When an explorer tries to drive a wedge between politics and religion, it can only spell one thing: Ridley Scott’s 1492: Conquest of Paradise. This exciting film looks at the journey of Christopher Columbus (Gerard Depardieu), the navigator who dared to dream. He was viewed by some as a visionary and others as a heretic. To fully understand the implications of this, you need only look at an early scene in which a woman burns at the stake for believing in things that were against the status quo. It’s a harrowing introduction from Scott. This director could make a claim for being the Rembrandt of the movies. He boasts an eye for detail as well as a heart for light.

Composer Vangelis throws mega forces at the frame -- some a little too heavy but the majority capitalise on the emotions of the viewer. As evidence, simply judge the bell-raising sequence. Some critics say that synthesizers produce a cold, metallic sound, unable to move the listener. Vangelis proves them all wrong. The deeply felt chords are given added rush and purpose through serious investigation of the musical scale.

Witnessing Depardieu’s overwhelming relief about finding land after a long journey feels like the most extraordinary moment. It’s where Scott approaches his most lyrical as a visual storyteller.

With 1492, we get a rare sense of unity between content and style. The cast strongly evoke feelings of suitability. Armand Assante conducts himself with excellence playing Sanchez, emissary to Queen Isabella of Spain (Sigourney Weaver). Apart from acting, Depardieu shows dexterity at fencing of all things. His girlfriend in the picture, played by Angela Molina, has the beauty of a young Anne Bancroft.

Overall, 1492 completes a journey first undertaken 500 years before it. Columbus may have secured his place in the history books, but Scott supports his legacy on a strong cinematic level. It’s a story of paradise lost and found, of seeing a dream in the mist and feeling so close to it your very soul moves with ecstasy.

(Released by Paramount and rated "PG-13" by MPAA.)