"Apocalypto" is a historical action-adventure film directed by Mel Gibson and released in 2006. The movie is set in the pre-Columbian era, specifically in the declining Mayan civilization. The story revolves around a young hunter named Jaguar Paw, played by Rudy Youngblood, who lives with his tribe in the Mesoamerican jungle. The film begins with peaceful scenes of the tribe's daily life but takes a dark turn when they are attacked by a group of raiders from a more advanced and aggressive Mayan city. The raiders capture many members of the tribe, including Jaguar Paw, and take them to the city, where they face the threat of being sacrificed for religious rituals. The central plot follows Jaguar Paw's attempt to escape captivity and return to his pregnant wife and young son. As he navigates the dangerous and unforgiving jungle and encounters various obstacles, the film explores themes of survival, sacrifice, and the clash between civilizations. "Apocalypto" is known for its intense and visceral action sequences, as well as its depiction of the brutality and complexity of the Mayan civilization during its decline. The film received praise for its cinematography, direction, and the performances of the cast, although it also faced criticism for its graphic violence. Mel Gibson co-wrote the screenplay with Farhad Safinia.