have no doubt you enjoyed it. Like I said in a previous reaction - say what you will about Mel Gibson the person - the guy can make movies ! Ok, and now on to watching your reaction... lol. Thank you again.
This was seriously one of the best films I've ever seen.....totally unexpected...amazing...whatever you think of Mel Gibson personally, you've got to admit he's a totally kick ass filmmaker, period.
U said it. When i watched this film, it felt like I was on mushrooms, especially during that sacrifice scene. The colors. It was as if the screen was pulsing. I only saw this film recently myself and it is one of the best films I've seen. And I think it ended perfectly. The whole film is dog eat dog, king of the jungle. Power shifting. At the end it keeps going. Scary.
Worked with some Guatamalians, over ten years ago here in the US, and they loved the movie. To my knowledge there aren't any movies that explored the central American's native culture before the Spanish arrived. Definitely gave them the feeling of badassiery. For good reason
This movie has you watching the screen and you are completely with the main character thinking and willing him on, yelling “Run Man Run! For the love of God Run!”
Yo,man. I'm so happy that you loved this movie. I'm Guatemalan And remember learning about the Mayans and I was so fascinated by how extreme the civilization was. I've been watching your videos and I always enjoy your insights and your ideas as recently as the one of an "apolyptico Tarzan". I'm subscribing now
@@wileyjdraws7594 Well, I wouldn't say that you can be objectively wrong when it comes to movies, but you're getting pretty close with that statement. Seven Oscars, including Best Picture and Best Director, Best Screenplay and Best Cinematography would disagree with you, together with a solid 8.0 rating on IMDb ...
Saying that it’s historically inaccurate is a bit misleading. Yes the timeframe of the different things don’t all correspond to the same area or era. Yes, use of the Mayan language is inaccurate. It would be like trying to portray the USA a few hundred years from now. You’d people on their cell phones while drag racing with 50’s music playing, then go to the sock hop and people are dancing the Charleston wearing outfits from the 20’s. Yes, this would be historically “inaccurate” but all these individual things did happen in the USA just not at the same time. Now throw in that everyone speaks with a British accent and the language is off as well. The majority of individual things portrayed in This movie are accurate and are more a mosaic of meso American civilization than a true “this is exactly how things were in this specific year when the Spaniards arrived”.
@@Kintabl I think it was better to show that part, it feels really good, impressive, and takes you out of the box since watching the movie one forgets the outiside world. And if someone is going to talk about history, better not use movies as reference.
Every action has an equal reaction; the unimaginable brutality of this kind of life I can only imagine has unimaginable community, and beauty on the opposite side of the spectrum. Every day truly is a gift and no one can appreciate that more than hunter gatherers living day by day.
Another great pick! I'm a sucker for period movies using languages accurately like this movie does. I'm sure fluent speakers of Yukatec Maya may have issues with it but I dig it -- it's a beautiful language. This is also a really nice, if at times inaccurate, look at the post-classic Mayan society, the differences of those who live in the jungle and those who live in the cities. They could actually predict certain phenomena like eclipses and use them, like they do in the movie, to impress and manipulate the populace for their own gain. The movie ends on a bit of a downer note if you know what the coming of the spaniards really means, if you read de las Casas' account of subsequent events. It's not a pleasant read.
@@JamesVSCinema Oh man, I wish I were fluent in it, I can only do the odd word or phrase here and there but it's a fantastic language, spitting out consonants like nobody's business.
This is about the Maya shortly after the Conquistadors arrived in the Americas in about the start of the 1600s. A the time, there was a massive drought happening across the entire region, which was throwing the societies of the area into significant flux even before the Spaniards arrived. In something that resonates today, it was the diseases the Spanish brought with them that did far more killing of native peoples than the Conquistadors did with gun or sword. That girl who was referred to as having "the sickness" likely was infected with smallpox, which spread like wildfire because no one here had any resistance to it. While the sacrifice scenes do resemble the Aztecs more than the more classical Maya, it makes complete sense that in the face of megadrought + strange new diseases appearing out of nowhere (before they ever even saw their first Spaniard) that they'd be trying everything possible to appease their gods and beseech their aid. Ultimately, it speaks to one of the stated points of the film, that no great civilization is brought down by a foreign invasion unless it has already rotted away on the inside. For if it *was* still great, no one would be able to bring them down.
Glad you loved it. I consider this to be one of the unsung true masterpieces of the 2000-2010 decade. One of the most immersive and intense movies ever made.
