Search - Aguirre, The Wrath of God [Blu-ray] on Blu-ray

Samuel K. (Solvanda)
Reviewed on 11/17/2019...

1972 historical film written and directed by Werner Herzog with Klaus Kinski in the title role. The New Age-ish score is composed by German band Popol Vuh. Herzog has effectively appropriated actual events from the 16th century into this fictitious account, which is mostly about a bunch of Conquistadors on the hunt for El Dorado. This film is unique from the aspect that Herzog made all the actors tromp through the footsteps of these gold dreamers, hiking through precarious mountains, and rafting down the Amazon in Peru. Because of this, while viewing, I felt quite a bit of worry, both for the actors and animals involved, and found myself unable to disassociate myself from this juxtaposition. Evidently, Klaus Kinski's antics frightened the entire cast. He even shot one of their fingers on set. He effectively looks mentally imbalanced throughout the entire production, which becomes surreal towards the end.

"Apocalypse Now" and "The New World" were both strongly influenced by this piece of work. It is also in Ebert's top 10, and has garnered a cult following over the years. Very easy to recommend.

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