Aguirre, The Wrath of God

AGUIRRE, THE WRATH OF GOD (aka AGUIRRE, DER ZORN GOTTES) (15)

D: Werner Herzog

Filmverlag der Autoren / Hessischer Rundfunk (Werner Herzog)

West Germany 1972

94 mins


Adventure/Drama


W: Werner Herzog

DP: Thomas Mauch

Ed: Beate Mainka-Jellinghaus

Mus: Popul Vuh


Klaus Kinski (Lope de Aguirre), Helena Rojo (Ines de Atienza), Ruy Guerra (Don Pedro de Ursua), Del Negro (Gaspar de Carvajal), Peter Berling (Don Fernando de Guzman)


*SPOILERS*

Werner Herzog’s opus stars Klaus Kinski as the titular Aguirre, a conquistador lieutenant who breaks away from his main party to lead his group further down the Amazon River in search for the legendary city of gold, El Dorado.

As their journey progresses, the leader becomes increasingly aggressive and ruthless on his quest for riches, ultimately leading to their demise.

Visual storytelling and symbolism at its finest, with excellent performances from the lead actor and supporting cast. 

A classic of world cinema, finding its way onto the lists of many critics “best films of all time”, though it may not be fully appreciated by the mainstream masses.

Nevertheless, it should be a film that will last long in the memories of those who watch it.

8/10


Klaus Kinski in Aguirre, The Wrath of God
Klaus Kinski in Aguirre, The Wrath of God
Did You Know:
The entire production crew consisted of only 8 people

Award Wins & Nominations:


MILSTEAD MOVIE AWARDS:

Wins: none

Nominations: 7 (Best Picture, Best Actor in a Leading Role, Best Director, Best Screenplay - Original, Best Cinematography, Best Foreign Language Film, Best Original Dramatic Score)


OSCARS:

Wins: none

Nominations: none


BAFTAS

Wins: none

Nominations: none


OTHER WINS:

French Syndicate of Cinema Critics (Best Foreign Film); German Film Awards (Best Cinematography); National Society of Film Critics (Best Cinematography)