I did not have any interest in seeing this movie. A few years ago I was browsing Netflix and saw it was leaving in 3 days. I experienced a bad case of FOMO and had to watch it LOL! Within 10 minutes I was riveted. I look forward to your reactions, James 😀
This movie was badly criticized here in Mexico when it came out because of historical misconceptions. I watched it with my father in cinemas and I liked it. Mel did a good job despite knowing not much about our culture, but I imagine it was made that way mostly because storytelling, also let's point that the whole movie is spoken in a mayan language, which is cool enough to give it a praise. Visually is stunning and yes, the music is amazing and the action sequences are top tier. Good reaction James, if not already consider reacting to The Passion of the Christ, is driven in a similar tone, and is gut punching.
I was so much like you watching it for the first. I was just totally unprepared. One of the most intense film-watching experiences I've ever had. And watching intense, emotionally visceral films is kinda my thing.
I studied the Aztec conquest, and cities quite a while, and as far as specifics, generally, there will be mistakes. The Aztecs seemed to have believed that they needed to gift an endless stream of blood as a sacrifice (etc), and to get their victims they kidnapped outlying villagers, and the Spanish saw these sacrifices, and painted pictures of them, as well as what people wore, what the cities looked like and so on. So then as far as creating a "story" it is about some country folks getting kidnapped by big bad city folks, enduring, Using their knowledge of the jungle to evade overwhelming odds. One escapes to try to get home to save his beloved. That's it. Simple plot. I don't see how people could say it was "inaccurate" because it is an interpretation through archeological evidence and most likely a Spanish interpretation. Despite Mel Gibson's weird personality issues, he is still a worthy director, and I would say most of his movies are pretty good (and bloody).
Those "Colonizers," Aka the Spanish Conquistadors, would later help to unite many disparate tribes that had suffered for decades at the hands of the Aztecs (you know, the guys cutting out peoples hearts when they werent enslaving them) and destroy them.
Love this movie and I'm glad you enjoyed it as much as I did. It makes you realize how soft we all are these days, how many of us could run through a jungle being chased by jaguars and a gang of psychopaths or give birth to a baby whilst nearly drowning and holding your other child above the water
I'm so happy you react to this film. This is one of my favorite films out there, thank you for reacting to this film. Plus, interesting fact, Mel gave his crew creative freedom to this film and they shot it at actual jungle with set build.
The scene where it pans over to the ships reminded me of in planet of the apes when you see the Statue of Liberty like oh shit didn’t think they’d do that.
I am a recent viewer and have to say this has been my favorite video you've done. Your technical observations are always insightful, but your personal thoughts are also enjoyable. Seeing your tense body posture through most of the movie said a lot! This film puts the viewer through the ringer.
Hearing you talk about a Tarzan movie with a high level of immersion makes me think back to the Tarzan movie with Christopher Lambert. I remember it being super good way back in the day, but I haven't seen it in years and years and years. Oh, and it has Ian Holm in it too (just remembering as I write this haha) I'm going to have to rewatch it and see if it's still good. Maybe it's worth a reaction video? Anyway, looking forward to your next movie James. Apocalypto was a sick choice!
There's a good behind the scenes of this with mel gibson like running through the shots (out of frame) calling out peoples queues in this whole mayan city set they built, it really is full on effort and commitment
I liked the fact you realised how there's a "family" element really important in that era and how modern times changed us... There's a whole discussion to be had on all of this. Interesting stuff. This movie is beyon epic and historical. This is the kind of art that should be remembered in 50 or 100 years from now, i just don't know if it will, since modern times changed what we are so much..
The soundtrack to this film is so guttural. It helps make you even more fearful on top of the actors performances already doing that. This movie is the definition of "edge of your seat"✌
I clicked so fast for this one! I am not surprised at how at the end you were wanting more, man...I felt the same way. People can say what they want about Mel Gibson but he is a phenomenal film maker. When I first saw this I was shocked at the fact that he was the director. This is up there with some of my most memorable and favorite movies.
Yeah this movie is on another level!
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CAST AWAY TIME WATCHING will be uploaded Thursday! Enjoy the day!
This film cements his directorial reputation. After this, everyone of his films is an absolute must. Same with Clint Eastwood.
It's like watching the last few scenes of "Bone Tomahawk" on repeat. ☠🧟♂️
@James vs Cinema great movie great reaction.
My top 10 movie just love it.
I have a movie suggestion for you in the future :The 13th Warrior
With Antonio Banderas a Viking movie that by the relase didn't get the appreciation that it deserves, would be great to see you watching it.
@Shep Proudfoot true words many people accept the way they live as given without questioning the ideas behind the big companies and how they control everything.
Btw like the name
I think the 2016 Tarzan was done pretty well for an adult audience, at least as far as they could take it.
My favorite part about this flick is the fact that when the first Euros landed on the beach, their own records show that there really were only two Natives on the beach to meet them, and the Euros were never able to figure out why those two Natives were there or what they had been doing. So this flick takes that tiny morsel of historical mystery and crafts an entire amazing panorama around it.
