AGUIRRE, WRATH OF GOD

Year: 1972
UK: BFI
Cast: Klaus Kinski, Cecilia Rivera, Edward Roland, Helena Rojo, Alejandro Repulles, Ruy Guerra, Del Negro, Peter Berling, Dan Ades, Daniel Farfan, Julio E Martinez, Armando Polanah,
Director: Werner Herzog
Countries: West Germany / Mexico / Peru
UK: 93 mins
UK Certificate: PG
UK Release Date: 17 August 2001 (Limited Re-release - London)

Synopsis

Written, produced and directed by Werner Herzog and based on the journals of Brother Gaspar de Carvajal, AGUIRRE, WRATH OF GOD is the story about the quest of Spanish colonialists who are searching for El Dorado, the legendary city of gold in Peru during the 16th century. However the difficult terrain, dense jungle and treacherous rivers, plus the local inhabitants - Indians, are all obstacles to the success of the expedition. Many perish as the Spanish colonialists forge ahead into the unknown territory pursuing their dreams of riches, power and vision of reproducing a European society in an indifferent, alien landscape. Their ruthless, megalomaniac leader Don Lope de Aguirre (Klaus Kinski) becomes increasingly insane and unstable.

Widely considered to be Herzog's finest film AGUIRRE, WRATH OF GOD is an astonishing contribution to the epic genre, full of breathtaking images, Kinski's best-ever performance and packed with sharply, darkly witty insights into human pride and prejudice.