End of the Spear (2005)

In 1943 Amazon Basin, Ecuador, Mincayani as a boy survives a massacre in his village as the Waodani tribe live in a never-ending series of revenge killings. Dayumae is a native girl taken by outsiders. The spear is the preferred weapon. In 1956, a group of missionaries fly their plane and make contact with the help of Dayumae. There are misunderstandings and Mincayani's group kills the missionaries. Despite the murders, the dead missionaries' families continue the work.This is a message movie and I love the message. Louie Leonardo is charismatic as Mincayani. The rest of the cast is filled with B-level actors. This is not a dramatic affair but a compelling story nevertheless. I choose to love this movie for its message and the quiet heroism that is more superhuman than any superhero movie.

Now before I begin my review, I just want to say that the genre of this movie was not one that I was heavily passionate about, if at all. I had decided that I would watch this movie, because I had enjoyed other projects that Chad Allen had been involved in, as well as his personal activism. I wanted to support his work and in an interview, he said that this film was one that he was very passionate about and that he was very proud of it. Going into it, I must repeat that I had no expectations. To my surprise, this story was both touching and inspiring. Between the selflessness of the five missionaries and the manner in which relationships build between the two different cultures, I really felt that this story was of great importance. Now onto the acting; There have been many threads dedicated to criticizing the casting choices, mainly Chad Allen, as well as the performances. I couldn't disagree more. I thought that Chad was perfect for the dual role and brought layers and realism to the storyline. Another standout was Louis (the man who played Minoyani). I truly believed his performance and found myself sympathizing with this murderer as some points, although I knew I shouldn't. All in all, i thoroughly enjoyed it and recommend this film.

Heres a fancy piece of rubbish. Total BS. The device of missionaries were used in this instance to pacify the indigenous (AS HAS BEEN THE CASE 99% OF THE TIME IN Latin American HISTORY) not only for reaping "souls" but open jungle for Texaco's oil industry. After texaco was finally forced to leave because of massive environmental degradation the jungle and communities are still being negatively effected by the imperialist presence of the church and the corporate entity. There is a really great documentary that counters this glammed up big budget film, cant remember the name. it even interviews that women from End of the Spear who had began the mission, and she pretty much confirms my above statements, but still with her head 10 miles up her paternalistic arse. Still adhering to the white mans burden doctrine about saving the "savage" from himself. End of the Spear...Get Bent! its movies like this that are made in such a way and with known actors and large budgets that create the disinformation that we are fed everyday.

This was a movie that grabs you and moves you as only a real life event can. The protagonist was committed to helping a wild jungle tribe stop killing each other to the point of extermination. His mission would be considered suicidal by most people. Yet he wanted to give these people hope, by replacing their hatred and anger with hope and the knowledge of Jesus Christ. You won't be bored by this movie. It was filmed on location in South America, and accurately depicts the lifestyle of these Indians. The biggest negative to me, was the leading role of a devoted Christian missionary was played by an actor who not only rejects the role he played in, but actively fights against the Christian cause. He is a homosexual activist. I was disappointed, because knowing that ahead of time, made his part less believable. Nonetheless, he played the part well.