@j a connor like that detail.
Crazy awesome movie top 10 favorites for me.
Euros is our currency, not us🤷
@@tximeleta35 I think he was just too lazy to write EUROpeanS, still, where the currency name comes from?
That is too cool. Where did you read that?
@@roseandstem8054 Actually heard it from a middle school teacher, back in about 1985. Obviously she wasn't talking about this movie, but rather about some old black and white ones that were still shown on late night TV from time to time back then, which depicted a whole native army in ceremonial regalia, standing in formation on the beach to greet the visitors.
My man invented the zig zag technique which would later be adopted by every warzone player when there’s a sniper in the distance
Wish Rickon from GOT adopted that technique ahahaha
@Dyll fr ahahahaha hahaha yesssssss
Or just get a very fast internet and fast computer connection and you'll win every time. PC is for cheaters.
@@KIMKRIS1 so true
Serpentine, Shelly! Serpentine!
James a real one for putting his reaction up for free if it gets taken down, the fan service is beyond amazing, much luv
Much love! 🙏🏽
Fun fact: This film was supposed to take place in what now is Yucatán, México. Legends tell that the conquistadores named Yucatán after a linguistic confusion; when the europeans asked for the name of the place they were, the natives responded something that sounded like "Yucatán" (but in their native language).
Also, the afterlife (Xibalbá) for Mayans entailed a trip through different tests, that's why they said "travel well" to the guy that got bitten by the snake.
Greetings from México!
@Where's Waldo??? ? By Europeans I mean the ones the ships at the end of the movie
Interesting. And funny how they mentioned Xibalba, because it’s how I see this movie. The history is crap, mixing aztecs and Mayan together, when they didn’t exist at the same time. But I do think it’s a good historical retelling of many different Mayan myths. Like what if the city is a stand in for a Xibalba and the Jaquarpaw’s trials, from facing the horrors, the tricks he must play (making reminiscent of the hero twins) and all the battles he must fight, it does remind me of a Mayan underworld story.
If it sounds like that it is the name
The panther chase scene is freakin horrifying😭😭. It looked so real.
It’s held back by a tether
That’s it
Crazy
I believe it was hahaha in my opinion
@@JamesVSCinema It was real, it was not trained, it was tethered as a safety.
I feel like they added that panther scene so late in the movie too because they wanted to make you realize that as ruthless and raw as the people were back then they were STILL no challenge for the animals of the wild
@@JamesVSCinema Hollywood Reporter has a video of a roundtable on UA-cam in which Mel Gibson says it was a real wild Jaguar chained on a cable actually chasing after the actor, but they could stop it if they needed to.
How could this get any worse?
"The Spanish Fleet" has entered the chat.
the black legend, at least the natives in latam are still there, however the Americans annihilated the natives and put them on reservations ...
@@OoKakashioOPS3 it didn't help that 70-90% of them died off before they did any combat.
Death by pandemic.
Well at least the Spaniards aren't cutting out anyone hearts.
Where did you get those statistics just make them up
The production of this movie is probably one of the most complex based of how realistic the world is Mel Gibson have envisioned. It’s incredible.
For sure!!
@@JamesVSCinema ACTUALLY you should watch the History Buffs channel review of this, turns out that it is SUPER NOT historically accurate. Like they do one thing then the next thing they do in the film was 400 years later in actual events.
@@AddSerious So what? It’s not supposed to be a documentary.
@@AddSerious weeeellllll acccctttuaaalllyyy. Its a movie. Its made for entertainment. I love history too, but this movie is amazing (even if its not 100% accurate).
@@AddSerious none of historical Hollywood movie is accurate. Even black hawk Dawn is Hollywood bastardize version of what really happen.
The main bad guy, Zero Wolf, is one of the scariest bad guys I've ever seen in a movie.
Kinda looks like my grandfather when he was about 30. Later in life he looked somewhat like Chief Dan George, no kidding.
Such a cool bad guy. I was just about to say "i love his design" lol, like he is some kind of video game character. That's how cool he is.
1000% percent! If I remember correctly his armor is intended to be human bones. So when you are facing him in battle you literally see what happens when you lose...
You know a guy is an efficient leader when even the lunatics in his War party submit to him. He's not a lunatic as he shows empathy and affection for his own Son, he's just cold, calculating, and willing to go to any lengths to preserve their positions and get the job done. However, if even members of his own party step out of line he will just as quickly eliminate one of them.
Awesome character
The girl's prediction was fulfilled: at first the solar eclipse , then the man running side by side with the jaguar and, at last the end of their world coming...
