The Mission Movie
Storyline
TAGLINES PLOT SUMMARY
Father Gabriel ascends the mountains of Brazil to bring christianity to the natives. He is successful and brings about a golden age among them. Mendoza, a slaver, kills his brother in a fit of rage, and only Fr. Gabriel's guidance prevents his suicide. Gabriel brings Mendoza to work at his mission with the natives, and Mendoza finds peace and asks to become a priest. The church , under pressure, cedes the land to the Portuguese which will allow slavers in again. Mendoza breaks his vows and organizes the natives to resist while Gabriel warns him to help them as a priest.
| Robert De Niro | Rodrigo Mendoza |
| Ray McAnally | Altamirano |
| Aidan Quinn | Felipe Mendoza |
| Cherie Lunghi | Carlotta |
| Ronald Pickup | Hontar |
| Jeremy Irons | Father Gabriel |
| Chuck Low | Cabeza |
| Liam Neeson | Fielding |
| Bercelio Moya | Indian Boy |
| Sigifredo Ismare | Witch Doctor |
| Asuncion Ontiveros | Indian Chief |
| Alejandrino Moya | Chief's Lieutenant |
| Daniel Berrigan | Sebastian |
| Rolf Gray | Young Jesuit |
| Álvaro Guerrero | Jesuit |
| Roland Joffé |
7.30 out of 10 (8155 votes)
Visitor Reviews
Excellent, but...
posted on 04 Jul 2009We watched The Mission in our high school history class and was spectacular. The only disappointment was De Niro's conversion from a relentless slave driver to a repentant Jesuit - at that point, I stood back and said, "Yeah right!" It can be a bit hard to follow the first time around, but this is not a movie to be watched only once, I assure you.
The Mission - Extraordinary !
posted on 01 Jul 2009"The Mission" is an indispensable work for everyone who love the committed Cinema, moving scenes and action. The Spanish director Roland Joffé crafts a movie (after the book) narrow with both the novel and the history as it's known.The first part is a quick evolution of the facts, through a Jesuits' conversion mission in southern America. When it was a mere religion affair the Spanish ministers of the Kingdom didn't interfere with their influence; but when "the mission" became a village with his own profit, the greed and the arrogance started flaring up.The most touching part is the second one, where the war, its madness (even in the name of God, again!!), its foolish utilities, shows what a few band of men can generate.I was amazed by 1) the scene where the little girl watches terrified the carnage of her people, unable to understand, to figure out the reasons; 2) the final scene, the procession. It had to end like that but the tardy regret of the minister is a heavy punch in the stomach.While I found Irons' acting very convincing (like always), I disliked the De Niro role, either for his character, ambiguous, unpleasant, or for his acting skills, this time below the average (I think).Ennio Morricone's soundtrack is marvelous as always, but this time he really deserved the Oscar, assigned instead to the stunning cinematography.A story about the consequences of erroneously choices, for which a war was supposed to be the remedy.
your mission should you choose to accept is;
posted on 19 Jun 2009It is somehow disturbing seeing how Jeremy Irons trying to be a good Jesuit and Robert De Niro redemption against their own fear and ego. It is more depressing to see how a culture and religion can (or must) imprisoned many freedom and purity. Maybe that's the main idea of this movie, the ego that we must eliminate as we encountered others... Truly a good and breath-taking beautiful movie.
Magnificent.
posted on 05 May 2009My favorite movie, ever. It works on so many levels: as a story about the dissolution of the Jesuit order in portuguese South America (and the subsequent enslavement of the natives), as an account of one man's ill-fated but necessary conversion, as a series of complex ideological battles, and, lastly, as a tale of innocence, of Eden. All this, in addition to spectacular performances, brilliant direction, a fabulous script and one of the most breathtaking soundtracks ever recorded. It simply gets better with each successive viewing.
Meaningful film with Jeremy Irons and Robert de Niro.
posted on 26 Apr 2009The Mission directed by Roland Joffe cannot be termed as a film which can masquerade as some kind of populist entertainment stuff. It is not at all a film which entertains in the manner most of the films do. It is a film which makes us think as to what our past history was. The important message the film gives us is the reminder that numerous wars were fought in order to attain the religious supremacy of a particular religion. Now for those who think that The Mission is not a slice of history but a movie, I would say that both the leading actors are absolutely impressive. However it is Jeremy Irons who is in full command of his acting capabilities as the priest. Robert de Niro is good too as the man who repents after killing his brother out of revenge. The amazing thing is the manner in which South American native people have acted. Watching them perform alongside Hollywood bigwigs one wonders how they have not been influenced by them. The sad part of this film is its end which might appear as pessimistic to certain viewers.
