1492: Conquest of Paradise

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. (24.05.2002)

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% (02.03.2013)

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. (09.08.2014)

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. (21.11.2003)