I’m Native American (Canadian First Nations specifically), and many of us love this film, even though we’ve heard it isn’t very accurate, historically. We, especially, love and adore Jaguar Paw’s father. In the film, he is depicted as a man with great wisdom and valuable characteristics/traits to learn from. Very much to be strongly considered an elder in our community.
My father's side of my ancestors are Mayan decent, from the mountains, they love it.
Flint Sky might be wise but that doesn't stop him from pranking the shit out of Blunted and laughing like a loon afterward. The tribe seems cool but don't hang out with them if you don't like pranks.
Native-north americans and Native-central and south americans were always connected and knew each other for centuries, just a little comment to put in perspective why the cultures have many believes and knowledges from each other.
Same (Blackfeet), & it was so great to see a horror movie where we weren't just bad guys, cannibals, warlocks, or angry spirits.
@@cooleroconnor1718 That's BS, the Sioux (Dakota and Lakota) did not know anything about the Mayans or the Incas, they never knew each other existed. Don't just make shit up.
As a linguist I really appreciate the use of the Yucatec Maya language. Also, you’re assessment of the sacrifices we’ve made for technological advancement are 100%. We have to remember that there’s a flip side for every coin.
Hahaha glad to hear we agree!!
@@JamesVSCinema keep up the great work, bro. I love the channel!
Interesting. I was just about to post how the language sounds like the one from westworld (Navajo iirc or something NA at least) and it wouldn't suprise me considering badhistory this movie is otherwise.
Indeed
If I remember correctly History Buff mentioned it's the wrong civilization or wrong language used, I think they mixed up Aztec and Mayan culture.
Arguably Mel's best film. The acting was so realistic, it did not feel like a movie. The set design was insane and very realistic. A very painful journey of humanity's past
I can debate on that.
Waaayyyyy better than Braveheart.
Lol, most of the crew were not even actor, or had much experience; heck, the little creepy girl had never have any experience whatsoever outside her real life village.
@@ianthomas1201 so? whats your point? still they all did an outstanding job
ah "mel," such a great guy, we'll call him by his first name. I love "mel."
Who ever recommended this deserves a medal. Red cliff next dude. Please.
Battle of Chibi was always one of my fave Dynasty Warriors maps. Good film too.
I have lost so many full Saturday afternoons to RED CLIFF. It's such a bad-ass movie.
John Woo just leaves it all on the field with that one.
Red Cliff is awesome.
Have you ever played the Kessen PS game? One of my favourite ever and nearly the exact same scenes/chapters
mel gibson is such an underrated director.
He lost support because of his attitude, still great director.
wtf no he isnt LMFAO. he has hella awards bro
and writter
Absolutely. Passion of Christ is impeccable to me, and I’m a atheist haha
@@TheVIVIZZZ are athiests like the vegans of the religious world now
One of my all time favourite movies! Say what you want about Mel Gibson, the dude knows how to make a visceral experience that stays with you!
25:45 "It's like Home Alone, but much more chaotic and disturbing"
Apocalyptico, aka "Home Alone Origins".
The "Aztec Bandits" 😂😂😂
Jaguar McCallister
The scene where the guy is given a minute to run before being hunted down is so exhilarating.
Intensely shot!
I'm surprised you cut out the little girl's prophetic speech, that was such a pivotal moment and had so much to interpret.
Thats a really funny part if you are Swedish, cuz it sounds EXACTLY like they are saying "Det är fel på han, han luktar bajs!" before she gives the speech.
And it means "Something is wrong with him, he smells like poop!"
Generally speaking, movie reactors have to cut at least part of a speech out of their videos, because if they show a speech in its entirety, they get copyright flagged. He probably decided to cut it out rather than show bits and pieces that would make no sense without context.
Has to be Mel Gibson's best directed film!
I think Braveheart is perfect. But I love this movie.
it probably is
Can’t think of a bad movie he directed
Yeah all of his movies are golden.
It absolutely is imo, and in Mel Gibson's case - that's really saying something. Probably one of my top 10 favourite films of all time.
Mel Gibson really had this explosion of genius during the early 2000s. Passion of the Christ came out in 2004 I think. This film in 2006. So similar in their structures. Beautiful sets, costumes, cinematography, authentic dialogue and languages. Absolutely brutal screenplays and difficult to watch but so stunning visually and captivating filmmaking.
It started with Braveheart, then The Patriot. He had a tremendous run of genius movie-making and story-telling.
@@brianlafrazia8237 Not used to replying, but you're absolutely right. Artistically, it was a *journey*, as James says. Mel Gibson was going bonkers in the best way possible. Historicity aside, it's an absolute beautiful work.
hes great, in Passion of the christ theres the use of the language armaic and that to me is astounding. not to mention how beautiful it looks
It carried into the 2010s, too - Hacksaw Ridge was an incredible war movie.
