The Mission Sparknotes

The Mission by Roland Joffé is a historical drama focused on the power of ones faith and defying the odds of humanity; these ideas coincide that of the philosopher Rousseau. The main characters consist of a mercenary and a missionary who unite to protect a South American tribe and anchor the film's main conflict between Spanish Jesuit priests and Portuguese colonialists during the 18th century. Although the film reflected Luther's and Machiavelli's ideas as well, Rousseau’s beliefs are the most clearly shown throughout the film. Rousseau’s ideas about human nature, governments, and societies were clearly embodied in the movie by the corruption of the South american tribe and the constant subconscious rivalry between multiple characters such as Rodrigo and his brother Filipe as well between Don Cabeza and Father Gabriel in the film.
Rousseau believed that humans, by nature, were inherently good people with just morals, but that quickly their environments such as society and government corrupted them. Rousseau spoke of the “might is right” idea which was highly present in his society and his writings, this meant that those who were powerful could do what they wanted without question, even if their actions were unjustified. Additionally Rousseau believed that there was an underlying “wish to dominate others…” as we'll as the privileges reinforced by the “origin of society and law” that gave more power to those who already possessed it and created a greater divide for those who were already at the bottom of the social order. The ideas listed previously are all present themes that are noticeable revealed throughout The