What Was The Theme Of Courage In The Mission Movie

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Courage is one of the most sought-after virtues and it is easily attainable yet, not everyone displays it. Through the context, plot, and transformation of Rodrigo Mendoza in the movie The Mission, director Roland Joffé argues courage can only be discovered through practicing its vices. The transformation of Rodrigo Mendoza illustrates his search for the mean of courage. Rodrigo Mendoza was once a murderer and a slave trader. He attacked vulnerable Native Americans with guerilla warfare and killed his brother, Felipe, in a duel. Mendoza refused to forgive himself for his actions and turned to religion. Only through cowardice Mendoza became courageous, for he built and cared for the Native American community. However, his courage became overwhelming …show more content…

When the Native Americans’ territory was transferred to the Portuguese, the Jesuits, and Native Americans refused. The Jesuits realized the Portuguese wanted to sell the Native Americans in the slave trade and their main goal was never the land. Don Cabeza stated, “They must be subdued at their will and must be brought to profitable labor”(Joffé). Don referred to the Native Americans as vicious beasts thus portraying cowardice as he failed to recognize them as humans. The location of the Native American community is isolated and unproblematic, yet, the Portuguese are intent on taking it to diminish the Jesuit’s influence. The Portuguese abused their power and acted cowardly as they threatened to leave the Church if they were denied the territory Don Cabeza never understood courage because he only experienced the vices and was contemptuous of it. Another instance of Mendoza and Father Gabriel’s actions being courageous was they went against the Jesuit’s orders. His Eminence advised them to step away from the community or they would be excommunicated from the Church. However, the Native Americans were unwilling to disband from the Church and portrayed courage through their