This film is amazing!! Mel Gibson is one hell of a director. All his movies make me feel some sort of way.
Your name is belladonna lol
There are a lot of historical fiction in this movie but you cant deny the movie watching experience, such a captivating movie and the acting is amazing.
Extremely captivating
@@JamesVSCinema speaking of captivating have you seen the possessor yet?
all of his movies are full of historical fiction, braveheart especially
can you explain? plz?
@@saikonus if it's addressed to my comment, you can easily find the true story about william wallace and his rebellion in history books, or even online. you will find that almost everything in braveheart is historically inaccurate
That reaction when you saw the Conquistadores ships was fire.
When a bully meets an even bigger bully.
@@sababaratashvili8629 exactly!
Took me by surprise!!
@@JamesVSCinema Should be. It's like making a film about Napoleon, and at the end you see the Wehrmacht roll into paris.
@@JamesVSCinema should check out aguire : the wrath of god.
A German film about conquistadors going on a hellish journey through the jungle.
Apparently the cast and crew went on a similar journey during the making of the film.
I have so many friends who "don't do subtitle films" and I always show them this and say trust me you don't need the subtitles
Next watch Train to Busan 😏
@@lkf8799 it was ok nothing special, there are wayy better Korean movies then that one. Mother and Memories of Murder come to mind.
@@pyrobronson1779 Cool! Thanks for the recommendations 😊
Cinema paradiso 😊
Your movie diversity is sick man, actually watching some bangers that I havent seen people watch before. Really love your enthousiasm aswell explaining your thoughts and feelings, keep it up man!
Appreciate the comment Jurgen!!
To be a great director, he should watch all great movie
@@JamesVSCinema Bro, you should see Bone Tomahawk... absolutely the best Western movie out there.. Its like a blend of horror, adventure and western..
It has the same level of brutality as this movie... but the dialogue is on pair with Tarantino movies.
Mel Gibson is great as both actor and director, but this movie is his finest work.
My first thought after this movie."How the hell they find these caracters?" They are so realistic.Brilliant movie
From what I remember, they used indigenous people, and (if I remember correctly), they weren't even actors. Not sure on that, but I think so.
There are communities of mayan descendants in Yucatan. I don't know if this depiction is very realistic. It sure is visually striking, but this movie blends together both mayan and aztec culture as if they were the same. (wich they are not) It also depicts cultural and historical aspects that would have happened centuries apart, as if the meso-american culture was stuck in time, wich it wasn't.
This movie wants you to feel that the americas were so terrible before the europeans arrived, that the biggest human mass-extinction event in history wasn't that much of a loss after all. It makes me sick.
But hey, who's going to complain about what kind of history Mel Gibson desides to tell. The Maya sure don't have much of a platform (no pun intended)
This is a LEGIT GREAT film. Pure art. And it’s underrated - but shouldn’t be.
Now do Gibson’s BRAVEHEART if you haven’t already. It was Gibson’s breakthrough directorial film and won best picture at the Academy Awards.
I remember watching this with my pops when I was 9, the panther chase and the sacrifice scared the shit outta me 😂
This does depict the Mayans. To painstaking detail, from the buildings to the tattoos and jewelry and of course the language. And the Mayans did collapse, due to a collection of factors that included environmental degredation, and Mayans did practice some human sacrifice, but a lot of the brutality in this movie: the slavery, the mass sacrifices, seems to be inspired more by the Aztecs who sacrificed tens of thousands of people to sanctify temples and make structures out of their skulls
Tens of thousands is just a slight under estimate there mate. They find that number of skulls on one site lol. they built literal walls of skulls.
And trust me, the mayans practiced slavery, their brothers in the north did , why would you think they wouldnt?
its quicker to name peoples that didnt have slaves than those that did, ie, most people at some point in history have held slaves.
@@AmericansMarryCousins that part is inspired by Mexicas looks at their temples and yes it was thousands and thousands of people in moder Mexico City today you can dig underground and find literally bones of human beings
I find APOCALYPTO refreshing as a story told about some culture other than modern, American or others we typically get as entertainment. I love that these characters are portrayed as human beings and not just stoic stereotypical native caricatures. I was totally drawn in by Jaguar Paw and his village as they joked, laughed, loved and lived. I know it's not totally historically accurate but it's a step up from the normal fare and may inspire some viewers to actually take interest in history. At least for me, it did.
Gladiator, Troy,
This is such an amazing film! It is almost criminally underrated too. The acting, script, cinematography, sound, production design, etc. are fantastic! I know that Mel Gibson had his issues, but this is one of his greatest films. It serves as something of an allegory or warning too.
