The Mission

The film opens with a Jesuit missionary bound to a cross by the Guaraní, located near the majestic Iguazu Falls. As he is cast over the falls while praying fervently, his sacrifice inspires Father Gabriel to brave the treacherous descent in pursuit of the Guaraní tribe.

Father Gabriel, a Spanish Jesuit priest, arrives in the South American jungle with the intention of establishing a mission for the Guaraní Indians. Initial encounters with the tribe are hostile, but he seeks to demonstrate his goodwill and commitment to their community.

In an effort to earn the trust of the Guaraní, Father Gabriel performs a heartfelt solo on his oboe. This emotional gesture breaks the ice and gradually helps him establish a bond with the indigenous people, softening their initial mistrust.

Rodrigo Mendoza, a mercenary and slave trader, suffers a devastating loss when he discovers his fiancée in a compromising position with his younger half-brother. In a fit of rage, he kills his brother in a duel, leading him to a deep state of depression.

Father Gabriel approaches Mendoza during his dark times, urging him to seek redemption. Moved by Gabriel's insistence, Mendoza decides to abandon his previous life and join the Jesuits, burdened by the weight of his past.

Upon arriving at the Guaraní territories, Mendoza is initially met with skepticism but is soon accepted by the tribe. In a significant moment, the Guaraní help him unload the burdens he carries, symbolizing a new beginning for him.

The mission led by Father Gabriel transforms into a sanctuary for the Guaraní, fostering hope, education, and a sense of community. Mendoza, inspired by the Guaraní's acceptance, starts to find a new purpose within this vibrant society.

The political landscape shifts dramatically with the signing of the Treaty of Madrid in 1750, which transfers control of the territory from the Spanish to the Portuguese. This change poses a grave threat to the Guaraní as the Portuguese plan to enslave the indigenous population.

Cardinal Altamirano, a former Jesuit and Papal envoy, arrives to evaluate the missions. He witnesses the thriving community at Father Gabriel's mission and is conflicted about the impending danger posed by the Portuguese colonizers.

As Cardinal Altamirano informs Father Gabriel of the impending closure of the mission, the Guaraní strongly protest. Father Gabriel and Mendoza vow to protect their home, highlighting the growing tension between their beliefs and actions.

Father Gabriel and Mendoza find themselves at odds regarding how to defend the mission. While Father Gabriel advocates for nonviolence, Mendoza breaks his vows and trains the Guaraní in European warfare, signaling a pivotal shift in their relationship.

A combined force of Portuguese and Spanish soldiers launches a brutal attack on the mission. Mendoza, Father Gabriel, Father Fielding, and the Guaraní band together to defend their sanctuary, facing overwhelming odds and formidable foes.

During the chaotic confrontation, Mendoza sustains fatal injuries but finds strength in the Guaraní's unity. As they sing alongside Father Gabriel during a sacred procession, the tragedy intensifies when the soldiers unleash an indiscriminate attack.

In a courageous act to protect his comrades, Father Fielding sacrifices himself to take down the Portuguese commander. His selflessness exemplifies the dire stakes of their fight and the tragic losses faced by the defenders of the mission.

The film concludes with a poignant scene where children return to the site of their community's massacre, salvaging remnants of their past. This powerful image reinforces the ongoing struggle for indigenous rights and the lasting impact of their history.