The Mission Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A guilt-ridden slaver and a peaceful priest attempt extreme team-building with indigenous folks, but their retreat is canceled by European politics and excessive bloodshed, leaving everyone feeling spiritually unfulfilled.

🍿 The Mission: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Establishing the Mission

The film opens with a failed Jesuit mission in 18th-century South America, symbolized by a priest sent over Iguazu Falls by indigenous people. Father Gabriel (Jeremy Irons) bravely ventures into the same territory. Using music, specifically his oboe, he establishes peaceful contact with the Guarani, gradually building a successful mission where he teaches them Christianity and Western ways.

Mendoza’s Transformation

Rodrigo Mendoza (Robert De Niro), a slave trader, brutally captures and sells Guarani people. After killing his brother in a duel, he seeks redemption. Father Gabriel guides him through a penance, which involves Mendoza dragging his heavy armor to the mission. The Guarani, showing compassion, cut the ropes, freeing him from his burden and prompting a profound change. Mendoza becomes a Jesuit, dedicating himself to the mission.

Political Intrigue and Betrayal

The Treaty of Madrid shifts the mission’s territory from Spanish to Portuguese control, threatening the Guarani with enslavement, as Portuguese law allows it. Cardinal Altamirano (Ray McAnally) arrives as a Papal emissary to assess the situation. Caught between protecting the Guarani and maintaining the Church’s power, he ultimately decides to close the mission, bowing to political pressure and condemning the Guarani to a grim fate.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Mendoza (Robert De Niro): A former slave trader who repents and becomes a Jesuit priest, struggling with his violent past and the decision to fight for the Guarani.
• Gabriel (Jeremy Irons): A Jesuit priest who establishes a mission to convert the Guarani, believing in peaceful means and divine love.
• Altamirano (Ray McAnally): A Papal emissary and Cardinal torn between the Church’s political interests and the moral obligation to protect the Guarani.
• Felipe (Aidan Quinn): Mendoza’s younger half-brother whose affair triggers Mendoza’s descent and subsequent transformation.
• Fielding (Liam Neeson): A fellow Jesuit priest who supports Gabriel and ultimately sacrifices himself in the defense of the mission.
• Hontar (Ronald Pickup): The Portuguese Governor who represents the interests of the colonists and the enforcement of slavery.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Gabriel: “If might is right, then love has no place in the world.” – Father Gabriel expresses his belief in love and compassion over power and violence to Cardinal Altamirano.
• Altamirano: “Thus we have made the world… thus have I made it.” – Cardinal Altamirano reflects on his role in the tragic outcome, acknowledging his contribution to the injustice.
• Hontar: “We must work in the world; the world is thus.” – Don Hontar justifies the brutal actions by claiming it’s simply the nature of the world, representing a pragmatic but amoral viewpoint.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $24.5M
• Domestic Gross: $17.2M
• Worldwide Gross: $17.5M

💥 The Mission Reviews

Personal Review

I remember watching ‘The Mission’ for the first time and being completely blown away by the visuals and the music. Ennio Morricone’s score is hauntingly beautiful. The scene where De Niro’s character is finally accepted by the tribe after his penance is incredibly moving. The ending is devastating but it really makes you think about the cost of colonialism and the importance of standing up for what you believe in. I find myself coming back to it every few years because it’s truly a powerful and unforgettable film.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of historical dramas”
  • “Viewers interested in themes of faith and redemption”
  • “Those who appreciate visually stunning cinematography”
  • “Ennio Morricone music enthusiasts”
  • “Anyone interested in South American history and indigenous cultures”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Graphic violence”
  • “Themes of slavery and oppression”
  • “Religious themes and violence”
  • “May be emotionally disturbing for sensitive viewers”

