Based on the true story of five missionaries killed in the rain forests of Ecuador, End of the Spear is a unique experience. It tells two tales at once. First it tells of the ongoing struggle for survival of the Waodani tribe in Ecuador amidst an on-going tradition of spearing enemy tribes in an endless cycle of retribution. Secondly, it tells the tale of missionary efforts by five American families to these mysterious natives.
Part way through the film, the five men make contact with the Waodani but are killed because of suspicion and one tribesman’s false report of aggression from the missionaries. The wives and children of these missionaries then decide to move into the jungle to live with the Waodani, in an effort to understand what happened to their loved ones and to spread the message of God.
End of the Spear was made with a Christian audience in mind, but the religious aspects are played up no more than what really took place. One of the missionaries’ children helped with the creation of the film and ensured as much truth from real life as possible. For this fact alone, the film should be commended. The events of the film make it very susceptible to either overplaying or underplaying the missionary work, but it is handled with care.
As a part-time religious scholar myself (not a profession, just in my spare time), I enjoyed seeing the careful blend and assimilation of Christian ideas and teachings into the existing beliefs of the Waodani. Instead of forcing the natives to drop their beliefs (which many think happens in missionary efforts), they help assimilate new Christian principles into their existing beliefs. This is one of the beauties of Christianity that people tend to overlook or ignore.
Given that the film was geared towards religious-minded folks, I have no qualms mentioning it here. I thought the film performed solidly and powerfully, despite a few moments of weakness in the script or in a few artistic and directorial decisions.
WARNING: SPOILERS AHEAD!
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