The film The Mission (1986) depicts events in South America, probably in what is now the state of Rio Grande do Sul. In the film, a slave trader named Rodrigo Mendoza, played by Robert De Niro, makes his living by capturing slaves and bringing them to the Spanish governor's plantation. There, he catches his fiancée sleeping with his younger half-brother, which pushes him, furious, to kill his younger brother. For this reason, he eventually joined a Jesuit mission. After coming into contact with a group of natives and being accepted by them, he officially took vows to become a Jesuit priest. However, when the land on which their mission is located passes from the hands of the Spanish to the Portuguese, the security of their mission is called into question, due to the Portuguese's affinity for native slaves, as well as Pombal's dislike for the Jesuits. Seeing that the Portuguese would take over the mission, Mendoza abandoned his wishes and prepared the natives for what would become the fight of their lives. The Portuguese, however, soon overwhelm the priests and natives, killing Mendoza, as well as the other priests on the mission, including Father Gabriel (Jeremy Irons) and Father Fielding (Liam Neeson), who had been instrumental in the Mendoza's path to the priesthood. Some natives escape and move further to central South America. The film, at the very least, presents the scenario from a perspective that differs from that which we learned in class, showing the events from the point of view of a would-be Jesuit. priest, rather than through the prism of the Pombaline reform. The film now brings together a very remarkable cast, with Robert De Niro, Liam Neeson and Jeremy Irons, as well as Aidan Quinn in a minor role. Mendoza's story of redemption...... middle of paper ...... visions must be made, and that the impact of our decisions can be catastrophic. This is seen when, after the cardinal decides to side with the Portuguese, after struggling to reach a decision, the mission is wiped out, leaving a small group of survivors to carry on the traditions of their people. Another depiction of this lesson is that of Mendoza renouncing his vows to defend the mission and the natives. The story is presented from the perspective of Mendoza, whose past as a slave trader and role as a priest paint the picture in a way that includes both sides. Overall, the film shows us that man can make mistakes and overcome them, but there are always consequences. Although it is difficult to fully enjoy it, the film offers an interesting, if sometimes imperfect, historical perspective. Moreover, the lesson taught by history remains true even in 2014.