Gibson, Mel, dir. Apocalypto. Touchstone, 2006. Film.
Mel Gibson's Apocalypto tells the story of a young man and his plight to save his pregnant wife and young son during the tumultuous demise of the Mayan civilization. The story begins with the capture of the main character Jaguar Paw who is forced to leave his pregnant wife and son behind as they hide in a deep hole. He is destined for human sacrifice but is miraculously spared with the timely appearance of an eclipse. He manages to escape his captors and begins a determined quest to save his family before the monsoon rains. Eventually through a series of near-death experiences, he reaches his wife and now two sons rescuing them in the nick of time.
The director Mel Gibson does a wonderful job showing the transformation of the character Jaguar Paw from a skittish young man into a courageous and daring rescuer. Although he is badly wounded and pursued by several determined and skillful enemies, he finds an inner courage and will that eventually leads him to the successful rescue of his family. Many times thoughout the film, death seemed imminent for Jaquar Paw. However, human persevance and an undying love and dedication for his family spare his life.