The Other Conquest (2000)

Just perfect...

Fantastic!

Although I seem to have had higher expectations than I thought, the movie is super entertaining.

The tone of this movie is interesting -- the stakes are both dramatic and high, but it's balanced with a lot of fun, tongue and cheek dialogue.

There are times when a film takes you back to a period where it makes you feel like you were actually at the scene, especially in a historical time that are based on true accounts. Sometimes, that history is one of the grueling time a nation desires to forget, horrors that were created by our own: mankind. "La Otra Conquista" actually brings you there. Salvador Carrasco directed the picture. For creating the lead as a fictional character, surrounded by characters that were based on historical figures, he did his research really well in remaining true to the essence of the Spanish Conquest, giving voice to the Aztecs, who are usually silenced.The actors were tremendous, including Damian Delgado. It was not sure whether Aztec Emperoro Moctezuma had a son in his lineage in history (no one knows), but Delgado was stunning in this story. He embodied Topiltzin/Tomas, the son of Aztec Emperor Moctezuma, with a grace and suspension of disbelief. The fact that he was a dancer in real life (the actor) explains why he retained that fluid physicality of his role, especially doing his own stunt work, which I found him climbing those heights to be jaw dropping. Carrasco did a wonderful job picking his crew members as well. The cinematography by Arturo de la Rosa was breathtaking. Rocio Ramirez kept the costumes were amazing, so he also did a wonderful job.Despite the fact that the film is long (I don't mind, but some people may) the entire film was pieced together with richness. It combines two worlds of religion and blood. I don't wish to spoil anything, so I won't say anything, but if you desire to study another part of history, I would keep an eye on this one.~+~

Salvador Carrasco deliberately shows two different types of conquests in the film "The Other Conquest," through real occurrences with a fictitious protagonist. The film sets on May 1520, one year after Spanish conquerer Hernan Cortes has occupied the Mexico. The massacre in the Main Temple of the Aztecs has occurred and Aztec Indians are either killed or subjugated by Spaniards. Topiltzin, the protagonist, could save his life because he is the son of the Aztec Emperor Moctezuma, but is forced to convert his beliefs and religion. Carrasco emphasizes the torment of this physical conquest by showing graphic violence in scenes like the opening scene - the massacre, human sacrifice and Topiltzin's feet getting burned with a torch.The second type is the spiritual conquest. Even though, Topiltzin is physically conquered and even renamed Thomas, his mind remains unreachable. In the human sacrifice scene, it is well described how one's strong mind and will cannot be restrained by physical means. Topiltzin gets confused between his beliefs and Christianity, but eventually sees his Mother Goddess in the Virgin Mary statue. He maintains his belief and conquers her in spiritual way and abandons his physical body.Implicative shots are interesting and also the use of light throughout the film. There are many shots with red or blue color lightings which gives the sense of surreal - which connote spiritual, religious meanings.

It is refreshing to see a film about the Spaniards conquering the Aztecs from the point of view of the Aztecs. I believe this film did a good job of portraying the events that occurred. The film contained strong content, it was difficult to watch the sacrificing of the virgin at the beginning of the film. This film initially had some slow points, but the overall essence of the film regarding the Aztec culture seemed accurate. As a Mexican, it makes me proud to see successful films about our culture thriving in the entertainment industry. Not only did this film focus on the conquest of the natives but also left you thinking about the history of other cultures who had to endure similar battles. Personally knowing the director of the film (he was my college professor) opened my eyes to be more detail oriented. Hearing about how the film was made and the struggles to complete the film was incredibly interesting.

First off, I have never been a huge fan of historical films. Not to say I don't appreciate history or the facts which bring us to present day, it's just rare that a storyline of one combined with the film itself are as intriguing and captivating as they are enlightening. After watching "La Otra Conquista", I have changed my opinion entirely. As a courageous endeavor to share the true story of the Aztec peoples, this film is one that touches the heart and mind equally. Being raised in a Mexican family, I am ashamed to say I never knew the history of the Aztec people. What they are unwilling to teach you in school is exactly what this film exposes, and what makes it so triumphant. The lead character, Tomas, played by Damien Domingo, is not only captivating, but so truthful in emotion and dialogue. Though tough to watch at times, "The Other Conquest" plows it's way through the harsh realities that the Indians faced while being disband, enhancing what is a horrific story with beautiful cinematography, impressive production and costume design, and intense, unforgettable moments of brutality that have you in tears and in hope simultaneously. Needless to say, I would highly recommend this movie to anyone looking to expand their reach, not only into foreign, but wonderful filmmaking.