Films about Mayans:
General Description: Films about Mayans explore the rich history, culture, and mythology of the Mayan civilization. These movies delve into the ancient world of the Mayans, showcasing their achievements, rituals, and the mysteries surrounding their disappearance.
“Apocalypto”, 2006
Director: Mel Gibson
Directed by Mel Gibson, this epic adventure film follows the journey of a young Mayan man who must escape capture by an enemy tribe and rescue his family. “Apocalypto” offers a gripping portrayal of Mayan society, showcasing their customs, rituals, and the impending arrival of the Spanish conquistadors.
Starring: Rudy Youngblood, Dalia Hernandez, Jonathan Brewer, Morris Birdyellowhead, Carlos Emilio Baez, Amilcar Ramírez, Israel Contreras, Israel Rios, María Isabel Díaz Lago, Espiridion Acosta Cache, Mayra Serbulo, Iazua Larios, Lorena Hernández, Itandehui Gutierrez, Sayuri Gutierrez, Hiram Soto, Pepe Suárez, Raoul Max Trujillo, Gerardo Taracena, Rodolfo Palacios, Ariel Galvan, Bernardo Ruiz, Ricardo Diaz Mendoza, Richard Can, Carlos Ramos, Ammel Rodrigo Mendoza, Marco Antonio Argueta, Javier Escobar, Fernando Hernandez, Maria Isidra Hoil, Aquetzali García, Abel Woolrich, Antonio Monroy, Nicolás Jasso, Ronaldo Eknal, Miriam Tun, Rafael Velez, Diana Botello, Joaquin Rendon, Nelly Castillo;
Production year: 2006;
Genre: action, thriller, drama, adventure;
MPAA rating: r;
Duration: 139 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,8;
“The Ruins”, 2008
Director: Carter Smith
Based on the novel by Scott Smith, this horror film revolves around a group of American tourists who venture into the jungles of Mexico and stumble upon a remote Mayan ruin. As they explore the ancient site, they soon discover that it harbors a malevolent force that threatens their lives. “The Ruins” blends elements of suspense, horror, and Mayan mythology.
Starring: Jonathan Tucker, Jena Malone, Laura Ramsey, Shawn Ashmore, Joe Anderson, Sergio Calderón, Jesse Ramirez, Balder Moreno, Dimitri Baveas, Patricio Almeida Rodriguez, Mario Jurado, Luis Antonio Ramos, Walter Quispe, Pauline Whyman, Nathan Vega, Tanisha Marquez-Munduate, Chris Argirousis, Alexander Gregory, Michelle Atkinson, Bar Paly, Jordan Patrick Smith, Jovina Riveros Padilla, Lucia Caballero, Rufino Hernandez, Carlos Enrique Delgado, Mario Freire Rivera, Elmer Alaya, Jesus Tugumbango, Karen Strassman, Andy Meritakis, Vivica Mitra, Robert Munns, Tanya Rivera;
Production year: 2008;
Genre: horror, thriller, adventure;
MPAA rating: r;
Duration: 90 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 5,9;
More information about the film “The Ruins” on the website imdb.com
“El Norte”, 1983
Director: Gregory Nava
Directed by Gregory Nava, this drama tells the story of two Mayan siblings who flee their war-torn village in Guatemala and embark on a perilous journey to the United States. “El Norte” explores themes of immigration, cultural identity, and the struggles faced by Mayan people in their pursuit of a better life.
Starring: Ernesto Gómez Cruz, David Villalpando, Zaide Silvia Gutiérrez, Alicia del Lago, Mike Gomez, Jose Martin Ruano, Stella Quan, Heraclio Zepeda, Emilio Gomez Ozuna, Daniel Lemus Valenzuela, Rodrigo Puebla, Yosahandi Navarrete Quan, Rodolfo De Alexandre, Emilio Del Haro, Jorge Moreno, Palomo Garcia, Ismael Gamez, Silverio Lujan, Socorro Velazquez, John Martin, Ronald G. Joseph, Abel Franco, Rosario Cevellos, Trinidad Silva, Lupe Ontiveros, Young Chung, Gregory Enton, Tony Plana, Slavitza Yhuelo, Jules Hart, Enrique Castillo, Momo Yashima, Jomarie Ward, Loraine Shields, Larry Cedar, Sheryl Bernstein, Diane Cary, Eulalia Cardenas, Jules Segal, Perry Page, Mary Armantrout, George O'Hanlon Jr., Bo Kane, Pablo Velasquez, Sergi Dagliana, Giuseppe Furia, Pado Hende, Sean O'Kane, Antonio Prester, Sabina Vannucchi;
Production year: 1983;
Genre: drama;
MPAA rating: r;
Duration: 141 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,7;
More information about the film “El Norte” on the website imdb.com
“Ixcanul”, 2015
Director: Jayro Bustamante
This Guatemalan drama, directed by Jayro Bustamante, offers a glimpse into the lives of Mayan people living on the slopes of an active volcano. The film follows the story of a young Mayan woman named Maria, who dreams of escaping her traditional Mayan village and exploring the modern world beyond.
Starring: María Mercedes Coroy, María Telón, Manuel Antún, Justo Lorenzo, Marvin Coroy, Fernando Martínez;
Production year: 2015;
Genre: drama;
Duration: 93 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,1;
More information about the film “Ixcanul” on the website imdb.com
“The Road to El Dorado”, 2000
Director: Bibo Bergeron, Don Paul, Jeffrey Katzenberg
Although not solely focused on the Mayans, this animated adventure film includes Mayan mythology and culture. It follows the journey of two con men who find themselves in the legendary city of El Dorado, where they encounter Mayan temples, rituals, and a quest for gold.
Starring: Kevin Kline, Kenneth Branagh, Rosie Perez, Armand Assante, Edward James Olmos, Jim Cummings, Frank Welker, Tobin Bell, Duncan Marjoribanks, Elijah Chiang, Cyrus Shaki-Khan, Elton John;
Production year: 2000;
Genre: animation, musical, fantasy, comedy, adventure, family;
MPAA rating: pg;
Duration: 89 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 6,9;
More information about the film “The Road to El Dorado” on the website imdb.com
These films about Mayans provide a captivating exploration of the ancient civilization, shedding light on their traditions, beliefs, and the enduring legacy of the Mayan people.
The selection of films about the Mayans offers a captivating journey into the rich history, culture, and mysteries of this ancient civilization. From awe-inspiring depictions of their architectural marvels to the portrayal of their spiritual beliefs and rituals, these films have brought the enigmatic world of the Mayans to life on the silver screen. Through compelling storytelling and visually stunning cinematography, these movies have not only entertained but also educated audiences about the enduring legacy of the Mayan civilization, leaving a profound impact on our understanding of this remarkable culture.
