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.
497 Reviews
Finally, a different point of view.
Wassig21 December 2010
Warning: Spoilers
What I found interesting about The Other Conquest is its ability to tell a story of colonization that relates to many, if not all cultures on some level. It not only tells the story from the point of view of the Spanish, but also from Aztecs that were being conquered. Coming from the Philippines, I have noticed several similarities between our culture, and that of Mexico. Not to mention, both have been conquered by Spain and Catholicism is the predominate religion in both countries.
Topilzin, the main character of the story, represents a conquest for one's identity. He battles between his own cultural beliefs and those instilled upon him by the Spanish invaders. In doing so, he becomes torn between two ideals, which ultimately leads to a compromise of the two. He accepts Christianity, but won't relinquish his own belief system.
In many ways, this story is symbolic for how cultures assimilate other cultures into their own. The Philippines, for example, is a fusion of many cultures. It is a mixture of many beliefs, knowledge, values, and ideas. And yet, they are still able to call it their own.
I would recommend this movie to anyone who is trying to get in touch with their roots. It tells an amazing story of facing adversity and still being able to recognize where you came from.
Topilzin, the main character of the story, represents a conquest for one's identity. He battles between his own cultural beliefs and those instilled upon him by the Spanish invaders. In doing so, he becomes torn between two ideals, which ultimately leads to a compromise of the two. He accepts Christianity, but won't relinquish his own belief system.
In many ways, this story is symbolic for how cultures assimilate other cultures into their own. The Philippines, for example, is a fusion of many cultures. It is a mixture of many beliefs, knowledge, values, and ideas. And yet, they are still able to call it their own.
I would recommend this movie to anyone who is trying to get in touch with their roots. It tells an amazing story of facing adversity and still being able to recognize where you came from.
The battle of the religious fanatics is on.
Billy Edwards17 June 2000
La Otra Conquista is a contrast of two religions, one believes in sacrificing its own people to its Goddess and the other wants to seemingly sacrifice other peoples to the Mother of God. This makes for interesting contrast. It would have been far more interesting, had it delved further into how the Aztecs hid their religion inside the Catholic faith (Substituting their Goddess with the Virgin Mary, etc.), but this area was not fully explored. Damián Delgado shows, once again what an under appreciated actor he is and the beautiful Elpidia Carrillo gives another one of her performances that makes you wonder why the hell she isn't a household name. In fact, the whole cast does an exceptional job. In brief, it may not be as profound as it set out to be, but it's more than worth taking a look at.
A very poignant critique of religion
tgrudin5 October 2002
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.
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.
Great Expectations Unrealized
filfy-228 April 2000
The subject matter of this film--the forced "Christianization" of the Aztecs--is a provocative topic and could have been made into a compelling film. Unfortunately, "La Otra Conquista" is not that film.
What "La Otra Conquista" does well is presenting the richness of the Aztec culture in great detail. The director, Salvador Carrasco, spent much time researching the era to bring an authentic feel to this piece. The cinematography, production design, costumes, makeup, are all excellent. For further detail, just see the wonderful website created for the movie.
So what's wrong with this film? 1) The script. It needs to be more narrative and less didactic. It's too concerned with its message that the characterization suffers as a result. Furthermore, it felt as if the "look" of each scene determined how the characters were going to behave. As a result, the film is long and tedious. 2) The direction. This film needs to adapt a more direct narrative and avoid "arty" gimmicks (such as replicating Diego Rivera images) which take away from the purpose of the film. Because of Mexico's complex history, the subject matter can be difficult to understand (even for the informed), and the direction doesn't help much in this regard.
Looking at Mr. Carrasco's credits on the IMDB I noticed that this is his first film as a director. It is a remarkable achievement, however one that unfortunately does not do the subject matter justice. Hopefully he can do what Robert Rodriguez did with "El Mariachi" and be given the opportunity to remake his first film. 6/10
What "La Otra Conquista" does well is presenting the richness of the Aztec culture in great detail. The director, Salvador Carrasco, spent much time researching the era to bring an authentic feel to this piece. The cinematography, production design, costumes, makeup, are all excellent. For further detail, just see the wonderful website created for the movie.
So what's wrong with this film? 1) The script. It needs to be more narrative and less didactic. It's too concerned with its message that the characterization suffers as a result. Furthermore, it felt as if the "look" of each scene determined how the characters were going to behave. As a result, the film is long and tedious. 2) The direction. This film needs to adapt a more direct narrative and avoid "arty" gimmicks (such as replicating Diego Rivera images) which take away from the purpose of the film. Because of Mexico's complex history, the subject matter can be difficult to understand (even for the informed), and the direction doesn't help much in this regard.