Limited, lacking, listless
posted on 25 Feb 2009But then, I have always had great difficulty with films that religiously subscribe to the 'style over substance' formula. Joffe's The Mission (1986) is no different from the usual unremarkable visual fares. All cinematography and no story. In fact, the film goes to great lengths to place any aspect before story – be it gorgeous nature visuals of the setting, classical musical score or actors. The latter is the most heavyweight weapon in its arsenal and it boasts of Robert De Niro, Jeremy Irons, Liam Neeson and Aidan Quinn... all of whom are ultimately unable to elevate The Mission above generic 'visual film' formula.It follows then that we have here an endless tirade of shots of trees blowing in the wind, pouring waterfalls off rocky cliffs, lush damp jungle air and, above all, long introspective images of Native Indians. If you have ever seen Malick's The New World – another fatal 'style over substance' self-indulgence dribble about settlers coming across a Native population – you know exactly what this film is like. Thankfully, it has slightly more substance when you scratch the visual-laden surface and it is more strongly acted by its leads. Nevertheless, expect the same kind of lofty narrative, lack of focus in dawdling nature visuals and SAME COMPLETE LACK OF ANY TEMPLATE STORY.There is, however, one scene that has remained with me from the film. This is Jeremy Irons embracing a crying, kneeling and broken Robert De Niro in the midst of the junglefloor, while the warm breath from the murky brown river gives rich to a tense, beautiful atmosphere. This is regrettably as poignant as it allows itself to get because a minute later it zooms back into listless wandering with the camera and falls apart once again. It simply loses itself in its own self-indulgence of nature portrayals and the Native civilisation, which is not nearly as fascinating or mesmerizing as the film tries to have you believe. Sure, it's pretty; it's picturesque – but what else?I set out to watch The Mission for its triumvirate of fantastic actors (Irons, De Niro, Neeson) but was offered no showcase for any of their acting abilities. Although it was quite interesting to see a young very Oirish-looking Liam whenever his character was squeezed in between the thin nature visuals. It needs to be said that this is not an unwatchable film unless you have a short attention-span and demand non-stop action. It does, however, need to be said that The Mission is not a poignant or remarkable film and it manages merely competent.5 out of 10
Great!.
posted on 07 Feb 2009I´ve been seen this movie years ago, when I was a child but I did not put my very interest on it. So when I saw again a few weeks ago, I´d keep impressed by the magnificent story and the characters. Plus the score composed by Ennio Morricone is really spectacular and I recommend another picture where this composer perform the soundtrack, this movie is "Cinema Paradiso". It´s amazing!!. "The Mission is one of the best movies of all times.
A sad history told in a wonderful way
posted on 18 Dec 2008This film is a summary of what the Europeans conquerers (here in Latin America, Portugal and Spain) did to the native people. We had changed their religion, society and economy, at best. At worst, we simply made them slaves.Anyway, a beautiful history. A beautiful songtrack. Beautiful photography.
absolutely amazing
posted on 15 Dec 2008This movie is easily one of the most masterful pieces it has ever been my joy to experience. With beautiful cinematography, brilliant performances by all involved, an incredible score, and a deep and meaningful theme, I would easily rank this among the top five movies I have ever seen. A fabulous study into the characters of Captain Mendoza and Father Gabriel amidst a strong and meaningful setting, I cannot recommend this movie highly enough.
They don't make them like this anymore...
posted on 03 Dec 2008The Mission is one of my all-time favorite movies. It is quiet, thoughtful, beautiful, and moving.If you are looking for action, or short-attention-span thrills, don't bother. But if you like movies that are grounded in history and describe the sort of courage and heroism that can be achieved by real people, watch it and enjoy.
