Fast-action, visual splendor of Apocalypto makes it a very entertaining, if unoriginal, film. Set in Mesoamerica just before the arrival of the Spanish, the film tells the tale of one Jaguar paw whose village gets plundered in search of slaves and human sacrifices. A bit of Gladiator, a bit of Rambo and Braveheart, Mel's film could've been based on any culture at any time. The hints of Mayan social decay before the arrival of the Spanish is just a minor element in this expansive tale that basically follows genre. The most moving parts of the film of course have nothing to do with violence but with an amazingly poignant glances and human drama that makes you root for the protagonist.