*EDIT - BTW, I traveled to the Yucatan during college as part of a course in Mesoamerican anthropology. I visited the Mayan cities of Tulum, Chichen Itza, Yaxchilan and Uxmal. I went alongside a professor who served as a consultant on this film. These locations (and ruins) are amazing. Many of the images seen in this film are reproductions of images in some of those temples and pyramids. Some of those images describe some of what is depicted in this film. In fact, hand prints made of blue and red pigment (prior to sacrifice) are still on the temple walls in places like Tulum.
The actor who played the main bad guy played a small part in both sicario films. It's crazy how intense he looks in this, and the quality of the make up and costume.
And Zero Wolf had a major role in Narcos: Mexico.
@@strawdawgs78 nah it wasn’t zero wolf but middle eyes actor played a major character in narco Mexico
Somebody finally reacted to this film!
Underrated cult classic from the great director Mel gibson
This is one of my favourite movies of all time. It doesn't get the attention it deserves. I hope you really like it as it comes. 🍃
I loved it!!
Brilliant film. First time I watched this I forgot half way through that it was subtitled as each scene tells the story good enough.
It was so good!!
Imagine what must have been going through their minds when they saw a fleet of ships with conquistadores approaching for the first time. Comparable to a UFO experience.
Crazy to think about
They knew they were full of people and they knew very well what people do to each other.
Fantastic choice. This film is under appreciated for sure.
Yeah indeed. The RT score is garbage.
Glad to hear!
One of the greatest thing from this movie is that the every single death scene was unique and creative. That's an odd appreciation, but seeing so many different ways to die is kinda interesting to me. Dying of jaguar bite on face, dying of booby trap, dying of poisoning etc. When I first time watching this movie, I was a little kid and literally memorized all death scenes one by one. This movie is such a mature and appealing story to watch.
"It seems like nature is just trying to wipe these dudes out!"
Well like Jaguar Paw said: "This is my forest!"
Amazing film! The film is not entirely accurate, but that's not what it's trying to convey. It's a atmospheric journey of the human condition. This "world" is ending.
Not a history class 101.
One of the most underrated films in the last 25 years. Mel Gibson literally at the height of his creativity.
Unfortunately there was a perfect storm of negativity around Gibson when this movie released, it really destroyed the film's opportunities. Real life.
Ohh yess James you've got the most amazing taste for movie reactions!!!! I can't imagine the amount of work out into this film.
Hahaha happy to hear!!
OMG Finally !!! Someone is reacting to Apocalypto !!! Thank you so so much. No idea if my suggestion had anything to do with it (probably didn't since I'm not a patrion), but still so happy to see a reaction to this tremendous film and I have no doubt you enjoyed it. Like I said in a previous reaction - say what you will about Mel Gibson the person - the guy can make movies ! Ok, and now on to watching your reaction... lol. Thank you again.
This was seriously one of the best films I've ever seen.....totally unexpected...amazing...whatever you think of Mel Gibson personally, you've got to admit he's a totally kick ass filmmaker, period.
U said it. When i watched this film, it felt like I was on mushrooms, especially during that sacrifice scene. The colors. It was as if the screen was pulsing. I only saw this film recently myself and it is one of the best films I've seen. And I think it ended perfectly. The whole film is dog eat dog, king of the jungle. Power shifting. At the end it keeps going. Scary.
Certainly one of the best movies of that decade
Duuude, I’ve been WAITING for people to hit up this masterpiece. Thank you! 🙏
Worked with some Guatamalians, over ten years ago here in the US, and they loved the movie. To my knowledge there aren't any movies that explored the central American's native culture before the Spanish arrived. Definitely gave them the feeling of badassiery. For good reason
Probably Mel Gibsons finest work, it's one hell of a movie and an amazing experience on the big screen.
I have never seen you so animated bro. I hope your blood pressure has stabilised
This movie has you watching the screen and you are completely with the main character thinking and willing him on, yelling “Run Man Run! For the love of God Run!”
Omg I’m so glad this won 😭😭😭 I’ve been requesting it for a longgg time! One of Mel Gibson’s best honestly. I don’t know how he does these films.
Happy to finally see it!!
Bout dam time someone react to this. Instant thumbs up.
What a treat! One of my favourite movies of all time. Mel Gibson is a fantastic director
Friggin’ incredible movie. One of my favourites of the 2000s.
Yo,man. I'm so happy that you loved this movie. I'm Guatemalan And remember learning about the Mayans and I was so fascinated by how extreme the civilization was. I've been watching your videos and I always enjoy your insights and your ideas as recently as the one of an "apolyptico Tarzan". I'm subscribing now
I love that the little girl's prophecy 14:37 is actually her telling you how the rest of the movie plays out.
I totally missed that the first time I saw this.