Professional Reviews

• Roger Ebert: “A visually stunning film with a powerful score by Ennio Morricone. ‘The Mission’ explores the conflict between faith and political expediency, with strong performances from De Niro and Irons. The tragic ending leaves a lasting impact, although the pacing can be slow at times.
• Variety: “Roland Joffé delivers a sweeping epic that captures the beauty and brutality of 18th-century South America. The film raises profound questions about morality and colonialism, anchored by the compelling performances of De Niro and Irons. However, some viewers may find the historical complexities challenging.
• The New York Times: “While ‘The Mission’ is visually impressive and features a memorable score, it struggles to fully develop its characters and explore its themes. The film’s ambition is admirable, but its execution falls short, resulting in a somewhat underwhelming experience.

Audience Reactions

Ennio Morricone’s score elevates the film to an emotional masterpiece.: The stunning cinematography and powerful music resonated deeply with viewers.

Robert De Niro’s transformation is both heartbreaking and inspiring.: De Niro and Irons delivered unforgettable performances that capture the struggle between faith and violence.

Overall Consensus: A visually stunning and emotionally resonant film that explores complex themes of faith, colonialism, and redemption, although some find the pacing slow and the historical complexities challenging.

Awards

1. Academy Award (Best Cinematography)- 1987
2. Golden Globe Award (Best Screenplay)- 1987

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “Much of the cast and crew suffered from amoebic dysentery during filming in the remote jungle locations; Robert De Niro was one of the few who remained unaffected.”
• “The film was shot on location at the Iguazu Falls in Argentina and Paraguay, providing a stunning backdrop to the dramatic events.”
• “Ennio Morricone’s score, particularly ‘Gabriel’s Oboe,’ is widely considered one of the greatest film scores of all time, though he did not win the Academy Award for it.”

🖥️ How to Watch The Mission?

As a classic film, ‘The Mission’ is available for purchase on platforms like Amazon Prime Video and Apple TV. Streaming availability may vary depending on your region, so check local listings for options on services like Paramount+ or through cable provider on-demand services.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed The Mission, you might like these similar films:

• Aguirre, the Wrath of God (1972): Explores the destructive nature of colonialism and the clash between European ambition and the indigenous world in South America.
• Black Robe (1991): A Jesuit missionary’s journey through 17th-century Canada tests his faith and exposes the cultural clash between Europeans and Native Americans.
• The Killing Fields (1984): Also directed by Roland Joffé, this film explores similar themes of political upheaval and human suffering in a different historical context.

🛒 The Mission Related Products

• The Mission (DVD): Experience the cinematic masterpiece with stunning visuals and Ennio Morricone’s iconic score. Relive the story of faith, redemption, and the clash of cultures in 18th-century South America.
• The Mission: Music From The Motion Picture (Soundtrack): Immerse yourself in Ennio Morricone’s breathtaking score, featuring iconic tracks like “Gabriel’s Oboe.” A timeless soundtrack that captures the emotional depth and beauty of the film.
• The Mission – Movie Poster: High-quality print of The Mission movie poster, perfect for decorating your home theater or adding to your film memorabilia collection.
• South American Jesuit Missions Historical Book: Explore the historical context behind ‘The Mission’ with a detailed account of the Jesuit missions in South America, offering insights into the culture, politics, and religious conflicts of the era.

🎧 Soundtrack

The Mission features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Gabriel’s Oboe” – performed by Ennio Morricone
• “On Earth As It Is In Heaven” – performed by Ennio Morricone
• “Ave Maria Guarani” – performed by Ennio Morricone

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Robert De Niro’s Favorite Robert De Niro Film

Ever wonder what Robert De Niro’s favorite movie of his own is? Check out this short clip where he reveals his pick! I was surprised by his choice, but it makes total sense when you think about it.

The Mission, One of the best scenes of the movie with the main theme composed by Ennio Morricone

This video breaks down one of the most powerful scenes in The Mission, and really highlights how amazing both Robert De Niro and Ennio Morricone were. It’s long, but I think the analysis is really worth it.

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