Looking at Mr. Carrasco's credits on the IMDB I noticed that this is his first film as a director. It is a remarkable achievement, however one that unfortunately does not do the subject matter justice. Hopefully he can do what Robert Rodriguez did with "El Mariachi" and be given the opportunity to remake his first film. 6/10
This is the most powerful, unforgettable and life-altering film I've seen in ages.
Kate Egan5 April 2001
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?!?!?
Worth watching
Diazz199411 February 2014
Warning: Spoilers
I'm a huge fan of historical movies, so I was looking forward to watch " La Otra Conquista". What can I say? Well-directed, high quality historical movie. Definitely worth watching.
Loved the way Carrasco shows the mental strength of the main character, that was forced to change his beliefs, but didn't want to give up. The pain and suffering in this film are shown perfectly, not too much, but just enough to make you feel sorry for what these people went through. The scene of the ritual (where they cut the heart out) is beautifully filmed, and that really impressed me because it's not easy to film such a death so it will look so special and so precious.
I also appreciate that everything looks so real. I almost felt not only the physical, but the mental pain of the main character. And I felt disgusted by Hernan Cortes and the stubbornness of these people, that force others to believe in what they believe. And this usually doesn't happen to me, I never get so emotionally involved in movies that I watch.
Another important detail for me is the statue of Maria. There is something about the look in her eyes that to me means that she doesn't want this. She is against all this blood, she is against this repression.
And, of course, the roses! People who know history definitely noticed those red roses. That is a 5 second moment in the movie, but pay attention to it, because it has a very deep meaning.
"La Otra Conquista" is simply a beautiful piece of art, and this is what makes it so special. It was not created as a regular Hollywood blockbuster to collect money. It was made to educate people, to show them reality, to remind people about humanity and to show art! This is not a movie for everyone, it's a movie for people that have a heart.
Loved the way Carrasco shows the mental strength of the main character, that was forced to change his beliefs, but didn't want to give up. The pain and suffering in this film are shown perfectly, not too much, but just enough to make you feel sorry for what these people went through. The scene of the ritual (where they cut the heart out) is beautifully filmed, and that really impressed me because it's not easy to film such a death so it will look so special and so precious.
I also appreciate that everything looks so real. I almost felt not only the physical, but the mental pain of the main character. And I felt disgusted by Hernan Cortes and the stubbornness of these people, that force others to believe in what they believe. And this usually doesn't happen to me, I never get so emotionally involved in movies that I watch.
Another important detail for me is the statue of Maria. There is something about the look in her eyes that to me means that she doesn't want this. She is against all this blood, she is against this repression.
And, of course, the roses! People who know history definitely noticed those red roses. That is a 5 second moment in the movie, but pay attention to it, because it has a very deep meaning.
"La Otra Conquista" is simply a beautiful piece of art, and this is what makes it so special. It was not created as a regular Hollywood blockbuster to collect money. It was made to educate people, to show them reality, to remind people about humanity and to show art! This is not a movie for everyone, it's a movie for people that have a heart.
I wanted to love it, but....
travelintom29 May 2008
Warning: Spoilers
It took me 10 years to see this film, finally, on Netflix. I am avid about Mexican culture, history and pre-Colombian history but the spirits must have revealed to me that there was no urgency to see this film. I wanted so much to love it.
There are about 70 previous comments about this film and some eloquent and personal connections about race, culture clash and what all. It evidently spoke to some in an harmonic-vibration, viva-la-raza way but I was disappointed.
The Virgin of Gualalupe, mother-goddess (Tonantzin) theme is nothing new. I don't fault the film for playing it again, only for doing it in such an artsy and mystic way. The script began to drag just when the culture conflict could have made this a great movie. It became unrealistic when it could have shown the true conflict the Coluha-Mexica (Aztec) experienced when their own gods deserted them.
And what a lame ending! What was this "miracle" the friar sent for Cortez to see anyway? I replayed it several times to see if the Virgin's eyes had turned brown, or his had turned blue, or if his bruises were roses..nada. Especially with the long, dramatic build-up for the "miracle" scene with the camera pan and the music and all but nada. Just the friar's assertion that the scene somehow depicted the racial harmony that understanding and compassion could bring. The film should somehow have revealed that, not just asserting it with dialogue; especially since it isn't a truth of Mexican history.
Okay, the cinematography and score were great. It got off to a good start. There was some wonderful dialogue, as discussed in other posts: the "They want to take our souls" mis-translation, for example. I don't really quibble, as some have, about the the historical inaccuracies. I personally would rather have seen constructed or generated sets that depicted the original beauty of the pre-Colombian architecture than modern-day ruins.
