The Mission

Label: Virgin
Released: 1986
Barcode: 5012981240226
Country: UK & Europe
Product Type: CD (Pre-owned)
Score or Soundtrack: Score
Composer: Ennio Morricone

The Mission is a 1986 British period drama film directed by Roland Joffé. The movie is set in the 18th century and tells the story of a Jesuit priest, Father Gabriel (played by Jeremy Irons), and a former slave trader, Rodrigo Mendoza (played by Robert De Niro), who join forces to protect a remote South American native tribe from Portuguese colonizers seeking to enslave them. The narrative explores themes of redemption, faith, and the moral complexities of colonization. Father Gabriel establishes a mission to educate and convert the indigenous Guarani people, while Mendoza, wracked with guilt over his past actions, seeks penance and eventually becomes a protector of the mission. The film's dramatic tension culminates in a conflict between the missionaries and the colonial forces, highlighting the tragic consequences of political and religious power struggles. The Mission is celebrated for its powerful performances, stunning cinematography, and profound philosophical questions about justice and the human condition.

The soundtrack of The Mission is composed by the legendary Ennio Morricone and is widely regarded as one of his most beautiful and evocative works. The score blends traditional orchestral music with indigenous South American musical elements, creating a haunting and spiritual atmosphere that perfectly complements the film's narrative and setting. One of the most iconic pieces from the soundtrack is "Gabriel's Oboe," a serene and moving melody that symbolizes Father Gabriel's compassion and dedication. The music enhances the emotional depth of the story, capturing both the serene beauty of the natural environment and the poignant tragedy of the unfolding events. Morricone's composition is a key element in the film's storytelling, imbuing it with a sense of timelessness and universality. The soundtrack received widespread acclaim, earning Morricone an Academy Award nomination and solidifying the score's place as a classic in film music history.

Track Listing

1. "On Earth as It Is in Heaven" – 3:50 
2. "Falls" – 1:55
3. "Gabriel's Oboe" – 2:14
4. "Ave Maria Guaraní" – 2:51
5. "Brothers" – 1:32
6. "Carlotta" – 1:21
7. "Vita Nostra" – 1:54
8. "Climb" – 1:37
9. "Remorse" – 2:46
10. "Penance" – 4:03
11. "The Mission" – 2:49
12. "River" – 1:59
13. "Gabriel's Oboe" – 2:40
14. "Te Deum Guaraní" – 0:48
15. "Refusal" – 3:30
16. "Asunción" – 1:27
17. "Alone" – 4:25
18. "Guaraní" – 3:56
19. "The Sword" – 2:00
20. "Miserere" – 1:00

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