🎥 Christopher Plummer as Atahualpa: a forgotten cinematic gem

By C.R.Luismël

Originally posted on February 25, 2022. Today I’m bringing it back so it continues to spark reflection.

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Do you remember the charming Austrian Captain Von Trapp from The Sound of Music?
Now imagine that same actor portraying none other than the historical Inca Atahualpa, the last sovereign of the vast empire of Tahuantinsuyo.

Yes, there’s actually a 1969 film titled The Royal Hunt of the Sun, one of the very first movies to depict the decline of the noble Inca Empire at the hands of the newly arrived Spaniards.

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A portrayal that left its mark on me

I watched it many years ago. I recently found it again and felt compelled to share. What strikes me is the level of detail the film presents; regardless of complete historical accuracy, it brings to life astonishing aspects documented by chroniclers of the time.

It’s clear the producers took history and its nuances seriously. From the filming locations, the cast, to the use of the ancient Quechua language, for me, this film was exceptionally valuable for its time. In fact, I believe it’s the finest portrayal of Inca Atahualpa, brilliantly performed by Canadian actor Christopher Plummer.

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Some details that caught my attention

Among the elements that stood out:

✅ The interest of the Kingdom of Castile and León in expanding into the New World, at least theoretically trying to preserve the cultures on both sides.
✅ The figure of Francisco Pizarro, depicted as an ignorant man who, by sheer luck, became a conquistador and self-styled general.
✅ The Inca’s deep conviction that he was a son of the supreme god Viracocha, of the sun, and therefore immortal, destined to be reborn with the dawn.
✅ How the Quechua people had no doubt about the Inca’s divinity, to the point they couldn’t look him in the eye.
✅ Atahualpa’s astonishment at realizing these newcomers didn’t bow before him, when he saw himself as a god.

Details like these explain why the Inca Empire fell so easily to a man who chose to follow his own rules rather than strictly serve his king’s orders.

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A reflection on civilizations

Looking at this and other civilizations, I can’t help but notice a somber pattern:
When a society reaches a highly advanced state —focusing on culture and philosophy— and neglects military defense, its downfall sadly seems near.

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Watch it for yourself

I won’t spoil more so you can experience it first-hand.
Here are the links: (If these won’t work, please search on YouTube or other sources by the names)

🎥 In original English: (The Royal Hunt of The Sun)
https://watch.plex.tv/movie/the-royal-hunt-of-the-sun

🎬 In Latin American Spanish: (La Caza Real del Sol)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dkDlutHlG8o

You’re welcome. 👍

— LMCR
2022.02.25