The film was too easy on the Spanish..they did monstrous things out of greed and soul-saving. Hundreds, maybe thousands, were literally burned at the stake for not forsaking the pagan gods, hundreds of thousands, perhaps millions, otherwise died as a consequence of the conquest. It was way easy on the Mexica, tens of thousands were sacrificed to their gods and they all didn't go as willingly as that sexy, naked virgin-babe. Many were children.
I wanted to like this film but I can't even recommend it except to neo-Nahua kooks. It beat all hell out of Apocalypto though.
There are about 70 previous comments about this film and some eloquent and personal connections about race, culture clash and what all. It evidently spoke to some in an harmonic-vibration, viva-la-raza way but I was disappointed.
The Virgin of Gualalupe, mother-goddess (Tonantzin) theme is nothing new. I don't fault the film for playing it again, only for doing it in such an artsy and mystic way. The script began to drag just when the culture conflict could have made this a great movie. It became unrealistic when it could have shown the true conflict the Coluha-Mexica (Aztec) experienced when their own gods deserted them.
And what a lame ending! What was this "miracle" the friar sent for Cortez to see anyway? I replayed it several times to see if the Virgin's eyes had turned brown, or his had turned blue, or if his bruises were roses..nada. Especially with the long, dramatic build-up for the "miracle" scene with the camera pan and the music and all but nada. Just the friar's assertion that the scene somehow depicted the racial harmony that understanding and compassion could bring. The film should somehow have revealed that, not just asserting it with dialogue; especially since it isn't a truth of Mexican history.
Okay, the cinematography and score were great. It got off to a good start. There was some wonderful dialogue, as discussed in other posts: the "They want to take our souls" mis-translation, for example. I don't really quibble, as some have, about the the historical inaccuracies. I personally would rather have seen constructed or generated sets that depicted the original beauty of the pre-Colombian architecture than modern-day ruins.
The film was too easy on the Spanish..they did monstrous things out of greed and soul-saving. Hundreds, maybe thousands, were literally burned at the stake for not forsaking the pagan gods, hundreds of thousands, perhaps millions, otherwise died as a consequence of the conquest. It was way easy on the Mexica, tens of thousands were sacrificed to their gods and they all didn't go as willingly as that sexy, naked virgin-babe. Many were children.
I wanted to like this film but I can't even recommend it except to neo-Nahua kooks. It beat all hell out of Apocalypto though.
See This Film! Veala!
scotthelsper9 September 2001
The Other Conquest is one of the best films that I have ever seen.BUT it is neither for the squeamish nor the prudish. It is based on the consequences of the Spanish Military Conquest of Mexico led by Hernán Cortés in the early sixteenth century. The Other Conquest is set against this backdrop and explores the religious conquest of Topiltzin, the son of the Aztec King, Montezuma, and his favorite mistress. It is powerful yet beautiful; educational yet entertaining; sexual yet romantic; brutal yet compassionate. The director, Salavdor Carrasco, expertly weaves these contrasts into a film that grabs your attention from the beginning and takes you on an astonishing E-Ticket ride. The photography is stunning and the music is captivating. You will not forget this film. The only problem will be finding it. As I write this in September 2001, I have been looking for it for almost a year. I only recently learned that a small number of videos (without English subtitles) are available. Hopefully Señor Carrasco will release an English subtitled version of this Great film very soon. This film deserves a much wider audience than it has had.
Underrated Movie
rakimrobinson7 June 2010
A beautifully crafted film that expresses the meaning of culture and acceptance. Very different than what I would usually choose to watch but this film deserve a lot more credit then it is given. To see the viewpoint of the mayans rather vice versa is refreshing. Contrary to the film apoclypto, this film has a lot more meaning and causes the viewer to dig deeper, and think about the content in another way. The director was very creative in his use of formalism and not using the typical Hollywood props and obvious tactics. What I really appreciated was that the director used a plastic virgin mary, not to just represent religion but that it is more than spiritual but physical to some extent but not beyond what we can comprehend thats why it was plastic figure and not represented as a human figure through another character. A very interesting film!
Comments on a film I didn't like
Canguro3 April 1999
Really, this movie can end up being amusing for the great public, although for any person that knows some history, will find big errors in it.
In the first place, why producers did not take care of the accent of the actors, which instead of speaking as Spaniards, looks like they were taken out of some private university of Mexico City.
