Rating of
2.5/4
Conquest of Paradise is ugly but looks beautiful.
Indyfreak - wrote on 11/28/18
Ridley Scott's ambitious and lovingly crafted epic of Columbus' historic voyage looks impressive. Recreating the hardships and trials faced by his crew demonstrates how arduous such a journey would had been centuries ago.
The soundtrack by Vangelis is one of the best ever done. Gerard Depardieu is appropriately passionate and earnest as the visionary navigator who convinces Spanish royalty that he can carve an empire in the New World.
But as the movie progresses, idealism is an ill suited companion to imperialism. The usual suspects (thieves, politicians, and backstabbers) ruin Columbus' well intended plans.
Although there is a good sized cast in this movie, most of them are interchangeable due to period facial hair and hammy Spanish accents. Sigourney Weaver is a commanding presence as Queen Isabella who funds Columbus' expedition. Michael Wincott is memorably villainous as always.
The film does not shy away from the cruelty inflicted upon the native populace once Columbus returned with reinforcements. But it is uncertain as to whether make him a tragic hero or a naive pushover.
