ID4-It really happened...In Mexico, 1519.

Rating: Null/10 (21 March 1999)

I'm actually pleased at the two sided conflict this visually enjoyable but otherwise uneven presentation of a very interesting subject matter (alien invasion) has inspired. Though I don't agree with them, I'm not suprised at the resentment many non-American nationals felt about the films patriotic theme. I also don't feel that ID4 was meant to be mindless drivel. It's excellent first half was followed by a weak second half simply because there wasn't enough time left to set up an equally perfect ending.
We must remember that H.G. Wells wrote "War of the Worlds" as a commentary on British Imperialism. In other words, he wanted to give his society a vicarious taste of its own medicine. Many ID4 critics dismissed the film as mindless, flag waving claptrap. But did anyone notice the disturbing parallels between this movie and the Spanish Conquest of Mexico? In ID4 giant ships carrying an alien race armed with horrifying weaponry approach the great cities of the world. The leadership of these countries is indecisive on what to do. Some advise attack. Otherwise insist on waiting. Meanwhile, the lesser countries appear unaffected by the invasion. (i.e., Southern Hemisphere Unaffected was seen on a t.v. broadcast early in the film) Before we know it. The Alien Visitors are upon us. And waste our cities. In Mexico, 1519, large unusual ships appear in the eastern horizon. Panic and awe engulf the populace. The alien visitors are tall, white skinned, have hairy faces and terrifying weapons. They ride monstrous looking dragons (horses) and are accompanied by giant, viscious dogs (staghounds. In Mexico at that time, the chihuahua was the biggest dog. And most ferocious, too) They appear invincible. As they approach the great city of Tenochtitlan they align themselves with subjected nations (Tlaxcala, Totonacs, etc). The native leader Montezuma doesn't know what to do. Attack? Surrender? Negotiate?
One scene in ID4 moved me. The fear and awe inspired by the arrival of the awesome alien ships.
Bernal Diaz, a journalist accompanying Cortez, wrote of the silent awe, fear and fascination displayed by the thousands of Aztecs lining the road and every rooftop as the Spaniards, clad in metal armor which rattled like an enormous inhuman machine, marched into their doomed city.