In several scenes we watch Spaniards (three at most) loading with heavy gear, making an effort carry it, knowing that from the beginning of the conquest they had indigenous assistants. Anyone can recognize that the ruins that appears at the beginning are those of Monte Albán, in Oaxaca, belonging to the zapotec culture, quite far from the mexican culture.
Well we know about the pleasure of the natives to use fancy nose rings, to be perforated lips and earings, etc. what is not reflected in the film.
In the sacrifice ceremony, several characters that could not have been there appear. Well we know that the sacrifices were made by priests, colored and dresses of black that they never cut themselves the hair and they carried out the sacrifices in the high of the temples. The common ones saw the ceremony from the inferior part of the pyramids.
And the image of Virgin Mary is so strange, not realistic even now. It is not a proper representation of images of those times.
In the first place, why producers did not take care of the accent of the actors, which instead of speaking as Spaniards, looks like they were taken out of some private university of Mexico City.
In several scenes we watch Spaniards (three at most) loading with heavy gear, making an effort carry it, knowing that from the beginning of the conquest they had indigenous assistants. Anyone can recognize that the ruins that appears at the beginning are those of Monte Albán, in Oaxaca, belonging to the zapotec culture, quite far from the mexican culture.
Well we know about the pleasure of the natives to use fancy nose rings, to be perforated lips and earings, etc. what is not reflected in the film.
In the sacrifice ceremony, several characters that could not have been there appear. Well we know that the sacrifices were made by priests, colored and dresses of black that they never cut themselves the hair and they carried out the sacrifices in the high of the temples. The common ones saw the ceremony from the inferior part of the pyramids.
And the image of Virgin Mary is so strange, not realistic even now. It is not a proper representation of images of those times.
The Spirit of Mankind
speedric19 January 2001
La otra conquista, tells our story not only as a nation, but as the human race. The true spirit of will and resistance is achieved through the filmed story and through the story behind the film. The movie is about the memory of the past of Mexico and its memory of the future. The memory of the past, obviously is evident through this piece of art, but the memory of the future, is the reassurance of our inheritance as a culture, of our will, of our human spirit. Once I claimed that the author of the film leaved his homecountry, now I understand better in what sense he has contributed mayorly with our culture, with our country. He has sent a message of tolerance to eternity. As a mexican I am grateful for this. Could we remember this film for our own sake?
Pure justice
nicholaslalich6 June 2011
Disturbed, but fulfilled was the way I left class after viewing The Other Conquest. There is no better feeling, than the feeling of justice being served. The Other Conquest raises the question: why can't two religions or races co-exist with one another? This common event is visited on a daily basis and unfortunately still effects many lives. Carrasco does an exceptional job of pointing out flaws that some people have when it comes to race and religion, and constantly makes the viewer question their own views and morals. A film that was originally rejected by many due to the controversial topic, eventually managed to breakthrough and make people aware of the sad and pathetic way that people are treated.
Terrible Film and Teacher exploiting students for reviews on this website is very misleading!
danieluvzya18 November 2012
The only reason there are reviews and decent ratings on this film is because the director gives his students credit for reviewing it on here. It's disgusting and pathetic. The school should not allow it and this site should not allow it.
The film was terrible, boring, cheesy, over-acted, and my least favorite film of all time. I don't think it's appealing to anyone in this day-and-age and one must consider that it's not hard to be a high grossing Mexican film, especially for the time it was made...
IMDb should discredit this films rating and reviews because they are obviously unfairly given and dishonest.
The film was terrible, boring, cheesy, over-acted, and my least favorite film of all time. I don't think it's appealing to anyone in this day-and-age and one must consider that it's not hard to be a high grossing Mexican film, especially for the time it was made...
IMDb should discredit this films rating and reviews because they are obviously unfairly given and dishonest.
A brilliant first film that touches the viewer on many levels.
filmbuffer27 December 2002
Most of us see different films for different reasons; escape to other places or times, a couple of hours of laughter or beautiful cinematography, a chance to look at people who are like no one we know (or exactly like someone we know), a chance to hear some beautiful new music while watching an exciting drama unfold, or perhaps an important lesson about life or history or even about ourselves. Rarely do all these elements come together in one film, but this is the case with La Otra Conquista.
There is no need to belabor the narrative since so many others have done that here, but even that is refreshing since I don't remember another film that looks at the conquest of this continent from the point of view of those who were here first. It is one of the few times they are not portrayed as a bunch of happy slappy childlike natives or murderin' savages out to rape the virginal white women.
It is an amazing achievement in so many ways. After the years of struggle and the unbelievably huge obstacles in the path of this dramatization of the last days of the great Aztec empire it's a wonder it was ever completed. It's almost as if forces were still, even now, trying to stamp out their history and their story. But despite the small budget, the years of piece-by-piece shooting, and those who wanted the shameful, dead past to stay dead, La Otra Conquista was made.
