Amazing

Alto Parana Paraguay

THE RIVER

The film is set in the 1750s and involves Spanish Jesuit priest Father 

Gabriel (Jeremy Irons) who enters the South American jungle to build a 

mission and convert a Guaraní community to Christianity. The Guaraní 

community above the perilous Iguazu Falls has tied a priest to a cross and 

sent him over the falls to his death. Father Gabriel travels to the falls, 

climbs to the top, and plays his oboe. The Guaraní warriors, captivated 

by the music, allow him to live.

The Jesuit missions were safe, because they were protected under Spanish law. 

The Treaty of Madrid (1750) reapportions the land in South America. 

The land on which the Jesuit missions were located was transferred 

to the Portuguese, and Portuguese law allowed slavery. 

When a joint Portuguese and Spanish force attack, the mission is initially

 defended by Mendoza, Fielding and the Guaraní. They are no match 

for the military force and Mendoza is shot and fatally wounded. Fielding 

sacrifices himself by killing the Portuguese commander before 

he himself is killed. When soldiers enter the mission village, they 

are slowed by the singing of Father Gabriel and the Guaraní women 

and children who march in the procession. The soldiers are reluctant 

to fire at a Mass. In spite of this, the Spanish commander orders the attack 

and Father Gabriel, the rest of the priests and most of the Guaraní, 

including women and children, are gunned down. 

 Only a handful escape into the jungle.

file://localhost/Users/dell/Desktop/12%20River.mp3