Aguirre, the Wrath of God (1972)

Written and Directed by Werner Herzog

Starring Klaus Kinski, Del Negro, Ruy Guerra and Peter Berling

In the 16th century, the ruthless and insane Don Lope de Aguirre leads a Spanish expedition in search of El Dorado.

A story of man's greed, both materialistic and spiritual, "Aguirre, the Wrath of God" is about more than just one man's selfishness. Through his acts of barbarianism and intimidation, the films protagonist also serves as a suitable antagonist, destroying anything and anyone that stands his way and crossing the line from the films opening.

In his first of a handful of collaborations with the infamous Klaus Kinski, Werner Herzog runs a production that is just as crazy and dangerous as the story of the films characters. Throughout the film, there is a sense of unease, hopelessness and aimlessness due to the way it was filmed. Whether it was intentional or unintentional, it certainly added to the suspense of a somewhat vacant plot.

As is the case with most, if not all of Werner Herzog's films, this is most certainly not for everyone. To the average movie goer, it could be seen as a long (despite an hour and a half running time) and boring story in which very little happens. But if you look at it with a slightly more studious eye, it is a brilliant allegory for the destruction Europeans brought on to the natives of the New World.

So if you do watch it, be sure to examine it and take it in for what it is. A Werner Herzog film.

My Rating: 8/10