Reviews (2)

One of Disney's best
This is still a classic film! Fun fun fun and great songs to boot! Baloo is the friend you wish you'd had as a kid! And Baghera is the protector we all needed. A wonderful escape, fun for all ages!!! Don't hesitate here.

A great Disney classic
The jungle book is about a human boy named Mowgli who is raised by a pack of wolves in the jungle, until it is decided that he can't stay in the jungle anymore. Bagheera has problems getting Mowgli back to the man village, because Mowgli dosen't want to leave the jungle. Then Mowgli meets baloo the bear. After an encounter with the mad King Louie of the apes, and pressed to return to the man village by Baloo and Bagheera, Mowgli runs away. Later on, Mowgli meets Shere Khan, the tiger. I can't tell you what happens at the end, you'll have to see for yourself. Unfortunately, halfway through the production of the jungle book, Walt Disney died. If you want more jungle fun, be sure to check out The Jungle book 2. ... Read more

Reviews (64)

A good movie with even better music
Mowgli was raised by wolves and now he's growing up in the jungle. He's been in the jungle all his life, so he doesn't know what it's like to even be around another person. But it's not as bad as it sounds, Mowgli has tons of great friends such as the hilarious Baloo the bear. But he also has a few enemies, mainly a gruesome tiger named Shere Khan, who doesn't like humans at all. It's up to Mowgli to survive in the wilderness, and with the aid of his friends, he'll have a good chance of not having to worry about Shere Khan. But will Mowgli ever find out what it's like to be around other people?

"The Jungle Book" is a good movie. It has good animation, it's entertaining with the animated drama and the hilarious antics of Baloo, and it has some of the best songs out of any of the Disney movies, such as "Bear Necessities." I recommend anybody who likes animated movies to take a walk in the jungle and give "The Jungle Book" a chance.

It's just a bare necessity!
The feature-length cartoons Disney continues to produce are fine films, but nowhere near as good as classics like The Jungle Book. Unburdened by the modern-day Disney habit of giving every film a heavy family-friendly moral message, the Jungle Book is just 100% pure fun, with a cool hero (Mowgli), entertaining friends (especially the bear Baloo) and some great villainous characters (most memorably Shere Khan the tiger). This movie was made years before Phil Collins or Elton John were drafted in as cartoon soundtrack composers, and the songs are just awesome - "The Bare Necessities", "I Wanna Be Like You" and Kaa the snake's hissed encouragement to "Trust in Me". Get this DVD while you can!

Contrasting review
I know how many people gave five star reviews on here. Mine is not a five star review. I am giving you my straight opinion on this movie.

One, I don't think this movie is fit for family viewing. Adults will not find it interesting or entertaining, and it hardly serves any purpose in teaching moral lessons to children. Two, this cartoon almost borders on animated pedophilia. It just looks sick and wrong, really, with this older, scary bear taking this young innocent away and teaching him his "bear ways."

This is not charming entertainment. This is a pain. If you want a charming, older Disney movie you should check out their animated version of Robin Hood. The music in Robin Hood is far better as well. I have always disliked "The Jungle Book."

To Run with the Wolves: A Girlhood Dream
I'm a little kid, don't remember exactly how old, elementary school age. My teenage cousin promises to take me to see *The Jungle Book*. She falls asleep. Minutes are ticking down to show time. I poke at her but she snoozes on. Elders tell me to leave her alone. I stand over her and glare, using my powers of mind control to will her awake. It works!

I was just desperate to see this movie. I loved all the Disney animals stories and *The Jungle Book* turned out to be my favorite. The lively songs, lush animation, compelling characters, and strong storyline left quite an impression on me. Can never forget the loving and gentle Bagheera, that kooky monkey, and Baloo, Baloo the lovable bear. Ooh, and that sinister Shere Khan striking fear in the hearts of all and the slithering sneaky snake always up to no good. The voices used are wonderful and fit the characters to perfection. I was in heaven, and it has stood the test of time by remaining one of my favorite animated films.

I just wanted so badly, just longed to be a girl version of Mowgli. Raised by wolves, living wild and free in the jungle, playing with the bears and apes. Climbing trees and swinging from vines. Yep, that was the life for me. I sobbed at the end, crying: No, Mowgli, don't leave your animal friends behind and live with people. You are making a big mistake! Would he return to his original home? I wondered, why of course he would!

