"The Mission stars Jeremy Irons and Robert DeNiro, but also includes brief performances from Liam Neeson and Aidan Quinn. The movie is set in the jungles of South America during the late 1700s. Jeremy Irons is a Jesuit priest trying to convert and protect the indigenous people. DeNiro is excellent in his portrayal of a hot-blooded slave-trader who has a change of heart. Together, they will struggle to save the people from takeover by the commercial exploits of the Spanish and Portuguese.The story moves very well, and the scenery is gorgeous. I believe this film won an Oscar for its cinematography. The musical score is hauntingly beautiful. The message is still powerful today. I would recommend seeing this."
"This is provocative cinema adventure of priests taking Kingdom of God to a native population yet untouched by advancing culture and technology. DeNiro is powerful in role of changed mercenary/slavetrader who jumps sides, while Irons is just superb in role of spiritual giant with magic oboe who leads this people against all odds only to be overran -- or were they?The storyline develops slowly yet beautifully in this magnificent landscape of South America. What makes it all one moving drama is a great soundtrack by Ennio Morricone."
"I rented this movie from Netflix because I was in the mood for something different...when it came in the mail, I read the synopsis and wondered what I'd been on. When my husband and I watched it, though, we were both enchanted. The movie itself is extremely well done, with excellent characters and a good story. The music...well, I'd never encountered this kind of music before, and when I first heard it, I wasn't impressed. But it grew on me quickly, and it's powerful stuff! SONGCATCHER is an awesome film more people need to see.
Note to the reviewer who was worried about a misinterpretation of 'O Death:' as a first time watcher (and listener: I've never heard the song before), my impression of the song matched yours. I didn't notice the movie slanting its meaning. "
"Essential viewing for rabid fans and students of the game's history. Flavorful and meticulously detailed, this may be Burns' finest hour. Never dull, which-- given its extended run time-- is quite an achievement."
"Songcatcher is directed by Maggie Greenwald and stars JAnet McTeer and Aidan Quinn. It tells the story of a musicologist (McTeer) who goes to record the Scottish and Irish folksongs that the locals have preserved for generations. But she soon finds herself getting involved in other ways, including helping them with their struggles with the coal mining companies, and the friend she finds in a local musician (Quinn). I liked the actors, especially Janet McTeer who gives a very believable performance. I always believed that Aidan Quinn is one of the most underrated performers of our time. He also does a solid job here. Overall, it's the music that sells here. If you like folk music you might wanna see it. It may not be as interesting as that for others who don't like it."
"I really enjoyed this movie on HBO. Years ago I read the book. I thought the movie really put the key points into as much time as they had. I recently found out I am a decendant of Ten Bears so this movie really got to me. This movie should get to every man/woman living in this country showing the plight of the Indian Nations during those times.
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