<P> The Mission is a 1986 British period drama film about the experiences of a Jesuit missionary in 18th - century South America . Written by Robert Bolt and directed by Roland Joffé, the film stars Robert De Niro, Jeremy Irons, Ray McAnally, Aidan Quinn, Cherie Lunghi, and Liam Neeson . </P> <P> It won the Palme d'Or and the Academy Award for Best Cinematography . In April 2007, it was elected number one on the Church Times' Top 50 Religious Films list . Furthermore, it is one of fifteen films listed in the category "Religion" on the Vatican film list . The music, scored by Italian composer Ennio Morricone, ranked 1st on the Australian Broadcasting Corporation's (ABC) Classic 100 Music in the Movies . </P> <P> The film is set in the 1740s and involves Spanish Jesuit priest Father Gabriel who enters the northeastern Argentina and western Paraguayan jungle to build a mission station and convert a Guaraní community to Christianity . The Guaraní are not initially receptive to Christianity or outsiders in general, and tie a priest to a wooden cross and send him over the Iguazu Falls . Father Gabriel travels to the falls, climbs to the top, and plays his oboe . The Guaraní warriors, captivated by the music, allow him to live . </P> <P> Mercenary and slaver Rodrigo Mendoza makes his living kidnapping natives such as the Guarani community and selling them to nearby plantations, including the plantation of the Spanish Governor Don Cabeza . After returning from another kidnapping trip Mendoza is told by his assumed fiancée, Carlotta, that she loves his younger half - brother Felipe . Mendoza later finds them in bed together and in a fit of rage kills Felipe in a duel . Although he is acquitted of the killing of Felipe, Mendoza spirals into depression . Father Gabriel visits and challenges Mendoza to undertake a suitable penance . Mendoza accompanies the Jesuits on their return journey, dragging a heavy bundle containing his armour and sword . After initially tense moments upon reaching the outskirts of the natives' territory, though they recognise him, the natives embrace a tearful Mendoza and cut away his heavy bundle . </P>

Where does the movie the mission take place