As an adult, I understand Mowgli's decision to join the village and live with his own kind. The girl in me, though, still doesn't get it and yearns to run free.

jungle book
jungle book is an enjoyable and funny film it is wonderful for children and i thought it was good as well. ... Read more

Amazon.com

After viewing Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, Edgar Rice Burroughs wrote to Walt Disney about adapting his novel of an ape-man into a feature animated cartoon. Sixtysome years later, the tale is finally told with brilliant design work that looks unlike any previous animated film. The story is a natural for Disney since the themes of misunderstood central figures have been at the heart of its recent hits. Disney's Tarzan doesn't wander far from the familiar story of a shipwrecked baby who is brought up by apes in Africa. What gives the film its zing is its clever use of music (the songs are sung by Phil Collins himself rather than onscreen characters) and the remarkable animation. Deep Canvas, a 3-D technology, was developed for the film, creating a jungle that comes alive as Tarzan swings through the trees, often looking like a modern skateboarder racing down giant tree limbs. The usual foray of sidekicks, including a rambunctious ape voiced by Rosie O'Donnell, should keep the little ones aptly entertained. The two lead voices, Tony Goldwyn as Tarzan and Minnie Driver as Jane, are inspired choices. Their chemistry helps the story through the weakest points (the last third) and makes Tarzan's initial connection with all things human (including Jane) delicious entertainment. Disney still is not taking risks in its animated films, but as cookie-cutter entertainment, Tarzan makes a pretty good treat. (Ages 5 and up) --Doug Thomas ... Read more

Reviews (300)

Better than average Disney
Looks like Disney is trying improve on the standard Disney animation with Tarzan. The animation quality is excellent! DVD on a large screen TV is the best way to experience the results of the technology Disney developed to make this movie. Parents will appreciate the animation quality which in turn enhances the story and kids will simply like the animation because it's cool!

The story follows the traditional Disney story line, but places a greater focus on positive messages(family, loyalty, respect and acceptance). As a result, this sets Tarzan a part from the standard Disney story line(exception Mulan).

With the exception of Jane, Disney did a good job in matching actors to the characters. Unfortunately, Mimie Driver's voice and lines seemed to be out of place with her Jane Porter character. Maybe its all those Johnny Weismuller Tarzan movies I watched as kid.

As with all Disney animation, music plays a major role. The scores written and sung by Phil Collins are excellent! However, there is one musical score(Trashin the Camp) which seems to be out of place in both the story line and music.

Overall, this is a better than average Disney feature that hopefully is an indication of things to come for future Disney animation features.

Excellent animation, music, songs and story
Despite the inevitable "Disney formular", it is a great animation achievement. Let's face it, you can't expect Disney to really break away from their formula without the parents with young kids screaming murder. Within the confine of the formula, I think Disney did a marvelous job in entertaining the adults as well as the young tots. So stop being a purist and just enjoy a great animation feast.

Tarzan is definitely one of the most "live-like" animation characters in history. The story is rushed at times, and the comic side-kicks can be distracting, and even annoying. But overall it is a powerful story, with powerful emotions and conflicts, great action, and very very touching. The scene with Tarzan and his ape mother brought me to tears, and I am a 30-something guy. The relationship between Tarzan and Jane is sexy and yet innocent, romantic and yet realistic.

As for the violence... Oh come on! I think Disney did a great job portraying violence in real life (but not excessive) without being encouraging or offensive. Death? Disney animation has always dealt with death and violence, starting from Snow White -- remember the Queen and her immenent death? How about Bambi's mother? How about the hundreds of Huns and Chinese soldiers who died in Mulan? Oh, at the end, Tarzan did not throw Clayton off a tall tree... watch carefully. Clayton was trying to get to Tarzan but Tarzan noticed the danger, and he was actually trying to save Clayton! Clayton did himself in because he was too obsessed. There's a lesson to be learn here. So I think the violence in Tarzan is very well done and serves as education... it is not at all gratuitous. I suggest parents discuss it with their young children.

One gripe about the DVD though. I totally agree with other reviewers about the annoying previews and ads. It's a totally unnecessary marketing ploy and will only alienate their customers.

