Possibly my favorite

Rating: 10/10 (11 October 2001)

Not many movies have the ability to bring tears to my eyes as this one does.

It is about the life and death of a tribe, a priest, and a warrior.

SPOILERS BELOW
A first-rate historical drama that treats controversial subject matter (religion, race, personal motivations) through the perspectives of fundamentally different protagonists who nonetheless share close personal relationships. Irons plays a gentle, inquisitive priest who tries to spread the beauty of faith to a tribe of Indians. De Niro is a violent rogue who is confronted with the emptiness of life through his own irresponsible actions. Neeson plays one of his earlier supporting roles.
The humanity of the Indians, who were regarded as "heathens" by most Europeans of the time, is shown to us in heartwarming fashion, and we are touched by the noble efforts of the missionaries. And we also see the self-centered profiteering motives of the Church and European policy that come to a head with those people that truly wish to connect with a totally foregn race. An existential choice is made by thee men of God, and the events unfold in epic fashion.