The Mission Movie Review 1986

Sweeping, cinematically beautiful historical drama about an 18th-century Jesuit mission in the Brazilian jungle. The missionaries struggle against the legalized slave trade of Portugal and political factions within the church. Written by Bolt (of "A Man for All Seasons" fame), its visual intensity is marred by length and so much overt symbolism that an emotional coolness surfaces when the action slows. Nonetheless, epic in ambition and nearly in quality. Magnificent musical score.

Distribution

Warner Home Video, Inc., 5775 Linder Canyon Rd., Westlake Village, CA 91362, URL: http://whv.warnerbros.com, Remarks: Does not handle retail queries from consumers; contact your local video distributor.

Available on VHS
Running time 125 minutes.

Cast and Crew

Genres

Culture Clash, South America, Missionaries, Historical Drama, Jungle Stories

Screenplay

Robert Bolt

Cast

Robert De Niro, Jeremy Irons, Ray McAnally, Aidan Quinn, Liam Neeson, Cherie Lunghi, Daniel Berrigan, Ronald Pickup

Cinematography

Chris Menges

Director

Roland Joffe

Music

Ennio Morricone

Producer

Goldcrest Films, Kingsmere

Awards

Oscars 1986: Cinematog.; British Acad. 1986: Support. Actor (McAnally); Cannes 1986: Film; Golden Globes 1987: Screenplay, Score; L.A. Film Critics 1986: Cinematog.