Lovingly filmed, thematically powerful, literately written.... but just a bit too solemn for comfort.
posted on 06 Nov 2008The British film critic Leslie Halliwell said of this film "sincere to the point of boredom", and that's a very accurate description indeed of The Mission. It is a beautiful film, both to look at and to listen to. It tells a moving story that leaves an intentionally sour taste in the mouth. It also features strong performances and incredible location work. One would assume that in any movie where the cinematography, music, script, acting and locality all slot together so smoothly and meaningfully, the finished product would be truly extraordinary. Such thinking would certainly be true of, say, Lawrence Of Arabia. But in spite of all its strengths and its evident potential, The Mission does not reach the classic heights to which it aspires. Instead, it comes across as a good - at some stages VERY good - historical account which never quite hits a level one might call excellent. I mused long and hard whether to give this film a 7-out-of-10 or an 8-out-of-10 rank, but 9 and 10 ratings never came into the equation.In the 18th Century, in the rainforest around the modern borders of Argentina, Brazil and Paraguay, a tribe called the Guarani kill a missionary priest by tying him to a wooden cross and sending him over the edge of a waterfall. The priest's replacement, Jesuit Father Gabriel (Jeremy Irons), approaches the same tribe and wins them over with his patience, love and respect. Before long, Gabriel has converted the tribe to the ways and customs of Christianity. Father Gabriel is joined by an ex-slaver, Rodrigo Mendoza (Robert De Niro), who exiled himself after murdering his own brother in a jealous rage, and who finds a chance of redemption by joining the Jesuit order and helping to preach to the Guarani people. Soon, problems arise that threaten the Jesuit cause and the existence of the Guarani. A change in border delineation results in the Portugese acquiring the Guarani land; the Portugese refuse to acknowledge the tribe as converted Christians, viewing them as little more than animals, good for nothing but slavery. The Catholic Cardinal, Altamirano (Ray McAnally), is told to make the Jesuits leave the area and forsake the tribe. Father Gabriel and Rodrigo refuse to turn their backs on the people they have worked with - even though they themselves disagree on how best to confront the Portugese. Gabriel, a man of peace, feels that he should die with them and show them how to go honourably to their graves; Rodrigo, a man of the sword, feels that the Indians should fight to protect their mission....The film's ending is very sad and demonstrates everything that is wrong with the policies of powerful countries exploiting those less powerful than their own (a theme that is still relevant today - it seems our politicians have learned little from history). Ennio Morricone provides a stunning score which is easily his best work since the spaghetti western days, and which brings great emotion to the proceedings. Irons and De Niro give good performances as the differing Jesuits who cannot let go of their ideals even though they know they're doomed if they don't. Both are actually upstaged by McAnally, whose role as the Cardinal is by far the best in the film, exploring as it does the humanistic and moral dilemma faced by the character. The Mission is quite a heavy-going film and, like Halliwell said, it is very sincere indeed. Therefore, whilst it has its good points, it is also a hard film to watch and is more likely to appeal to those interested in the events, the period and the politics than to more generally-minded audiences.
Poignant and inspiring epic tale of a Jesuit mission to the Guarani
posted on 28 Oct 2008This is an incredible film...historical tale, religious experience, character study, and disturbing depiction of native peoples' abuse at the hands of their European masters. I've forgotten some of the details as I only saw the movie once when it was first released, but its basic themes & main characters have stayed fresh in my mind all these years, particularly the sense of awe I felt upon leaving the theatre following the dramatic closing scenes.Set in the mid 18th Century, the story revolves around Father Gabriel, a Jesuit priest and missionary, who travels to the South American wilderness, establishing an evangelizing mission to convert the native Guarani peoples to Christianity and teach them certain aspects of European civilization. The Spanish soldiers attempt to thwart his efforts, especially the mercenary slave trader, Rodrigo Mendoza, who views these natives only as savages & chattels. Mendoza later experiences personal redemption following the murder of his own brother and joins Father Gabriel as a priest, working at the mission. When Spain cedes the colony to Portugal, both men must work to defend their mission against the brutal Portuguese aggressors who seek to enslave the natives. Jeremy Irons and Robert De Niro are both magnificent in their respective roles as Father Gabriel and Rodrogo Mendoza. The film contrasts these two very different men and their polar opposite approaches to the threatening Portuguese. Father Gabriel (Irons) is a thoughtful man who advocates peaceful means (prayer and hymns), in keeping with the Jesuits' belief in nonviolence. On the other hand, Mendoza (De Niro) takes a more direct and violent approach with armed resistance, guns & bloodshed. Earlier in the film, Mendoza's personal experiences in seeking forgiveness for his brother's murder are also dramatically captured, as he is converted from heartless mercenary to benevolent priest. Gabriel is consistently a kind, selfless, & incredible pillar of faith throughout this story.The events are based on the Treaty of Madrid in 1750, where Spain transfered part of South America to Portugal. Spain and the Papacy apparently showed no concern regarding the plight of these Guarani, certain to elicit a sense of outrage in the viewer. However, the Jesuits at this mission are both devout in their faith and dedicated in their service to these natives.The South American scenery is utterly spectacular, the Oscar winning cinematography superb, and the music & costuming perfect. However, the compelling aspects of this magnificent film are the character portrayals of Father Gabriel & Mendoza, the sacrifices these Jesuits are prepared to make for this mission, the beauty of the peaceful native Guarani people, the abundant symbolism, the sense of grave injustice that these South American natives are nothing more than helpless pawns to European politicking, and the brutal atrocities to which they are subjected at the hands of the encroaching Portuguese. This movie is a masterpiece...a tragic, poignant, & heart wrenching, yet ultimately uplifting epic tale that is certain to remain with you for years. It is amazing viewing for anyone, but especially inspiring for people of faith.
