Aguirre, the Wrath of God
Seen it?1972 | 95 min | History, Adventure, Drama
Saturday SpecialWhy it’s a Saturday Special
Critics loved it (96% on Rotten Tomatoes) and people are still talking about it, despite soft box office. A strong pick for the weekend.
Based on critics, audiences, awards, box office and buzz. Details below.Is it for you?
- Who'll love it
- Made for adventure fans and history buffs. If you loved The Mission or The Count of Monte Cristo, start here. Critics rate it higher than audiences do, so it rewards patience more than it chases thrills.
- The mood
- Exciting.
- The pace
- Takes its time with its characters, at 1 hr 35 min.
- What might put you off
- It's in German, so expect subtitles (or a dub).
- Made in 1972: an older pace and style.
- Audiences were cooler on it than critics.
A few decades after the destruction of the Inca Empire, a Spanish expedition led by the infamous Aguirre leaves the mountains of Peru and goes down the Amazon River in search of the lost city of El Dorado. When great difficulties arise, Aguirre’s men start to wonder whether their quest will lead them to prosperity or certain death.
How it earned its rating
- CriticsVery strong
96% on Rotten Tomatoes
- AudiencesSolid
7.4 out of 10
- AwardsWeak
0 wins and 1 nomination from smaller awards and festivals
- Box office & staying powerBelow par
$370K worldwide on a $370K budget; still draws a steady audience long after release
- Buzz & cultural impactVery strong
About 331K people sought it out in the past year
Trailer
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Cast & crew
Directed by Werner Herzog
- Klaus KinskiDon Lope de Aguirre
- Helena RojoInés de Atienza
- Del NegroBrother Gaspar de Carvajal
- Ruy GuerraDon Pedro de Ursúa
- Peter BerlingDon Fernando de Guzmán
- Cecilia RiveraFlores, Aguirre's Daughter
- Daniel AdesPerucho
- Edward RolandOkello
- Alexandra Cheves
- Armando PolanahArmando