The Mission is a 1986 film which tells the story of a Spanish Jesuit priest who goes into the South American jungle to convert the Native Americans, who must defend his charges against the cruelty of Portuguese colonials. It stars Robert De Niro, Jeremy Irons, Ray McAnally, Aidan Quinn, Cherie Lunghi and Liam Neeson.

The movie was written by Robert Bolt and directed by Roland Joffé.

It won the Academy Award for Best Cinematography, and was nominated for Best Art Direction-Set Decoration, Best Costume Design, Best Director, Best Film Editing, Best Music, Original Score and Best Picture.

The film won the 1986 Palme d'Or (Golden Palm) at the Cannes Film Festival.


For the band known as the Mission in the UK, see Mission UK, which is the name they recorded under in the US.


The Mission is also the name of a neighborhood in San Francisco, California, built around the 6th California mission, the Mission San Francisco de Asis. The geographic limits of The Mission go from Division Ave to the north, to Cesar Chavez Street (formerly Army Street) to the south, and from Potrero Ave to the east, to Dolores Street to the west. Mission Street runs north-south through the neighborhood.

The Mission is home to some the best and most varied restaurants. Previously known mostly for its Taquerias and Mexican restaurants, it now has some of the best restaurants in the world.

The microclimates of San Francisco creates a system by which each neighborhood has radically different weather. The Mission is known for its usually warm and sunny weather.

The neighborhood is serviced by BART subway to the 16th Street or the 24th Street stops, and by Muni bus numbers 26, 12, 14, 49, 48, 33, 22 and 27.

Highlights of The Mission

  • Murals inspired by the traditional Mexican paintings made famous by Diego Rivera at 24th street and Balmy Avenue.
  • Dolores Park, around the north-west corner
  • Nightlife centers around the 16th and Valencia Ave intersection
  • The Roxie (on 16th) is the only remaining neighborhood movie theatre.