I hope you do "Dances with Wolves" sometime if you haven't seen it. Fantastic movie, and it sort of touches on some parts of this movie..
Cringey movie imo
@@wileyjdraws7594 Well, I wouldn't say that you can be objectively wrong when it comes to movies, but you're getting pretty close with that statement. Seven Oscars, including Best Picture and Best Director, Best Screenplay and Best Cinematography would disagree with you, together with a solid 8.0 rating on IMDb ...
@@phj223 sure .I know it's respected but personally I just consider it saccharine.
One of my favorites! So happy to see it get a well deserved reaction and praise ❤️❤️ this movie was so well done!
honestly an underrated gem. even though its nowhere near historicaly accurate, i still loved it. thanks for the great reaction.
Anytime!!
Saying that it’s historically inaccurate is a bit misleading. Yes the timeframe of the different things don’t all correspond to the same area or era. Yes, use of the Mayan language is inaccurate. It would be like trying to portray the USA a few hundred years from now. You’d people on their cell phones while drag racing with 50’s music playing, then go to the sock hop and people are dancing the Charleston wearing outfits from the 20’s. Yes, this would be historically “inaccurate” but all these individual things did happen in the USA just not at the same time. Now throw in that everyone speaks with a British accent and the language is off as well. The majority of individual things portrayed in This movie are accurate and are more a mosaic of meso American civilization than a true “this is exactly how things were in this specific year when the Spaniards arrived”.
@@Kintabl I think it was better to show that part, it feels really good, impressive, and takes you out of the box since watching the movie one forgets the outiside world.
And if someone is going to talk about history, better not use movies as reference.
Every action has an equal reaction; the unimaginable brutality of this kind of life I can only imagine has unimaginable community, and beauty on the opposite side of the spectrum. Every day truly is a gift and no one can appreciate that more than hunter gatherers living day by day.
I feel like I was a black panther in one of my lives........this is an amazing movie. Looking forward to your reaction.
I always felt like I was in the minority of people that liked his movie. It's wonderful
Did not see this reaction coming but I’ll gladly take it
Hahaha
Another great pick! I'm a sucker for period movies using languages accurately like this movie does. I'm sure fluent speakers of Yukatec Maya may have issues with it but I dig it -- it's a beautiful language. This is also a really nice, if at times inaccurate, look at the post-classic Mayan society, the differences of those who live in the jungle and those who live in the cities. They could actually predict certain phenomena like eclipses and use them, like they do in the movie, to impress and manipulate the populace for their own gain. The movie ends on a bit of a downer note if you know what the coming of the spaniards really means, if you read de las Casas' account of subsequent events. It's not a pleasant read.
Thank you for all the information Tim! That’s awesome you are a fluent speaker in it!
@@JamesVSCinema Oh man, I wish I were fluent in it, I can only do the odd word or phrase here and there but it's a fantastic language, spitting out consonants like nobody's business.
Imagine a Tarzan movie made in this brutal realistic style? They did, it's 'Greystoke' (1984)
This is about the Maya shortly after the Conquistadors arrived in the Americas in about the start of the 1600s. A the time, there was a massive drought happening across the entire region, which was throwing the societies of the area into significant flux even before the Spaniards arrived. In something that resonates today, it was the diseases the Spanish brought with them that did far more killing of native peoples than the Conquistadors did with gun or sword. That girl who was referred to as having "the sickness" likely was infected with smallpox, which spread like wildfire because no one here had any resistance to it. While the sacrifice scenes do resemble the Aztecs more than the more classical Maya, it makes complete sense that in the face of megadrought + strange new diseases appearing out of nowhere (before they ever even saw their first Spaniard) that they'd be trying everything possible to appease their gods and beseech their aid.
Ultimately, it speaks to one of the stated points of the film, that no great civilization is brought down by a foreign invasion unless it has already rotted away on the inside. For if it *was* still great, no one would be able to bring them down.
Glad you loved it.
I consider this to be one of the unsung true masterpieces of the 2000-2010 decade.
One of the most immersive and intense movies ever made.
Mel Gibson is one of my favorite directors. Love this movie!
I did not have any interest in seeing this movie. A few years ago I was browsing Netflix and saw it was leaving in 3 days. I experienced a bad case of FOMO and had to watch it LOL! Within 10 minutes I was riveted. I look forward to your reactions, James 😀
Happy to hear!! :D
This is in my top five films of all time. It's just so primal and pure.
Gibson’s quote “ you can’t train a Jaguar” hahaa
lol
You continue to select my favorite movies! This is #1
Yesssss bro your a legend for reacting to this masterpiece
This is definitely in my top 5 films of all time. Idk if I’ve ever been more immersed than watching this.