I am listening to the soundtrack as I write this, and the music is as haunting as it was the first time I heard it. The theme that recurs throughout the film appears again and again, sometimes sounding like a monks' plainsong, sometimes like a sacred wise man's chant, until finally it becomes a painful, funereal dirge crying out for the lost past. The music alone made the film worth seeing; nothing like the voice of Placido Domingo to make people sit still and be quiet while the credits are rolling!
I can only add this: Unless you need your films dumb and lightweight and meaningless, you owe it to yourself to see what was Mexico's biggest home grown hit in history and should have been that country's entry in the Academy Awards. Ironically, the very subject of the film makes it clear why this didn't happen: Our past is always with us. See it if you're lucky enough.
There is no need to belabor the narrative since so many others have done that here, but even that is refreshing since I don't remember another film that looks at the conquest of this continent from the point of view of those who were here first. It is one of the few times they are not portrayed as a bunch of happy slappy childlike natives or murderin' savages out to rape the virginal white women.
It is an amazing achievement in so many ways. After the years of struggle and the unbelievably huge obstacles in the path of this dramatization of the last days of the great Aztec empire it's a wonder it was ever completed. It's almost as if forces were still, even now, trying to stamp out their history and their story. But despite the small budget, the years of piece-by-piece shooting, and those who wanted the shameful, dead past to stay dead, La Otra Conquista was made.
I am listening to the soundtrack as I write this, and the music is as haunting as it was the first time I heard it. The theme that recurs throughout the film appears again and again, sometimes sounding like a monks' plainsong, sometimes like a sacred wise man's chant, until finally it becomes a painful, funereal dirge crying out for the lost past. The music alone made the film worth seeing; nothing like the voice of Placido Domingo to make people sit still and be quiet while the credits are rolling!
I can only add this: Unless you need your films dumb and lightweight and meaningless, you owe it to yourself to see what was Mexico's biggest home grown hit in history and should have been that country's entry in the Academy Awards. Ironically, the very subject of the film makes it clear why this didn't happen: Our past is always with us. See it if you're lucky enough.
Tolerance and Acceptance
MagnumUnanimous16 February 2009
This review should be read after reading the Plot Summary.
The Other Conquest's main message is about tolerance and acceptance. The film takes a bird eye view of the religious world and contemplates the "truth". The physical material used in the movie create a great sense of authenticity. The cinematography and editing help to enhance this sixteenth century timepiece with the use of special color filtered lenses and long detailed mental disturbance sequences. The main star plays his role with a natural style allowing us to see his troubled dilemma easily. Authenticity is very important to Salvador Carrasco because his vision of the past is based on over two years of research. The Other Conquest is a mind-boggling film, which contains great representation of injustice.
Production design entails extravagant costumes and highly detailed face paintings. There is a cathedral with spectacular designs and a The Great Temple shot on location. Topiltzin (Played by: Damián Delgado) is able to suggest the role of a repressed person with his submissive acting change midway through the movie. The editing is sharp, to the point with direct powerful imagery, while the cinematography is more graphic and stylistic with use of filters (opening scene) and rotating cameras (rope scene).
The movie is one of the highest grossing films in Mexico, which makes a lot of sense. The director had to struggle with the Mexican government because of his challenging view on the established accepted history. Plus the placement of the Native American playing as a protagonist role didn't help his struggle. This movie has a deep history of conflict and oppression. In Mexico there are still Native Americans discriminated against today and Mr. Carrasco is bringing more awareness to tolerance and acceptance to fight injustice.
The Other Conquest's main message is about tolerance and acceptance. The film takes a bird eye view of the religious world and contemplates the "truth". The physical material used in the movie create a great sense of authenticity. The cinematography and editing help to enhance this sixteenth century timepiece with the use of special color filtered lenses and long detailed mental disturbance sequences. The main star plays his role with a natural style allowing us to see his troubled dilemma easily. Authenticity is very important to Salvador Carrasco because his vision of the past is based on over two years of research. The Other Conquest is a mind-boggling film, which contains great representation of injustice.
Production design entails extravagant costumes and highly detailed face paintings. There is a cathedral with spectacular designs and a The Great Temple shot on location. Topiltzin (Played by: Damián Delgado) is able to suggest the role of a repressed person with his submissive acting change midway through the movie. The editing is sharp, to the point with direct powerful imagery, while the cinematography is more graphic and stylistic with use of filters (opening scene) and rotating cameras (rope scene).
