The film, The Mission (1986), depicts events in South America, probably in what is now the state of Rio Grande do Sul. In the film, a slave trader named Rodrigo Mendoza, played by Robert De Niro, makes a living by capturing slaves and bringing them to the Spanish governor's plantation. There, he catches his girlfriend in bed with her younger stepbrother, which leads him, in a rage, to kill his younger brother. Because of this, he eventually joins a Jesuit mission. After coming into contact with a group of indigenous people and being accepted by them, he formally takes vows to become a Jesuit priest. When the land on which their mission is located changes hands from the Spanish to the Portuguese, however, the safety of their mission comes into question, due to the Portuguese affinity for native slaves, as well as Pombal's dislike of the Jesuits. Seeing that the Portuguese would take command of the mission, Mendoza abandons his vows and prepares the natives for what would become the battle of their lives. The Portuguese, however, soon overwhelm the priests and natives, killing Mendoza, as well as the mission's other priests, particularly Father Gabriel (Jeremy Irons) and Father Fielding (Liam Neeson), who had been instrumental in Mendoza's path to the priesthood . Some indigenous people escape and move further inland, towards central South America. The film, if nothing else, presented the scenario in a different perspective than what we learned in class, showing the events from the point of view of a possible Jesuit. priest, rather than through the lens of the Pombaline reform. The film holds what is now a truly noteworthy cast, with Robert De Niro, Liam Neeson and Jeremy Irons, as well as Aidan Quinn in a minor role. The story of Mendoza's redemption... at the center of the card... visions must be made and the impact of our decisions can be catastrophic. This is demonstrated when, after the Cardinal decides to side with the Portuguese, after struggling to make a decision, the mission is wiped out, leaving a small group of survivors to continue the traditions of their people. Another representation of this lesson is Mendoza giving up his vows to defend the mission and the indigenous people. The story is shown from the point of view of Mendoza, whose past as a slave trader and his role as a priest paint the picture in a way that encompasses both sides. Overall, the film shows us that man can make mistakes and overcome them, but there are always consequences. While difficult to fully appreciate, the film offers an interesting, if sometimes imperfect, historical perspective. Furthermore, the lesson taught by history is one that remains true even in 2014.