Magellan

A slow, immersive historical epic that weighs you down with its vast seas, moral conflicts, and haunting atmosphere.

Directed by

Lav Diaz

Genres

History, Adventure, Drama

Starring

Gael García Bernal, Amado Arjay Babon, Ronnie Lazaro

Overview

At the dawn of the modern era, Portuguese explorer Ferdinand Magellan leads an expedition under the Spanish crown in search of the first westward route to the Spice Islands. He embarks on a perilous journey across the uncharted Pacific, where his fleet faces starvation, mutiny, and the psychological toll of endless seas. Upon reaching the shores of Cebu, Magellan is pulled into a fatal conflict with the natives by his drive to spread Catholicism, culminating in his tragic doom.

How it feels

Bleak, tense, melancholic and earnest. Slow-burning and demanding.

About

Colonialism, power, faith, survival

Content

Strong violence. Mild gore, sexual content and language.

Note

Written by AI, so it can be wrong. Full breakdown

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Watch the trailer on YouTube (opens in a new tab)