Underrated (spoilers)
posted on 25 Oct 2008The Mission starts with quite a startling image. It starts with a group of Indians tying a priest to a crucifix and then sending him off down river. For a while he floats helplessly in the rapids but then he falls off the side of a huge waterfall. By the end of the movie you can't help but feel that the Indians would have been better off if they'd done this to every priest that crossed their path.There's something quite loathsome about a group of foreigners barging into someone else's country and telling that they're wrong and that they should worship a non-existent sky god. It's arrogant (every religion and every country thinks it has the definitive answer) and it erodes cultures. But although I personally find the very nature of mission work distasteful, it's to The Mission's credit that it presents characters we can understand and sympathise with, for these people seem less interested in preaching religious dogma than encouraging the native people to flourish.The majority of the film focuses on Father Gabriel, played by Jeremy Irons. He's the kind of priest that doesn't have all the answers and who isn't on a mad quest to save the soul's of the savage, barbaric Indians. In other words, he's a man you come to like.The Indians come to like him too. Pretty soon he's gained their trust and they've welcomed him into their community. And he gains their trust in the simplest possible way – through music. There's one beautiful scene where he sits in the middle of the jungle playing the oboe. In the mist he kind of looks like a ghost. And it's not long before the curious Indians emerge. They don't quite know what to make of it. But what the scene suggests is that what unites us a species is a love of music and a desire to feel in harmony with the world. That's what all people share. Religion, on the other hand, seems to me to be nothing but divisive.But although in the grand scheme of things religion has been nothing but a pestilence, the film also shows that on the small scale it can work. It certainly works for Robert De Niro's character, Mendoza. At the beginning he's a slaver who profits from trading the Indians. He also kills his brother in a fit of rage when he catches him with his woman. But after the murder he can't handle his guilt. Therefore he decides to pay penance by dragging a heavy bundle around with him. In this state he crosses rivers and climbs cliffs (some of the stunt work here is absolutely hair-raising, especially for someone, like me, who hates heights) but he only stops when one of the Indians, one of the people he used to hunt, cuts the bundle from around his neck and throws it into the river. It's only then, when one of the Indians forgives him for what he's done to them that he can forgive himself for what he's done in the past. It's an excellent scene, possibly the best in the film.After this Mendoza becomes a Jesuit priest and joins Gabriel's order. And this leads to a nice series of scenes where Mendoza is welcomed into the community. The warmth that they offer him is the complete opposite of the coldness of the settlers.And it's the settlers who are the villains of the piece. They're the kind of people who invade foreign lands and enslave other human beings while sincerely classing the indigenous population as savages. They're hypocrites and they're morally bankrupt.But the Catholic Church doesn't come off much better. The crux of the story centres on a dispute over territory and whether the Church is going to protect the missions. Of course the Church turns out to be spineless and it tells the Indians to give up their homes, their mission and everything they've built to the settlers. But quite understandably, the Indians don't understand. They don't understand why god is treating them this way. I'm sure they're not the first to wonder why god is such a sadist.But although the Church in the film comes across as worthless, the priests do come across as heroic. Even though it goes against everything they believe in, the majority of them decide to fight in order to protect what they've built. And in the end all of them die for it – the moment where a dying Mendoza sees Father Gabriel shot dead is one of the most powerful in the film. But although it's a noble act, it also makes you wonder what good religion has done for any of these people. Without it there certainly wouldn't have been such carnage.Misgivings about religion aside, though, the film's rather wonderful. It's definitely one of the most beautiful films I've seen. The photography is gorgeous and Ennio Morricone's score is one of his best (which is saying something). In fact, the main title music may possibly be my favourite piece of film music. And I also love the oboe piece.The acting too is excellent, especially Jeremy Iron's performance – it takes a lot of skill to make decency as interesting as villainy. But I do have to say that Robert De Niro feels a little out of place. Maybe he's played too many psychotics or maybe it's something wrong with me, but he's not entirely convincing in this film. But that's not to say he's bad. He just doesn't really seem to fit the character.And I also have to say that the film drags a little in the final act – the final confrontation isn't as visceral as it should have been. But on the whole The Mission is a fine film. Indeed, any film that has me rooting for priests must be doing something right.