The movie is one of the highest grossing films in Mexico, which makes a lot of sense. The director had to struggle with the Mexican government because of his challenging view on the established accepted history. Plus the placement of the Native American playing as a protagonist role didn't help his struggle. This movie has a deep history of conflict and oppression. In Mexico there are still Native Americans discriminated against today and Mr. Carrasco is bringing more awareness to tolerance and acceptance to fight injustice.
FABULOUS!
jniblick14 May 2001
This film is one that has been long overdue. As a retired captain/World War II veteran and professor, anyone would agree with me that this film was written, directed and produced by the eye of a genius. The location, the props, the set design and wardrobe, not excluding the actors were all outstanding. Furthermore, the message is one of tolerance, respect and peace for all of humanity. Where America is in the midst of youth violence, hatred and racial tension, truly this film is a must for all people who work towards peace and harmony for our future leaders. It is this type of film that delivers a message of unity---which can be spelled UNITED STATES, which is what we are and what we must be true to. Most importantly, it truly is a riveting piece of art, which triggers your imagination---it is a MUST see!!!
The Spanish conquest told through Aztec eyes.
a_Fuhri4 June 2012
Warning: Spoilers
Perhaps one of the most difficult things to do when watching "The Other Conquest is to not pass judgment. It is almost impossible to not pass judgment on the Spanish conquistadores, who torture Topiltzin in order to convert his "savage soul" to Catholicism, and in general it is difficult not to pass judgment on the Spanish period. But not to pass judgment is exactly what director Salvador Carrasco wants us to do. In many lectures and interviews, Carrasco has stated that "The Other Conquest" is not a Manichean story of good versus bad, but rather one that states the facts about the Spanish conquest of Mexico. Facts on how the Spanish treated the indigenous people from their Catholic dogmatic point of view; a point of view that indeed was Manichean and very brutal. Carrasco wants us to look at the movie and form our own opinion, but with a Renoirian pair of eyes. The Spanish were convinced that their ways of conversion were just, and handling from that dogmatic point of view, does not allow any room for other input. The movie then deals with Topitlzin's struggle to maintain his culture through non violent resistance. We see Topiltzin save his own life, when he shows an obsession with the Virgin Mary, convincing the Spanish that he indeed can be saved. But most probably he projects his own religious symbols upon the statue thereby keeping his own religion, but also because it contains similarities with his native religion. Topiltzin continues to speak his language with Dona Isabel, his half sister while friar Diego tells him that he "must choose between two worlds and can't have both". Topiltzin's resistance is cultural resistance, and not one of violence. It is a form of resistance that is more difficult perhaps, than one of violence, but more effective in the end. Topiltzin's physical and spiritual struggles in his conversion even cause friar Diego to ask for spiritual help from an Aztec authority in hiding. To me, this says that friar Diego is struggling with the question if Topiltzin needs to be converted. Even if Topiltzin has different Gods, his basic values are the same as Diego's. After Topiltzin has managed to bring the Mary statue into his room, having died or committing suicide under the weight of the statue, friar Diego tells a servant to inform Cortes of Topiltzin's death: "come to the monastery to witness the miracle of how two different races can be as one through tolerance". Friar Diego doesn't judge Topiltzin anymore, when he realizes that coexistence can happen in the light of differences, even religious differences. Acceptance with respect and tolerance is the only way to coexist.
I found Topiltzin's story very powerful and it told me a lot about the struggle of native Mexicans at the time the Spanish conquest. A part of history of which I had very little knowledge. Obviously, Topiltzin's story is the story of all native people all over Central, South and North America. It is the story of any oppressed and persecuted people, which is what makes it a powerful movie. It makes you think about what went on in history and how this has carried over to present time. It is a shocking movie, but that is what makes it powerful. But again, I found it difficult to not judge. The Spaniards converted out of a dogmatic conviction in which it seems anything was allowed in name of God. To the Spaniards there was no other truth than that of Catholicism; their paradigm that said that the world should be converted. From that point of view, where the Spaniards believed they were handling according to God's will, nobody could've talked sense into them. Conversion is fine, but imposing that conversion through violence is not. I think friar Diego questions the method himself, as we see him become progressively confused and in the end realize that real conversion cannot be imposed by any type of coercion, but has to come from within. He realizes that being different in any way does not make you a worse person, it just make you different. There is equality in difference; even in religious difference.
