The Mission is a difficult film to watch at times. It’s about religious persecution of South American Jesuit missionaries in the 18th century and centers on two very different men, one a Jesuit priest (Jeremy Irons) and the other a converted ex-soldier (Rober De Niro). The priest and the soldier believe in the same end – protecting the mission and the Indians who’ve made their home there – but not in the means to reach it. The priest passionately believes in non-violence; the soldier is adamant that force must be met with force. Which is right?  

The film does not have a happy ending, but it is inspirational nonetheless. The willingness to sacrifice all for the sake of another is a powerful message, and The Mission delivers it as strongly as any film ever has.  

~ Evan Derrick