IMDb > The Mission (1986)
The Mission
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The Mission (1986) More at IMDbPro »

Videos (see all 3)
The Mission (1986) -- 18th century Spanish Jesuits try to protect a remote South American Indian tribe in danger of falling under the rule of pro-slavery Portugal.
The Mission (1986) -- CineMagia.ro - Trailer (Flash)

Overview

User Rating:
7.4/10   17,548 votes
MOVIEmeter: ?
Down 13% in popularity this week. See why on IMDbPro.
Director:
Writer:
Robert Bolt (original story & screenplay)
Contact:
View company contact information for The Mission on IMDbPro.
Release Date:
31 October 1986 (USA) more
Plot:
18th century Spanish Jesuits try to protect a remote South American Indian tribe in danger of falling under the rule of pro-slavery Portugal. full summary | full synopsis
Plot Keywords:
Awards:
Won Oscar. Another 12 wins & 21 nominations more
User Comments:
A revisit is long overdue more (144 total)

Cast

  (Cast overview, first billed only)
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Additional Details

Runtime:
125 min
Country:
Language:
Color:
Color (Rankcolor)
Aspect Ratio:
2.20 : 1 more
Sound Mix:
70 mm 6-Track (70 mm prints) | Dolby (35 mm prints)

Fun Stuff

Trivia:
Filmed in 1985. more
Goofs:
Continuity: During the attack of the mission by the Portuguese, the monstrance held by Father Gabriel is different between shots. more
Quotes:
[Mendoza is repeatedly dragging a load of armor up a cliff as penance for killing his brother]
Fielding: How long must he carry that stupid thing?
Gabriel: God knows.
more
Movie Connections:
Referenced in Lumière et compagnie (1995) more

FAQ

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25 out of 29 people found the following comment useful.
A revisit is long overdue, 12 June 2004
Author: lindalinda from London, England

After hearing a quick clip from the soundtrack recently I decided to have another look at 'The Mission' which I hadn't seen for more than ten years. Interesting viewing in these days when epics abound: Lord of the Rings, Gladiator, Troy etc.

The first thing that struck me was the intelligence of the script which often seems an afterthought in today's big budget jobs. Robert Bolt weaves an intriguing web of characters; mercenary, slavetrader, starcrossed lover, papal emissary and man of faith. The passion of Robert de Niro's Mendoza beautifully contrasts the quiet firm conviction of Jeremy Irons' Gabriel. And the moral dilemma facing the Catholic Church, whether to abandon influence abroad for the sake of power at home, is ably brought to life in the tortured mind of Ray McAnally's Altamirano. This man sent from Rome by the Pope himself has the power of life and death over the Guarani Indians and the Jesuit priests who have dedicated their lives to Christian service in the deepest regions of the South American rainforest.

The film isn't perfect by any means: I would have liked better representation of at least one Guarani character but the integrity of Joffe's direction and Chris Menges' spectacular camera-work make this one film you have to see. And there's that lovely soundtrack by Ennio Morricone.

We may be more sophisticated these days in terms of technology, sound engineering and special effects but the lesson from 'The Mission' for today's directors has to be: it's the story, stupid.

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Gabriel's Oboe mmckinnon99
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