"The Mission" - Did the Sound Design Subvert Expectations?

Okay, so I just re-watched "The Mission" and, goddamn, that film still hits hard. Morricone's score is obviously legendary, but I was really paying attention to the sound design this time around. It's subtler than you might think for a movie with waterfalls practically screaming at you. What struck me was its use (or actually, lack of use) during certain key moments of violence. Think about Mendoza's transformation. He lugs that armor up the falls, right? You expect some huge, cathartic orchestral swell, maybe even heightened sound effects. But instead, it's almost... muted. The natural sounds are there, but the impact of his struggle is more visual and internal. It creates this sense of almost unbearable weight, not just physical, but emotional. It’s all about the absence creating tension. I almost wonder if the director (Roland Joffé I think?) and the sound team didn't intentionally tone it down to avoid cliché Hollywood tropes. Another cool thing I noticed was the contrast in sonic landscapes. The dense, raw sounds of the jungle versus the more refined, structured sounds within the mission itself – organs, hymns, etc. It’s a constant reminder of the clash of cultures and ideologies at play. And then the almost complete silence during the final battle… chilling! It completely throws off your expectations. Instead of a big, dramatic battle score building up a frenzy, you hear the stark reality of musket fire and panicked screams. It makes the whole thing seem utterly pointless and devastating. Honestly, I think the sound design's understated brilliance is what elevates the film beyond just a visually stunning period piece. It adds layers of subtext and emotional depth that you might totally miss if you're just focused on the visuals or the music. What do you guys think? Am I overthinking it, or did anyone else pick up on this?