I found Topiltzin's story very powerful and it told me a lot about the struggle of native Mexicans at the time the Spanish conquest. A part of history of which I had very little knowledge. Obviously, Topiltzin's story is the story of all native people all over Central, South and North America. It is the story of any oppressed and persecuted people, which is what makes it a powerful movie. It makes you think about what went on in history and how this has carried over to present time. It is a shocking movie, but that is what makes it powerful. But again, I found it difficult to not judge. The Spaniards converted out of a dogmatic conviction in which it seems anything was allowed in name of God. To the Spaniards there was no other truth than that of Catholicism; their paradigm that said that the world should be converted. From that point of view, where the Spaniards believed they were handling according to God's will, nobody could've talked sense into them. Conversion is fine, but imposing that conversion through violence is not. I think friar Diego questions the method himself, as we see him become progressively confused and in the end realize that real conversion cannot be imposed by any type of coercion, but has to come from within. He realizes that being different in any way does not make you a worse person, it just make you different. There is equality in difference; even in religious difference.
Not worth the time
mikehamilton4 September 2000
Boy.....just manipulate history! Not good actors. Faky scenes. Not good dialogue. Plain NOT GOOD. Save your money!
I was so disappointed. I had a few expectations of seeing some beautiful and painful history. I was very saddened when I saw this film.
I was so disappointed. I had a few expectations of seeing some beautiful and painful history. I was very saddened when I saw this film.
The search for identity
hendrik_lisna11 November 2004
This movie is beautifully put together, considering how low budget it is.Much to my surprise, this movie is focused more on the phsycological side of a colonisation rather than the plundering, scorching earth that we usually saw in this type of movie.
The movie is well acted, considering this is the lead role's first movie. There is just enough violence/sex to titillate and arouse the mind without feeling it's just for the "shock value".
8.5 out of 10 I can see that with a bigger budget, this movie could be more visually stunning.
The movie is well acted, considering this is the lead role's first movie. There is just enough violence/sex to titillate and arouse the mind without feeling it's just for the "shock value".
8.5 out of 10 I can see that with a bigger budget, this movie could be more visually stunning.
Not my taste
blythejulian30 May 2012
The Other Conquest was decent, I didn't feel very immersed or moved by the movie. There were points where the movie moved very slowly and every now and then lost my attention. While the movie was not to my tastes, I really found the movie's making much more interesting, in the sense that it was constantly under surveillance of the Mexican authorities.
I admire the director for creating the movie under that kind of pressure, but I can't say much for the film itself. The cinematography was excellent however. Each shot was designed very well and lighting was very real, especially without filters.
What disappointed me the most about the plot, was really that the beginning made it seem like a very intense movie that you would assume would be like "Apocalypto," but Carrasco was looking for a much more realistic and actual approach to the "Other Conquest."
I admire the director for creating the movie under that kind of pressure, but I can't say much for the film itself. The cinematography was excellent however. Each shot was designed very well and lighting was very real, especially without filters.
What disappointed me the most about the plot, was really that the beginning made it seem like a very intense movie that you would assume would be like "Apocalypto," but Carrasco was looking for a much more realistic and actual approach to the "Other Conquest."
Soap opera vignettes
Oslo_Jargo6 May 2008
Warning: Spoilers
Most of the film is tedious because it doesn't take the issue very seriously, instead, it wants to rely on absurd set-pieces where the Spanish are yelling obscenities at the indians, or symbolic art vignettes.
The acting is torrid, looking like a very dismal and cheap soap opera.
The sets are too well lit, the actors too clean, and it is too sympathetic with the Catholic church, which in actuality at the time of the conquest, was a brutal, oppressive and dominant force with its own army, Inquisition and wealth.
The intentions are there, but there is no drama, no story and no interest for the educated viewer. It might be good for people easily manipulated to tears, or those who don't know about history, but lovers of great film should stay clear except to watch, on "how not to make a film".
The acting is torrid, looking like a very dismal and cheap soap opera.
The sets are too well lit, the actors too clean, and it is too sympathetic with the Catholic church, which in actuality at the time of the conquest, was a brutal, oppressive and dominant force with its own army, Inquisition and wealth.
The intentions are there, but there is no drama, no story and no interest for the educated viewer. It might be good for people easily manipulated to tears, or those who don't know about history, but lovers of great film should stay clear except to watch, on "how not to make a film".
what they never taught us in high school...
