The Acura tribe, one of the most complex of Indian tribes, lives in the jungles of Ecuador. Now known as Waodani, its members practice the art of deception and kindness. They even resort to killing their own people and burning their children alive when feeling threatened. "Spear or be speared to death," is their motto. Beyond the Gates of Splendor deals with their killing of five missionaries and the aftermath of this action.  

In 1956, five young men (Jim Elliot, Roger Youderian, Nate Saint, Ed McCully and Pete Fleming) were sent into the jungles of Ecuador to spread Christianity. Thinking they had made progress because of gifts received from the tribe, the missonaries got closer to the Indians and found them friendly, engaging and hospitable. However, it was all an act to size up the missionaries and to plot an attack for the next day. The missionaries were speared to death January 8, 1956. An article in Life Magazine told of this tragedy and brought national attention to the tribe.

Elizabeth Elliot, widow of Jim Elliot, and Nate Saint’s sister Rachel went back to the tribe two years later. They made an attempt to spread the word of God again and to teach forgiveness for even the worst thinkable act, hoping their efforts would make the Indians less suspect of others, whether foreigners or tribe members. After the pair arrived, the tribe gravitated toward change and the tribal homicide rate dropped significantly. 

Nearly forty years after his father's death and his mother's visit to the Waodani tribe, Steve Saint went back to the jungle where his father was killed. Looking for answers to old questions plaguing him since childhood, he lived with the tribe and discovered more than murder connecting everyone to him. In the end, the bond these people share is quite interesting. 

The lengths the filmmakers go to tell a well-balanced story here make this documentary something special. They actually visit the jungle, track down the Indians responsible, and let them speak candidly into the camera while interviewing them about the brutality. We learn firsthand how the tribe has evolved from being stuck in the Stone Age, and we see their progress up to the 21st century.

Director Jim Hanon combines these unusual interviews with amateur film footage and riveting storytelling to create a fascinating and powerful documentary, one that should be required viewing in all high school history classes.

(Released by Fox Home Entertainment and rated "PG-13" for some violent material and thematic elements.)