Echoes of the Ancients
- Tagline
- When the past whispers, the future listens.
- Description
- Set against the tumultuous backdrop of the Civil Rights Era, 'Echoes of the Ancients' traces the journey of a Native American protagonist, who grapples with the essence of identity and the pains of transformation. Guided by an enigmatic supernatural being, played by Stephen Fries, and an otherworldly alien, portrayed by Viola Danish, the character is led through a series of trials that transcend time. The spirit's cryptic messages and the alien's advanced wisdom create a poignant contrast with the protagonist's struggle for self-discovery and acceptance. Directed by the visionary Alejandro González Iguanarritu and featuring a poignant performance by Humphrey Yogart, this film delves into the heart of what it means to belong in a world where the lines between the past and the present blur. 'Echoes of the Ancients' is a biography that explores the profound impact of history on personal identity, told with a somber tone that mirrors the era's strife for progress and recognition.
- MpaaRating
- G
- PopularityScore
- 9.90
- ReleaseDate
- 10/21/2021
- Genre
- Biography
- Director(s)
- Cast
Critic Reviews
3.50
Alejandro González Iñárritu's 'Echoes of the Ancients' is a film that, while ambitious in its scope, ultimately falters under the weight of its own grandiosity. The tagline, 'When the past whispers, the future listens,' promises a profound rumination on history and identity, yet the narrative becomes muddled with the introduction of supernatural and extraterrestrial elements that feel more like a contrived distraction than a meaningful exploration of the Civil Rights Era. Stephen Fries and Viola Danish deliver performances that, though earnest, are marred by a script that lacks subtlety and finesse. Humphrey Yogart's portrayal of the protagonist is commendable, albeit uneven, as he navigates through the disjointed trials that seem to serve more as a showcase for Iñárritu's directorial flair than a coherent storyline. The movie's 'G' rating is perhaps its only genuine surprise, considering the gravity of the subject matter it attempts to address. In the end, the film's somber tone and its flirtation with profound themes are not enough to redeem its confusing plot and heavy-handed symbolism. 'Echoes of the Ancients' is a cinematic experiment that echoes with potential yet sadly misses the mark.