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Apocalypto

Apocalypto is a 2006 epic historical action-adventure film directed by Mel Gibson and co-written by Gibson and Farhad Safinia.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Apocalypto is a 2006 epic historical action-adventure film directed by Mel Gibson and co-written by Gibson and Farhad Safinia. Set during the decline of the Maya civilization, it follows Jaguar Paw, a young hunter who is captured during a raid and fights to return home to his family.

Plot

The film centers on Jaguar Paw, a hunter whose village is raided by warriors. He is taken toward a Maya city for sacrifice and must survive a dangerous escape to return to his wife and child.

Production

Apocalypto was directed by Mel Gibson and written with Farhad Safinia. Sources describe it as a production featuring Indigenous and Mexican actors, with dialogue in Yucatec Maya.

Release

The film was released theatrically in December 2006. It later became available on home media and streaming platforms.

Reception and classification

The film was marketed as an intense action-adventure and received an R rating for graphic violence and disturbing images. Reviews and listings emphasize its violent tone and survival-chase structure.

Key facts

  • Directed by Mel Gibson and co-written with Farhad Safinia.
  • Released in 2006 with a running time of 148 minutes.
  • Set in the late Maya world around 1502 during a period of decline.
  • Plot follows Jaguar Paw, captured after his village is attacked, as he tries to escape and save his family.
  • Notable for its use of Yucatec Maya dialogue and cast of Indigenous and Mexican actors.
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Canadian context

Apocalypto was distributed internationally and is part of the wider canon of major Hollywood historical films that Canadian audiences may encounter through theatrical release, television, streaming, and home video.

Frequently asked questions

What is Apocalypto about?
It follows Jaguar Paw, a young Mayan hunter who is captured after a raid on his village and struggles to escape so he can return to his family.
Who directed Apocalypto?
Mel Gibson directed the film.
When was Apocalypto released?
It was released in 2006, with a wide theatrical release on December 8, 2006.
What language is Apocalypto in?
The film uses Yucatec Maya.
Who stars in Apocalypto?
The cast includes Rudy Youngblood, Raoul Trujillo, Dalia Hernández, and Gerardo Taracena.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Apocalypto
    Supports: Director, release year, genre, setting, cast, and basic plot summary.
  2. Rotten Tomatoes — https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/apocalypto
    Supports: Release date, runtime, rating, genre, and synopsis.
  3. BBC — https://www.bbc.co.uk/films/2007/01/01/apocalypto_2006_review.shtml
    Supports: Film description, Yucatec language use, and setting in the dying days of the Maya civilization.
  4. Spirituality & Practice — https://www.spiritualityandpractice.com/films/reviews/view/16374/apocalypto
    Supports: Summary of the film as a fictional depiction of Mayan civilization in decline.
  5. Disney D23 — https://d23.com/a-to-z/apocalypto-film/
    Supports: Release date, cast, production notes, and plot summary.