1492: Conquest of Paradise

Ridley Scott must have developed a knack for historical films in his youth because he’s truly mastered the craft. Kingdom of Heaven was already an incredibly high-quality film, although it wasn’t well received by many viewers, which I still don’t quite understand. 1492: Conquest of Paradise starts off at a slow pace, so I warn those who don’t like longer films. While it’s drawn out, as always with Scott, it’s highly engaging, technically flawless, and even thrilling. I don’t quite understand what Americans disliked about the casting of Gérard Depardieu as Columbus. In my opinion, it was a perfect choice that paid off many times over. Perhaps he doesn’t have perfect English (I watched the film with Czech dubbing, so I can’t judge), but let’s remember that Columbus was Italian, so there’s no point in criticizing a "strange" English accent here. Depardieu played the role fantastically and convincingly, and the role of Columbus was tailor-made for him. The atmosphere of the 15th century emanates from the film at every turn, surely a reflection of the hefty budget. I waited a long time for the appearance of the native inhabitants, but it was worth it. I also got to see some action. It's a very above-average film, just a small step away from a full five stars. I give it 86%. (2017-04-15)

I don't understand why I let this film slip through my fingers for so long. It’s an amazing experience, the likes of which you just don't see. Ridley is an incredibly complex and perfectionist filmmaker able to caress you with literally every shot and can present even a seemingly boring and verbose passage in a spectacular and captivating way. Here he is greatly assisted by the great Depardieu, who was perfect for the role of Columbus, and also by Vangelis at the peak of his career, who spits out one beautiful musical motif after another. The slow pace suits Ridley and he knows how to work with it perfectly, the beautiful setting and the production design are pleasing to the eye of every viewer, and the big theme of the clash of ideas with a completely different world adds to the monumentality and epicness of the film as a whole. Two and a half hours is a pretty brutal runtime, but I enjoyed it as much as any other director (and composer) could have with this story. 85% (2013-03-02)

Every shot from this film could serve as a picture in a gallery. Ridley Scott cannot deny his flair for composition. It’s a feast for the eyes and the ears that loses a lot on a TV screen. Scott said he couldn't imagine anyone other than Depardieu as Columbus and I couldn’t agree more. But the Americans had a different opinion, they made fun of Depardieu's English in the reviews and the film flopped there...Otherwise, it's not boring at all, but anyone who grunts in delight at Michael Bay's frantic direction will probably be bored by the slower pace of the narrative. (2002-05-23)

Spectacular Scotty in great form. Maybe too educative and long-winded, but really powerful. Depardieu used to be a nice guy before he became Obelix and he bravely carries the entire movie on his shoulders. I expected 1492 to focus mainly on the torturous voyage, but it just touches on that and the rest is in the unexpected spirit of “Christopher begins to build civilization". Vangelis’ music isn’t as bombastic as they said it would be. Overall I’m content. The New World is a catastrophe. (2014-08-09)

A spectacular and stunning film, visually precise, as is usual for Ridley Scott. A lavish production design, awesome cinematography, brutal action scenes, with blood splashing onto the camera. It's just a shame it didn't take home any Oscars, it definitely deserved one for the cinematography, production design, or music at least. (2003-11-21)