graceism2221 December 2010
Warning: Spoilers
La Otra Conquista is a brilliant film directed by Salvador Carrasco. It's rare to find a film like this where it tells the other side of the story, in this case of the Aztecs. Carrasco does not however bore us with a historical documentary styled drama but paints a very honest picture of the conquest. We feel so powerfully about this film because the message is so universal. Whatever background (nationality, race, culture, ideology, etc.) you come from, we have all experience some sort of "conquest", and we have all raised some kind of resistance to such conquest. Topiltzin, the protagonist embodies this resistance and we feel an immediate connection to him. It was very interesting that the actor casted for Topiltzin was actually a dancer and casted for that very reason. It was a risky but very brave choice for Carrasco to cast Damian Delgado as the protagonist rather than a "brand name" actor. Delgado does deliver a memorable performance especially for a first-time actor. One thing I felt that did not quite work was the dialogue. I don't know if it was just the translation, but sometimes I felt the dialogue was very didactic and slow. I do however understand that the reason for this was probably because most of the story was told through the imagery and mise en scene of the scenes. Maybe Carrasco wanted to redirect the attention from what's being said to what's being shown. Overall, the film is beautifully shot, especially on such a tight budget. Carrasco actually commented that the scenes showing the Aztec ruins is actually smack in the center of a very urban city, but the cinematographer was able to cleverly conceal the anachronistic elements behind the ruins. Carrasco also commented that the scenes showing the inside of the ruins were actually shot few years apart but through the flawless editing of the film, it's undetectable.
realistic portrayal of the effects of colonization
kwaaade15 December 2011
The Other Conquest is a realistic portrayal of the religious disputes that occurred between Aztecs and Spanish conquistadors. I think it is great that a native Aztec actor played the native Aztec character; that is not something we see every day. I find its success to be inspiring in the sense that a movie with this particular subject matter does not usually see a lot of success in Hollywood. The movie was very well-made and quite well-acted. The locations that were shot were very beautiful. I also appreciated that the female character in the film was actually independent and had a voice. In conclusion, I thought that this film was very interesting and I would recommend it to anyone who cares about history.
Powerful outlook on the conquered part.
sarah_bt934 June 2012
Warning: Spoilers
The Other Conquest is a movie concerned with the conquest that went on in the 1520's between the Spaniards and the Aztecs. The movie approaches the Aztec's perspective on what went on during the Conquest. The question behind is; how can you assume your cultural identity after conquest?
The movie is set around Topiltzin, the son of the emperor Moctezuma, who survives the massacre of his people. He is then captured by the Spaniards and his life spared because of the Conquerer Cortes' mistress (Topiltzin's sister), Dona Isabel. He is first tortured, then given a new name and put under the power of the priest Friar Diego, who teaches him the ways of the Spaniards. He is being forced to fall behind their ways and follow their beliefs, including the Virgin. Topiltzin fights to keep his cultural identity and battles to resist the Spaniards' beliefs. As the movie goes on, I couldn't tell whether Topiltzin was actually going by their beliefs or whether he was faking it. I guess that is the point of the movie; we see Topiltzin battle to keep his own standards. However, the movie ends with him "conquering" their power over him, he proves that he was faking it and that he will never let go of his Aztec nature.
The movie was so powerful and the time pacing was incredible. It kept me going on, wondering about the choice Topiltzin was to reach in the end. I guess what the movie is trying to convey is how the people being conquered are treated, how they are evoked their rights and forced onto a new belief system. I think most countries have been through this, they have been conquered and set new beliefs that we never really question because they went on hundreds of years ago. This movie, however, gives us an outlook to question the conquest of the Spaniards. Even though I am neither Mexican nor of Christian belief, I thought the movie was incredible and gave me a new outlook on history. It is a must-see.
The movie is set around Topiltzin, the son of the emperor Moctezuma, who survives the massacre of his people. He is then captured by the Spaniards and his life spared because of the Conquerer Cortes' mistress (Topiltzin's sister), Dona Isabel. He is first tortured, then given a new name and put under the power of the priest Friar Diego, who teaches him the ways of the Spaniards. He is being forced to fall behind their ways and follow their beliefs, including the Virgin. Topiltzin fights to keep his cultural identity and battles to resist the Spaniards' beliefs. As the movie goes on, I couldn't tell whether Topiltzin was actually going by their beliefs or whether he was faking it. I guess that is the point of the movie; we see Topiltzin battle to keep his own standards. However, the movie ends with him "conquering" their power over him, he proves that he was faking it and that he will never let go of his Aztec nature.
The movie was so powerful and the time pacing was incredible. It kept me going on, wondering about the choice Topiltzin was to reach in the end. I guess what the movie is trying to convey is how the people being conquered are treated, how they are evoked their rights and forced onto a new belief system. I think most countries have been through this, they have been conquered and set new beliefs that we never really question because they went on hundreds of years ago. This movie, however, gives us an outlook to question the conquest of the Spaniards. Even though I am neither Mexican nor of Christian belief, I thought the movie was incredible and gave me a new outlook on history. It is a must-see.
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