This is an exceptional film
posted on 25 Sep 2008I first saw The Mission when I was sixteen years old and Ennio Morricone's haunting score as a backdrop to the visual leitmotif of Iguaçu Falls captured by the cinematography of Chris Menges's persist as some of my favorite cinematic moments. Robert DeNiro and Jeremy Irons successfully portray Jesuits in Paraguay prior to the Charles III's expulsion of the order from the Americas in 1767. The movie succeeds on various levels and perhaps is the best movie that Hollywood produced in the 1980's apart from Amadeus and the Last Emperor.This movie summarily is a morality play in which passive and violent resistance are contrasted. Robert Bolt, the script writer, avoids subscribing to either approach, but intelligently constructs a plot in which the conflict centers around whether violence against repression or passive resistance are a priori. In the end, neither of these approaches is sufficient and the Portuguese army slaughters the Guarani. I can't help but think that liberation theologians like Archbishop Oscar Romero, who the Salvadorian government murdered, influenced Bolt's consideration of this topic.As I perused other user comments, I believe critics of this film are turned off by the "jolted dialogue" and the "under-developed characterization". In truth, the dialogue is relatively sparse compared to other Hollywood movies and relies upon visual and musical motifs to communicate developments in the plot and characters--our indebtedness to Shakespeare's dialog driven plays perhaps prejudices us against other forms of communication. The use of apt imagery with terse but effective dialogue results in more than adequate character development in the Jesuits.The movie does not develop the Guarani and can be accused of reifying these people as noble savages. However the movie is about Jesuits and both native and non-native laymen are backdrops to the development of the conflicts exhibited in the priests played by DeNiro and Irons.I certainly recommend this movie as a great drama that presents interesting questions in a formally pleasing way.
Most underrated film of all time
posted on 19 Sep 2008It is a shame that this film does not get as much recognition as many other great films. I rate it right up at the top of my list, followed closely by Lawrence of Arabia (which is also written by Robert Bolt).The film ought to be studied by every artist for the virtuosic clarity with which it handles its story. It is truly of a quality which is to be aspired to. It is nuanced and expressive despite the weight of its themes, which are some of the most profound and relevant issues of the human condition ever wrestled with on film. Image and sound come together so beautifully with a story and characters which are the very model of narrative perfection. It is unfortunate that most people have not even heard of this film! Don't be one of them. Go see this film! If not for its brilliant story, then at least for the captivating cinematography and the brilliant musical score, arguably the best ever written.
