The Mission (1986)

Director:

Roland Joffé

Writer:

Robert Bolt (original story & screenplay)

Release Date:

31 October 1986 (USA)

Genre:

Adventure | Drama | History

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.

Plot Keywords:

Mission | Jesuit | Indian | Spanish | Portuguese

Awards:

Won Oscar. Another 12 wins & 21 nominations

Cast

Robert De Niro	...	Rodrigo Mendoza
Jeremy Irons	...	Father Gabriel
Ray McAnally	...	Altamirano
Aidan Quinn	...	Felipe Mendoza
Cherie Lunghi	...	Carlotta
Ronald Pickup	...	Hontar
Chuck Low	...	Cabeza
Liam Neeson	...	Fielding
Bercelio Moya	...	Indian Boy
Sigifredo Ismare	...	Witch Doctor
Asuncion Ontiveros	...	Indian Chief
Alejandrino Moya	...	Chief's Lieutenant
Daniel Berrigan	...	Sebastian
Rolf Gray	...	Young Jesuit
Álvaro Guerrero	...	Jesuit

Runtime:

125 min

Country:

UK

Language:

English

Color:

Color (Rankcolor)

Aspect Ratio:

2.20 : 1

Sound Mix:

70 mm 6-Track (70 mm prints) | Dolby (35 mm prints)

Certification:

Iceland:12 | Canada:14+ (Ontario) | Netherlands:12 | South Korea:12 | Brazil:14 | West Germany:12 | Argentina:13 | Chile:14 | Finland:K-16 | Ireland:12 | Spain:T | Sweden:15 | UK:PG | USA:PG | Singapore:PG | Australia:PG | Portugal:M/12

Filming Locations:

Cartagena, Bolívar, Colombia

Company:

Warner Bros. Pictures

Trivia:

The elderly priest sometimes seen traveling in the background is actually Daniel Berrigan, S.J. He is a well known Jesuit priest and professor who, along with his brother, is known for his work in human rights and social justice. He has one line in the film: He says "no".

Goofs:

Continuity: During the attack of the mission by the Portuguese, the monstrance held by Father Gabriel is different between shots.

Quotes:

Gabriel: So you're hunting above the falls now, Captain Mendoza?
[pauses]
Gabriel: We're building a mission here. We're going to make Christians of these people!
Mendoza: If you have the time.

Movie Connections:

Referenced in The Boys from County Clare (2003)

Awesome

Rarely does a film have all the elements in film making all come together so perfectly. I can honestly say that this is THE BEST film I have ever seen, and the most powerful film I have seen. I always said that some films are 'one' of the best, but I can truly say that this is THE Best film I have seen. The cinematography is excellent, excellent casts, and an awesome score. I kept the tape playing during the credits just to listen to the music. If you haven't seen this, you better see it, it is unforgettable and will remain with you forever.