Mel Gibson defends 'Apocalypto'

Mel Gibson has publicly defended his new film Apocalypto over claims that it misrepresents its Mayan subjects.

At a screening in Mexico City, the director rejected claims that the film depicts the people as bloodthirsty savages.

According to the BBC he bluntly told the audience: "Those who criticise the film should do their homework. I did."

Set in the final days of the Mayan civilisation, which dominated Central America between 250 and 900 AD, Apocalypto features brutal scenes of human sacrifice.

However, despite the criticisms that the film has received from various sources it has been a box office success in both the US and the UK, and was nominated for a Golden Globe in the foreign language film category.