An Engrossing Visual Adventure
posted on 01 Sep 2008The Mission The Mission is the story of how Spanish Jesuits voyage to South America in the 18th Century in an attempt to spread Christianity to the native Indians who reside in the region. When there is transition from Spanish to Portuguese occupation however, the natives are legally treated as slaves and their status as Christians and indeed as human beings is effectively revoked. Robert De Niro plays a ruthless slave trader who becomes a priest after he is overcome by the guilt of his sins. Much of the film simultaneously documents his transition to the faith and these scenes are some of the most powerful in the film. Jeremy Irons plays Father Gabriel, head of the Spanish Jesuit order who is able to help both De Niro and the native Indians. The film also features the very young looking Liam Neeson and Aidan Quinn. The Mission received an Oscar for Cinematography and with stunning visuals and a breathtaking display of the jungle it is not hard to see why. Ennio Morricone's score also received an Oscar nomination and various other awards (e.g. Golden Globe and BAFTA). Morricone's score will undoubtedly stand the test of time as one of the most powerful soundtracks to grace the big screen. It is powerful, emotive and poetic and almost warrants viewing the movie alone. Fans of movie soundtracks will not be disappointed. Overall performances are decent with De Niro again stealing the show. The Mission is a good example of De Niro delivering a powerful performance without having to make too much of a song and dance visually. He also illustrates the contrast between an angry and menacing individual in the early part of the movie to one that is more at peace with others in the latter part of the movie suggesting that anyone can achieve redemption. The Mission is quite an engrossing movie that is possibly drawn out for a little too long. The visual and audio feast is enough to warrant a viewing but it somehow feels like it lacks the hall marks of a true classic. Given the subject matter is not the most optimistic or uplifting film but this is necessary to give the film any sense of realism about human history and indeed what is happening today.
Passion and excellence rarely seen in movies anymore.
posted on 11 Aug 2008The fact-based plot of this film is as subtle and yet is as complex as the sequence of events that were actually happening during this time in the history of our world. The setting is the Spanish-owned jungle territory of South America in the 1750's. The Jesuit order of Catholics is hard at work establishing missions all throughout the region in their effort to convert the natives who live in the jungles. The main focus of this part of the story surrounds the acts and deeds of Father Gabriel (portrayed to near-perfection by Jeremy Irons, who may be best known as the villain in Die Hard 3), who is desperately struggling--but succeeding in his struggles--at converting a small tribe of natives, who later work with him in the building of the mission San Carlos. Father Gabriel and his small band of Jesuit priests befriend the natives, learn their language, and grow accustomed to their culture. The natives, in return, willingly accept the priests' offer to teach them the ways of Christianity. Meanwhile, the South American slave trade is as active as ever. One particular slave trader is a Spanish army captain turned mercenary, Rodrico Mendoza (portrayed with extremely effective passion by Robert DeNiro). Mendoza is in love with a woman who is in love with Mendoza's younger brother. When the woman confesses to Mendoza her love for his younger brother, he grows furiously jealous, which culminates with the murder of the younger brother by Mendoza himself. A Shakespeare-like sequence of events took place during these love/murder scenes that I'm sure the Bard himself would have very much appreciated.The stories of these two men merge together seamlessly and form a powerful, complex tale that only history itself could express more beautifully. The result is a film that is better to be seen than to be read about. The cinematography is excellent, and the Academy agrees with me, as it awarded the cinematography with an Oscar in 1986. And in regards to the performances, every single performance is to perfection. No one over-acted nor were they bland with their parts, no matter how large or small. But kudos goes especially to the two leads: Jeremy Irons and Robert DeNiro, who both deserve as much praise as they can possibly get for their performances in this film. DeNiro definitely was the actor of my favor during the first half of the film, but Irons stepped up and performed his absolute best throughout the entire film, especially during the last half. He has never performed a more amazing role than this role of Father Gabriel. DeNiro's role in this film is second perhaps only to the brilliance of his performance in "Raging Bull," as far as I'm concerned.Action, drama, a message that isn't forced or preachy but is definitely filled with meaning and significance, this film has all the prime elements of a superb, cinematic achievement the passion and the excellence rarely seen in movies anymore.
I wish I could have so much love in my heart.
posted on 13 Jul 2009The Mission, 1986, written by Robert Bolt, directed by Roland Joffe.Wow. Powerful, yes, but not heavy handed. It's a shame that excellent writing like this is so rare in movies. Or maybe it's just rare in general. I didn't find myself focusing on the writing. That's because it was so good that random clever or "deep" or "profound" dialogue didn't stick out. I was never pulled (or is it pushed?) out of the story by the writer's ego. Damn this was good.A summary of the story can be read elsewhere, so I'll just tell you how this film touched my heart. It reminded me that love takes many forms. So does courage. Redemption is gained through both. And it sure isn't easy.Solid, subtle performances, beautiful photography, a wonderful Morricone score and a deeply moving story combined to make one incredible movie. I've run out of adjectives! I'm glad to have finally seen it after all these years.