The Other Conquest

La Otra Conquista will always live with me. I was in awe with the wonderful combination of acting and music. The scenes were breathtaking and the plot got its much overdue attention. I've watched it two times, picking up something new every time. I wish there were more movies like it.

This is the most powerful, unforgettable and life-altering film I've seen in ages. It's amazing that I'm Irish and I felt it was about the story of my people, even though it's about the Aztecs and Spanish. What's wrong with you distributors out there? Why isn't this film playing nationwide?!?!?

This film explores the relationships between politics, religion, spirituality, and culture, focusing on some true and some fabricated events of the Spanish invasion of the Aztecs. Biting, the film charges with the idea that the nature of culture and the strength of a highly traditional belief system is not conquerable. Stressing the strength and perseverance of the human will, the film yields unforgettable images, some that stress the deep connection between humanity and religion. One immortal image is of a statue of the Virgin Mary being carefully supported down from a high place with ropes. In this image, the true condition of organized religion is viewed; one that is undeniably buttressed by the will of the people.

With this powerful look at cross-cultural interactions and the strong statements about the role of the missionary, the movie grips its audience, leaving us with a feeling that all human beliefs are related and filtered by our very similar eyes. The message that this movie sends about religious disputes is one of great importance and even greater shrewdness on the part of the movie's creators.

This movie has the tone of an epic story and a universal message of tolerance. The beautiful shots and the storytelling grab you from the first image and bring the audience in a journey through history following the uneasy path of the main character. But the story is never easy to guess and the feeling to witness something real is what keeps you on the edge of your seat. The characters never feel one-dimensional or convenient, they are part of the story and their historical role is portrayed in details. But there is something more: the story behind the movie. The making of it is, per se, an amazing adventure that every aspiring filmmaker must see.

This is a superb film which conveys a powerful and profound message of tolerance, respect and peace. This film has been truly made by the artist who has taken the canvas of his soul to the silver screen and has truly added to the cause of peace for this nation---brilliant!!! And due to this, it is an important vehicle which offers the solutions to conquering youth violence so prevalent in our society today. The Other Conquest will undoubtedly become a classic. This film is a must for children and families---there is a hunger within our Brown children (and believe me, there are many) to know their heritage and where they fit in.