Centuries before the exploration of space, there was another voyage into the unknown.|Oct. 09, 1992|United Kingdom | France | Spain|154 Min.|PG-13
Genre: Action;Adventure;Drama;History
Description: In 1492, Christopher Columbus, convinced that the world is round, seeks a western route to Asia but struggles to secure a crew and ship. His plans face strong opposition from Catholic theologians at the University of Salamanca, who reject ideas contradicting Ptolemaeus’s teachings. However, Columbus gains the support of Martín Pinzón, a shipowner from Palos, who introduces him to the banker Santángel. With Santángel’s backing, Columbus convinces Queen Isabella I to fund his voyage in exchange for a promise to bring back significant amounts of gold.
Columbus deceives his crew by claiming the journey will last only seven weeks. After nine weeks at sea with no land in sight, the crew grows restless and nearly mutinies. Columbus inspires them with a speech, and soon after, a strong wind pushes them forward. One night, Columbus notices mosquitoes on the deck, signaling land nearby. The crew soon spots the lush greenery and beaches of Guanahani.
Upon arrival, the Europeans form a friendly relationship with the local natives, who show them gold. Columbus teaches one native Spanish to facilitate communication. He then informs them of his plan to return to Spain, predicting that more Europeans will follow. Leaving a group behind to begin colonization, Columbus returns to Spain and is honored by the queen, despite the council’s disappointment with the modest amount of gold he brought back.
On his second expedition, Columbus sails with 17 ships and over 1,000 men. However, they discover that the crew of the first voyage has been killed. When confronted, the natives blame a rival tribe. While Columbus believes them, his officer Moxica remains skeptical. The group begins building the city of La Isabela, eventually raising the town bell into its tower.
Cast director: Ridley Scott
Cast actor: Gérard Depardieu, Armand Assante, Sigourney Weaver, Loren Dean, Ángela Molina, Fernando Rey, Michael Wincott, Kevin Dunn, Tchéky Karyo, Frank Langella
Original name: 1492: Conquest of Paradise