GER24 Aguirre, the Wrath of God

Synopsis

Werner Herzog’s 1972 feature charts back to the 16th Century during the Spanish conquest of the Americas. The story follows a doomed expedition led by the ruthless Don Lope de Aguirre, portrayed with intense brilliance by Klaus Kinski, as they navigate the perilous Amazon jungle in search of the legendary city of El Dorado.

Shot on location in the dense Peruvian rainforest, the film is renowned for its stunning cinematography, capturing both the breathtaking beauty and harsh realities of the environment. Herzog's direction creates an atmosphere of increasing tension and madness as the expedition faces insurmountable challenges, internal strife, and Aguirre's descent into megalomania.

In first collaboration with Herzog, Kinski's performance is iconic, as he embodies Aguirre's unravelling psyche with a haunting intensity. Adding to the eerie atmosphere is a sparse and immersive soundtrack by Popol Vuh.

Celebrated for its artistic achievements and having solidified its place as a cinematic classic, AGUIRRE, THE WRATH OF GOD explores obsession, power, and the destructive nature of unchecked ambition.

Awards

WINNER – Best Cinematography, German Film Awards 1973  

WINNER, Best Foreign Film, French Syndicate of Cinema Critics’ 1976  

WINNER – Best Cinematography, National Society of Film Critics’ Awards USA 1977  

Reviews