That scene with the colonizers docking on the shore is to fucking unexpected and scary for us and that the real apocalypto
This movie was badly criticized here in Mexico when it came out because of historical misconceptions. I watched it with my father in cinemas and I liked it. Mel did a good job despite knowing not much about our culture, but I imagine it was made that way mostly because storytelling, also let's point that the whole movie is spoken in a mayan language, which is cool enough to give it a praise. Visually is stunning and yes, the music is amazing and the action sequences are top tier. Good reaction James, if not already consider reacting to The Passion of the Christ, is driven in a similar tone, and is gut punching.
I don’t care how inaccurate this film is, its still a fantastic setting and narrative.
The part of the movie when he decides he is done running is one of my favorites acts in all the cinema I've ever seen.
I was so much like you watching it for the first. I was just totally unprepared. One of the most intense film-watching experiences I've ever had. And watching intense, emotionally visceral films is kinda my thing.
I studied the Aztec conquest, and cities quite a while, and as far as specifics, generally, there will be mistakes. The Aztecs seemed to have believed that they needed to gift an endless stream of blood as a sacrifice (etc), and to get their victims they kidnapped outlying villagers, and the Spanish saw these sacrifices, and painted pictures of them, as well as what people wore, what the cities looked like and so on. So then as far as creating a "story" it is about some country folks getting kidnapped by big bad city folks, enduring, Using their knowledge of the jungle to evade overwhelming odds. One escapes to try to get home to save his beloved. That's it. Simple plot. I don't see how people could say it was "inaccurate" because it is an interpretation through archeological evidence and most likely a Spanish interpretation. Despite Mel Gibson's weird personality issues, he is still a worthy director, and I would say most of his movies are pretty good (and bloody).
I believe Mel used mostly or all first time actors for this piece. Quality film
This is one of my favorite movies. It’s a sleeper cuz hardly anyone talks about it. Thanks for reacting to it.
Would love to see movies like this again. Nowadays it's just...
Super Hero.
Zzzzzz
“How you get a hickey by a freaking snake man?”
I died at this part
"Passion Christ" is another great movie directed by Mel Gibson and worth a reaction
Nope.. Jesus was NOT a caucasian man .. fake movie for christians that are ashamed that Jesus was a black man ...
Those "Colonizers," Aka the Spanish Conquistadors, would later help to unite many disparate tribes that had suffered for decades at the hands of the Aztecs (you know, the guys cutting out peoples hearts when they werent enslaving them) and destroy them.
The Spaniards were heroes for for fighting against the Aztecs
Love this movie and I'm glad you enjoyed it as much as I did.
It makes you realize how soft we all are these days, how many of us could run through a jungle being chased by jaguars and a gang of psychopaths or give birth to a baby whilst nearly drowning and holding your other child above the water
I'm so happy you react to this film. This is one of my favorite films out there, thank you for reacting to this film. Plus, interesting fact, Mel gave his crew creative freedom to this film and they shot it at actual jungle with set build.
The scene where it pans over to the ships reminded me of in planet of the apes when you see the Statue of Liberty like oh shit didn’t think they’d do that.
I am a recent viewer and have to say this has been my favorite video you've done. Your technical observations are always insightful, but your personal thoughts are also enjoyable. Seeing your tense body posture through most of the movie said a lot! This film puts the viewer through the ringer.
Hearing you talk about a Tarzan movie with a high level of immersion makes me think back to the Tarzan movie with Christopher Lambert. I remember it being super good way back in the day, but I haven't seen it in years and years and years. Oh, and it has Ian Holm in it too (just remembering as I write this haha) I'm going to have to rewatch it and see if it's still good. Maybe it's worth a reaction video? Anyway, looking forward to your next movie James. Apocalypto was a sick choice!
Greystoke
this role won him his role in Highlander
There's a good behind the scenes of this with mel gibson like running through the shots (out of frame) calling out peoples queues in this whole mayan city set they built, it really is full on effort and commitment
I liked the fact you realised how there's a "family" element really important in that era and how modern times changed us... There's a whole discussion to be had on all of this. Interesting stuff. This movie is beyon epic and historical. This is the kind of art that should be remembered in 50 or 100 years from now, i just don't know if it will, since modern times changed what we are so much..
The soundtrack to this film is so guttural. It helps make you even more fearful on top of the actors performances already doing that. This movie is the definition of "edge of your seat"✌
my parents use to watch this when i was a youngling, definitely an intense film
I clicked so fast for this one! I am not surprised at how at the end you were wanting more, man...I felt the same way. People can say what they want about Mel Gibson but he is a phenomenal film maker. When I first saw this I was shocked at the fact that he was the director. This is up there with some of my most memorable and favorite movies.
Mel Gibson is a great director, if you can separate his personal life from his films, his direction is amazing