“Apocalypto” Directed by: Mel Gibson Starring: Rudy Youngblood, Dalia Hernandez, Jonathan Brewer, Carlos Emilio Baez, Morris Birdyellowhead Rated: R (for graphic violence, disturbing images) Running time: 137 minutes Best suited for: fans of “Braveheart,” or the violenceprone action thriller Least suited for: the squeamish

Mel might have his flaws, but don’t we all? And the guy can sure churn out one insanely great action thriller, which is my way of saying I’m sticking with the movie and leaving Mr. Gibson’s personal asides alone. Let’s just say that I wouldn’t want the tabloids getting ahold of my offhours either.

Which is also my way of saying that “Apocalypto” is a firstrate, edgeofyourseat, emotionally draining thriller. Rudy Youngblood plays Jaguar Paw, a peaceful Yucatan native (circa A.D. 1500) whose village happens to be within striking distance of the expanding, slave-trading Mayan empire. When Maya marauders strike without warning, Jaguar Paw ends up a captive, bound for an unknown, cruel and tragically short future.

“Apocalypto” comes pretty close to being a flawless film. However, there are a few details that potential viewers should note. While I don’t consider the violence gratuitous, “Apocalypto” is very bloody. (The film is no more brutal than “Saving Private Ryan,” praised by many Normandy vets for its visual accuracy. Few people complained.)

The Maya, despite their nifty advances with astrology, writing and architecture, are notorious for human sacrifice. Many historians suspect that captives were routinely offered to Mayan gods, butchered or beheaded and sometimes eaten. (No such meals are depicted in “Apocalypto.”)

Granted, other historians claim that these sacrifices were more voluntary than mandatory (an ancient honor rather than a punishment); however, speculation in this particular instance is meaningless. Accurate or not, the story comes down to one man’s interpretation of uncertain ceremonial practices.

Cinematically speaking, nothing instills terror more to a protagonist (or to an audience) than watching one’s friends lose a valuable commodity, then being marched up to the sacrificial altar as the next prayer. As a popcornchomper, “Apocalypto” is as terrifying and thrilling as they come. The Mayan people may or may not have used human blood like we use Evian, but they sure make one horrific Evil Empire.

The film is also subtitled. Personally, I find films in which Nazi storm troopers, invaders from Mars and prehistoric Man speak perfect English somewhat annoying, so for me, “Apocalypto” rings true. However, some folks don’t like to read their movies, so be aware. (Also take note that there’s not a great deal of talking involved, so you won’t get whiplash.)

Without treading too far into the plot, I will divulge that J.P. manages to avoid the chopping block—but he’s not out of the woods yet. Anyone familiar with Cornel Wilde’s terrific “The Naked Prey” (1966) will note certain similarities—but, hey, 40 years between similar plot devices is a decent lapse by Hollywood standards. And truthfully, “Apocalypto’s” timing and violent edginess are far superior.

I will tell you that my wife was disappointed that “Apocalypto” didn’t reach further into the cultural and spiritual essence of the Maya. For instance, the Mayan calendar ends in the year 2012 and some believe this is indicative of another apocalyptic uh-oh moment in the making. Personally, I think they probably just ran out of ink.

Still, for those of you expecting more of Mel’s metaphysical musings, you won’t find many. You could argue that the film represents one affluent society’s social decay affecting the meek, the innocent—but I think that’s a stretch. This one, plain and simple, is a gutwrenching, nonstop action thriller.

But speaking of apocalyptic moments, the film’s payoff is

both unexpectedly pleasing and brutally ironic—and, yes, utterly apocalyptic. So if you’re not aware of the ending yet, don’t go looking for spoilers. It’s worth the wait.

In a nutshell: Bloody and violent, “Apocalypto” is nevertheless a realistic, edge-of-your-seat ride into the ancient and savage Yucatan jungles. It may not be deep and meaningful, but it is a marvelously paced action thriller that, for stronger stomachs, is definitely worth viewing. For me, two hours has rarely passed so quickly.