The Mission is a 1986 British film that starred — among other great actors — Robert DeNiro, Jeremy Irons, Aidan Quinn and Liam Neeson. It's the story of a Jesuit missionary in South America.
The film took home only one Oscar — for Best Cinematography — although it was nominated in 10 other categories, including a Best Film Score nomination for Ennio Morricone. In Australia, Morricone's score for The Mission has been named the No. 1 best film music ever written.
Set in the 1750s, The Mission is the tale of a Spanish priest, Father Gabriel (Irons), who builds a mission and tries to convert the Guaraní people to Christianity. The villagers had previously killed a priest, but Father Gabriel is saved by his music; specifically, his oboe playing, which captivates the people and saves him from death.
Eventually, the mission itself becomes a sanctuary and a place of education for the Guaraní people. The story is loosely based on some real events that happened during the Treaty of Madrid of 1750.
Morricone's score is a haunting combination of Spanish and Guaraní themes. Although it didn't win an Oscar, it's still considered by many to be one of the best film scores of all time.
On this week's Flicks on Five, we'll hear some of Morricone's stunning score for The Mission.
Original trailer — The Mission
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