The Spanish Conquest refers to the period during which Spain expanded its empire to the Americas, beginning with the voyage of Christopher Columbus in 1492 and continuing through several centuries as they conquered vast territories. This epoch is characterized by exploration, colonization, cultural exchanges, and, frequently, conflict and resistance from indigenous populations. Films about the Spanish Conquest often explore these themes, focusing on the adventurers who led these expeditions, the clashes between the Spanish and native peoples, and the consequences of colonization.
“The Mission”, 1986
Director: Roland Joffé
This British film, directed by Roland Joffé, stars Robert De Niro and Jeremy Irons as a slaver and a Jesuit priest, respectively, who try to protect a remote South American tribe from Portuguese and Spanish forces. The film highlights the cultural and spiritual clashes between Europeans and Indigenous peoples during the period of Spanish colonial expansion.
Starring: Robert De Niro, Jeremy Irons, Ray McAnally, Aidan Quinn, Cherie Lunghi, Ronald Pickup, Chuck Low, Liam Neeson, Bercelio Moya, Sigifredo Ismare;
Production year: 1986;
Genre: drama, adventure, history;
MPAA rating: pg;
Duration: 125 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,4;
More information about the film “The Mission” on the website imdb.com
“1492: Conquest of Paradise”, 1992
Director: Ridley Scott
Directed by Ridley Scott, this film chronicles the voyages of Christopher Columbus (played by Gérard Depardieu) and his discovery of the New World. It portrays Columbus's initial encounters with the native people and the beginning of Spanish colonization.
Starring: Gérard Depardieu, Armand Assante, Sigourney Weaver, Loren Dean, Ángela Molina, Fernando Rey, Michael Wincott, Tchéky Karyo, Kevin Dunn, Frank Langella;
Production year: 1992;
Genre: drama, adventure, biography, history;
MPAA rating: pg13;
Duration: 154 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 6,4;
More information about the film “1492: Conquest of Paradise” on the website imdb.com
“The New World”, 2005
Director: Terrence Malick
Although not exclusively about the Spanish Conquest, Terrence Malick's film does delve into the broader theme of European colonization of the Americas. It mainly focuses on the English settlement at Jamestown and the relationship between Captain John Smith and Pocahontas but includes references to Spanish explorations and the impact of European arrival.
Starring: Colin Farrell, Christian Bale, Q'Orianka Kilcher, Christopher Plummer, Wes Studi, David Thewlis, Noah Taylor, Ben Chaplin, Jonathan Pryce, August Schellenberg;
Production year: 2005;
Genre: drama, melodrama, biography, history;
MPAA rating: pg13;
Duration: 135 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 6,7;
More information about the film “The New World” on the website imdb.com
“Apocalypto”, 2006
Director: Mel Gibson
Directed by Mel Gibson, this film is set in the waning days of the Maya civilization and portrays the journey of a young Maya man captured for sacrifice who must escape to save his family. While the Spanish Conquest is not the main focus, the arrival of Spanish ships at the film's conclusion signifies the impending conquest and the dramatic changes that would follow for native civilizations.
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;
Production year: 2006;
Genre: action, thriller, drama, adventure;
MPAA rating: r;
Duration: 139 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,8;
“Cabeza de Vaca”, 1991
Director: Nicolás Echevarría
This Mexican film, directed by Nicolás Echevarría, tells the true story of Álvar Núñez Cabeza de Vaca, a Spanish explorer who was shipwrecked in North America and wandered across the continent for years. The film explores his encounters with various indigenous peoples and his transformation from a conqueror to a healer and advocate for the natives.
Starring: Juan Diego, Daniel Giménez Cacho, Roberto Sosa, Carlos Castañón, Gerardo Villarreal, Roberto Cobo, José Flores, Eli «Chupadera» Machuca, Farnesio de Bernal, Josefina Echánove;
Production year: 1991;
Genre: drama, adventure, history;
MPAA rating: r;
Duration: 112 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 6,9;
More information about the film “Cabeza de Vaca” on the website imdb.com
These films provide a range of perspectives on the Spanish Conquest, from the avid adventurers seeking fortune and glory to the profound impacts these endeavors had on indigenous cultures and societies.
In sum, films about the Spanish conquest offer audiences a vibrant tapestry of narratives that span the gamut from brutal conflicts and cultural assimilations to the poignant tales of resilience and resistance among the indigenous peoples. These cinematic endeavors provide a window into a turbulent and transformative epoch in human history, blending historical facts with creative storytelling to engage, educate, and evoke reflection. The power of these films lies not only in their ability to capture the grandeur and the tragedy of the conquest but also in their capacity to humanize the past, making palpable the emotions, aspirations, and struggles of those who lived through the era. As they continue to evolve, these films remain essential in fostering a deeper understanding of the complex legacy of the Spanish conquest, challenging viewers to consider its enduring impacts on identity, culture, and geopolitics in the contemporary world.
