Apocalypto

Set in the time of the collapsing Mayan civilisation, Apocalypto is great epic cinema, with brilliantly detailed plazas and pyramids, horrific human sacrifice and attempts to placate the gods. Jaguar Paw's attempts to survive Zero Wolf's pursuit and rescue his family are thrilling, savage and bloody, the Indian cast is superbly photogenic and Mel Gibson's reputation as a hugely exciting filmmaker is assured.