Apocalypto

Mel Gibson's 2006 film opens with a raid on a village in the forest. Those taken are marched to the city. Jaguar Paw escapes to reach the family he has hidden. The film turns its whole second half into a chase; the narrative gives its dialogue in the Yucatec Maya language and never drops the pace. Most of the cast were drawn from indigenous communities. Historians found the film's portrayal of Maya civilisation inaccurate and reductive. The violence is very hard. Who it's for: those who like intense survival films. Who it's not for: viewers seeking historical accuracy, or troubled by graphic violence.