Apocalypto

This is an example of everything a movie should be.

Exciting, dramatic, and characters you care about. Oh and it has a story!

This spectacular tale from Mel Gibson tells the story of Jaguar Paw, a Mayan forest hunter who has a pregnant wife and a small kid.

Something nasty is coming in the forest though...

Jaguar Paw and his villagers are taken hostage by another tribe who live in the City and worship Gods who need bloody ritual sacrifice. And Jaguar Paw and his mates fit the bill. Meanwhile Jag's wife and son are trapped in a pit - out of sight of the villains - but equally in danger from animals and the sky.

The film is basically a triumph from start to finish. Great, bloody fight scenes, coupled with poignant story beats and echoes to our own future (a wise man laments about the lack of respect Man has for nature; the foreboding of end of civilisations; the loss of innocence; and even ethnic cleansing).

Okay so it isn't Schindler's List, but it is an entertaining movie with a message espousing family values as well as having some more respect for people, animals and nature.

Gibson has evolved into an action director with few equals. He has also now donned the mantle of a storyteller with few equals.

Apocalypto is simply the best film you will see this year.

Best Picture of 2007?