The film says more about 1969 than 1530. You can't say you've seen a period piece just like this one. The film is based on a stage play, so perhaps Plummer's extremely bizarre characterization comes from there. The story of Pizarro vs. The Inca, and Pizarro's search for gold (c.f., Aguirre) are so compelling that the general theme survives even this flawed presentation. This is basically a true story, so not much liberty can be taken with the plot. I saw this film on its theatrical release in 1969, and had good memories of it. On second viewing 50-plus years later, it's more of a nostalgia piece.
Review of The Royal Hunt of the Sun
