Over the summer I watched a large number of DVDs that I had vowed to blog about once the term started again. One of these was 'The Mission'.

I've recently become aware that the times in which I best enjoy watching films is not necessarily at the cinema with new releases. My real excitement and enjoyment comes from discovering (or rediscovering) films that I have either already seen in the past or old films that I never knew existed.

Certainly, 'The Mission' ranks as one of the high points in my library of rediscovery. Directed by Roland Joffe it stars Robert De Niro, Jeremy Irons and Liam Neeson in a tale of redemption.

It is set in 18th century South America and follows the story of De Niro's character Rodrigo Mendoza as he tries to repent for committing a terrible crime. Mendoza is taken to a Jesuit mission by Father Gabriel (Irons). As well as having a powerful emotional and personal story at it's heart the film's characters are also drawn into circumstances of a much more epic and grand nature -the survival of the Jesuit order in the Spanish territory of South America.

The first time I ever saw the Mission was when my parents strongly recommended that I watch it if I was serious about studying film. Reluctantly I did so, and I wasn't too impressed at the time -this was perhaps three years ago. I couldn't see its merit at all as I was in a very narrow minded stage at that time -if there wasn't a good battle or 'Michael Bay style' fight I usually wasn't interested (Very Immature I know).

So after condemning the film to the forgettable section of my memory I never watched it again. That is, until, last summer. I came across the old, dusty and neglected DVD and thought to myself "It's been a while, I'm pretty bored, I can give it another chance"

And that was that, I was quite simply blown away by the film. I had the complete polar opposite reaction to that my first viewing. I was amazed at how brilliant and touching the story was. The score fitted each scene's emotion perfectly -which just raised the effect of the excellent performances of De Niro and Irons. I 'm aware that it is widely believed by many that The Godfather part II is One of De Niro's best performances -along with Taxi Driver. However, I would put it to you that The Mission ranks as high as any other of De Niro's films for performance. One scene that really made me tear up is when De Niro's character finally reaches the Mission after a very brutal hike. I won't go in to detail but the performances and scene in general really is something special.

The cinematographers amongst us would surely appreciate the beauty and composition of the shots and camera movements. I Generally believe that Ridley Scott is the best at painting a beautiful frame and The Mission is definitely up on a Ridley standard for me.

But as Andy and Adam are always pointing out, a pretty film doesn't equal a good film. It is the emotional impact of the story that really struck me speechless when the credits rolled up before me. The story, the performance, the direction, the cinematography, the Score all made The Mission a very emotional and rewarding film experience for me -all be it the second time round.