Embrace of the Serpent (2015)

Director: Ciro Guerra
Stars: Nilbio Torres, Jan Bijvoet, Antonio Bolivar
Runtime: 125 minutes

Synopsis: The story of the relationship between Karamakate, an Amazonian shaman and last survivor of his people, and two scientists who work together over the course of forty years to search the Amazon for a sacred healing plant.

Performances: 5/5
Screenplay: 5/5
Costumes/Makeup: 5/5
Editing: 4/5
Cinematography: 5/5

Verdict: "Embrace of the Serpent" is much more than a movie, it's a spiritual journey.

Entirely shot in black and white, the first Colombian film to be nominated for an Academy Award is breathtaking to look at and truly immerses you into its Amazonian setting, which feels incredibly real.

Told through two different timelines that feature the same Amazonian shaman Karamakate, the film sees the healer guide two westerners in search for a sacred plant hidden deep in the jungle.

"Embrace of the Serpent" is masterfully shot, acted, and edited. The care that was put into making this film the best it can possibly be is just absolutely astonishing and truly makes the experience unforgettable.

Now while being pretty much perfect technically, Ciro Guerra's movie wouldn't have been that enticing without a good story to tell. Fortunately, it provides exactly that by not only giving us a great adventure story with interesting characters, but also by exploring themes such as religion, greed, and traditions.

"Embrace of the Serpent" is destined to become a classic, and already feels like one. It's definitely one of the best movies set in the Amazon ever made, and one I'll remember for a long, long time.   

FINAL GRADE: 9/10