Sentinels of Silence (1971) User Reviews

An enduring cinematic experience

[ronwest-1 · 10/10 · 15 July 2005]

This documentary richly deserves every award it has achieved. I have run this film many times in my cinema and always was congratulated on what a stunning film it was. It has the ability (in no small way due to the excellent and, at times, spine-tingling commentary by Orson Welles) to stir the imagination and introduce the viewer to some of the most astounding archaeological ruins on this planet. The camera-work is amazing - the whole film being shot from a helicopter - thus giving the viewer a unique perspective on the ruins. The shot at Tehotuhican travelling along the avenue and then ascending the steps of the Pyramid of the Sun is awesome. I totally agree with the other reviewer that this film should not only be released on DVD but should become part of the study curriculum. This is the sort of factual film that breathes life into archaeology making what could become a dull subject one of intense interest particularly to young students perhaps igniting a passion for knowledge.

A superb blend of music, imagery and history.

[Cardinal-3 · 9/10 · 18 February 1999]

There should be a video or DVD of this masterpiece. It won TWO Oscars, for goodness sake, so it can't be all bad. It combines exciting symphonic music with breathtaking aerial and ground photos of pre-Columbian archaeological sites in Mexico and elsewhere showing the haunting ruins of civilizations that have disappeared. The narrative calmly tells of the Maya and their superior astronomical science that calculated time by solar eclipses, resulting to a calendar more accurate than the one in use today. The Maya also used the number 0 in their mathematics. But what happened to them? Where did they go? The answer, of course, is that they are still here, living among the people of Mexico and Central America (Mexico is in North America in case you forgot). This is a wonderful cultural eye-opener that puts our neighbors in an entirely different light. I am surprised PBS or someone doesn't have this as a regular fixture in some history studies. Americans have too long been fascinated by the accomplishments of ancient Egypt. That is fine, but similar triumphs have occurred in our own back yard and we have all but ignored them. Where do you think the largest pyramid base (the pyramid was not completed) was constructed? It's still there. Sentinels of Silence spans an amazing amount of time, geography and architecture in 18 minutes. It needs to be released in video or disc and get some wider exposure. Its subject, message and images are all timeless.

An extraordinary film about Mexico and its monuments

[llltdesq · 10/10 · 31 December 2014]

This short won both the Live Action Short and Documentary Short Academy Awards. There will be spoilers ahead:

This remarkable short showcases the ancient landmarks built by the Mayans, Aztecs, Olmecs, Toltecs and others. Starting with the pyramids at Teotihuacan, then moving to Tulum, the various ruins covered here are beautifully shot from the air. The musical score is sweeping majestic. The narration, done in English by Orson Welles (I haven't heard the Spanish, which was apparently by Ricardo Montalban) is perfectly done.

Monte Alban and then Chichen Itza are covered next and the history of Chichen Itza is covered in some depth. Palenque, built by the Mayans, is next and its history touched on. The Governor's Palace is also mentioned.

The editing of this short is very well done. It's a breathtaking piece of work. It managed to win two Oscars, Live Action Short and Documentary Short for the first and likely only time, as the academy changed the rules the next year to prohibit dual nominations in the categories. There have been other dual nominees (Neighbours, The Face of Lincoln and The Battle of Gettysburg I can recall offhand) but no double winners. Sentinels deserved the double honor.

I found this online. It should be more readily available. Most highly recommended.