The Royal Hunt of the Sun

The Royal Hunt of the Sun is a 1969 British-American adventure drama film directed by Irving Lerner. The storyline is based on the play of the same name penned by British playwright Peter Shaffer, who also wrote the film's screenplay. The movie features an esteemed cast, including Robert Shaw, Christopher Plummer, and Nigel Davenport, each delivering powerfully compelling performances.

Set in the early 16th century, the narrative takes us on an epic journey during the Spanish Conquistadors' exploration of the New World. Christopher Plummer assumes the role of the Inca King Atahualpa while Robert Shaw plays Francisco Pizarro, a Spanish conqueror. Nigel Davenport is Hernando de Soto, a fellow conquistador, and one of Pizarro's closest lieutenant.

The movie opens in Spain during the peak of the Spanish Inquisition, with Pizarro struggling to connect with his faith. He is depicted as a complex character, a man torn between ambition and self-doubt. He is in desperate need of affirmation, both spiritually and materially. The conquistador is promised fame, fortune, and, most importantly, the salvation of his soul, by the church and the Spanish royalty if he conquers the Inca empire. Pizarro embarks with his men on an ambitious undertaking to travel halfway around the world and topple a civilization.

Once Pizarro reaches the heart of the Inca Empire in Peru, he comes face-to-face with its dignified ruler, Atahualpa, who is brilliantly portrayed by Christopher Plummer. Rather than portraying Atahualpa as a helpless victim, Plummer brings charisma, confidence, and a certain divine aura to the character. He firmly believes in his divinity as the 'Sun God' and views the Spanish conquerors not as threats but as guests, further drawing Pizarro into a psychological quagmire.

The film is not so much a tale of war, but it shines as a profound psychological exploration of religious and cultural collisions. It showcases the significant ideological differences between the two civilizations - Pizarro's pious commitment to his Catholic faith against Atahualpa's fervent belief in his divine heritage. This intense and personal battle between ideologies culminates in a surprising and dramatic fashion, which delves deep and begs the question: Who are the real savages?

Aided by brilliant cinematography, the movie transports audiences to the golden landscapes of Peru, creating a stark contrast between the raw beauty of the South American continent and the grim reality of the conquest. The wide, open spaces represent the enormity of Pizarro's task, as well as the grandness of the Inca empire, while the close-ups create an intimate look into complex characters' fears and desires.

The performances of Robert Shaw and Christopher Plummer are a standout in The Royal Hunt of the Sun. Shaw expertly portrays the internal conflict raging within Pizarro, while Plummer gives an incredibly humanizing portrayal of Atahualpa, fleshing out his truths, wisdom, and misconceptions. Nigel Davenport also delivers an excellent performance as the adventurous, somewhat pragmatic Hernando de Soto.

The Royal Hunt of the Sun stands out as an intense drama that intricately weaves together historical events with the introspective journeys of its main characters, resulting in a compelling narrative that keeps viewers engaged throughout. Though it is a film firmly rooted in history, its exploration of culture clash, faith, ambition, and the fluid nature of power makes it strikingly relevant today.

Therefore, to all movie enthusiasts interested in historical drama with depth, a taste for character development, excellent acting, and a screenplay rich with moral and philosophical debates, The Royal Hunt of the Sun indeed should be on their watchlist. The movie provides not just entertainment, but also challenges viewers to question what they understand about faith, conquest, civilization, and the very nature of humanity. Such an exploration of historical and philosophical themes, led by brilliant performances and confident direction, makes The Royal Hunt of the Sun a cinematic gem worth experiencing.