*****Wow!******
This is a great movie but its the kind that you can get a little tired of after a while. I didn't really care for Minnie Driver's voice for Jane Porter; it didn't fit somehow. And while the music in Trashin' the camp was differant from the rest of the soundtrack,it was refreshing and I thought it fit perfectly with the destruction of the camp.
Phil Collins did a superb job with the music. I got goosebumps on several parts,he's that good. His singing voice just seems to fit with the wild jungle setting. All in all,a good movie.

AWESOME MOVIE!!!!!!!!!!
i am a disney movie collector and tarzan is one of my favorites among the disney collection.great animation great story.this movie is a must to get!!!!

Anyone else notice....
....the shadow of the dead body hanging in the noose?! Probably not....most folks set their kiddos in front of a Disney movie hoping for some quiet time. Do the world a favor: toss the movies, better yet, toss the TV and read a book with your children! ... Read more

Reviews (14)

TARZAN AND HIS MATE is SPECTACULAR!
Johnny Weissmuller was the king of movie Tarzans to the generation of the 30's who wore the loincloth for nearly 2 decades. In my opinion he's one of the best but the ultimate Tarzan is MIKE HENRY the last of the classic movie Tarzans in the late 60's though he only did 3 movies before not wanting the role any longer, only one of Henry's movies is really good, another fair, his last the weakest. THIS Weissmuller Tarzan movie is one of the only GREAT films in the whole run since the silent films up to the present! TONS OF ACTION to satisfy by today's standards. One of only two or 3 Weissmuller movies where Tarzan and Jane sport the more true to the books skimpy animal skins. In an age when seeing wild animals on theatre screens was thrilling, this movie SOCKS IT TO YOU! Weissmuller shows you why he was the lord of the jungle. If you're an adventure movie buff or like super heroes, you hav'nt seen it all without seeing this movie!

Good Tarzan movie with adult overtones.
This film is considered by many to be the finest of the Johnny Weissmuller MGM Tarzan movies. It's a crackling good adventure story that is a real roller coaster ride. The African jungle, considering the B&W photography and primitive special effects, is vividly portrayed as a savage place indeed. Wild animals abound: charging rhinos, stampeding elephants, lions with an attitude, and a tribe of fearsome great apes. An annoyance for Tarzan purists is the portrayal of Tarzan as a hulking brute that only speaks in halting, broken sentences. The character written of by Edgar Rice Burroughs is an intelligent white ape that is fluent in several languages, including native dialects and the animal "language" of the great apes. The Tarzan yell is overdone in this movie, too. Depending on the viewer's tolerance level, it may start to grate as chalk on a chalkboard, especially when Jane (Maureen O'Sullivan) gets in the act with her combination soprano Swiss yodel and the familiar "ape call." Again, ERB's Tarzan only gave this fierce victory cry as he stood bloodied and dirty over a vanquished foe, animal or otherwise. In personal combat, Tarzan reverts to his primitive self and truly becomes a denizen of the forest primeval.

This film stresses the marriage relationship of Tarzan and Jane more than subsequent entries in the Tarzan series. The sex is implied, of course, but one can easily infer that the jungle couple is not celibate. The costumes (especially Jane's) are very revealing for the time period in which the movie was made. There is a riveting "nude" swimming scene that is a wonderful erotic interlude. This segment had been censored for years, but is included in the restored version. The plot involves two wordly white men (including Jane's old friend) that show up to entice Jane away from Tarzan, and to desecrate the elephant graveyard for the valuable ivory. Tarzan takes a dim view of these unfriendly intentions. Lurking in the brush there are fierce savages that stalk the safari. Just when things can't get any worse, the natives openly attack the safari, kill the porters, murder the two white men stealing the ivory, and, as Jane is about to be devoured by lions, well, you get the idea. Before anyone dismisses this movie as a typically trite Tarzan movie, it's fair to mention this was only the second film in the MGM series and it set the pattern for much that followed. The fast pace of the story, the almost nonstop action, the sexual overtones, and the primitive setting all make this an entertaining jungle adventure film. Don't expect subtleties of plot and character development, and you will be pleased.

The Best of the Best !
I'll make this short: After King Kong was made (my father saw it 54 times while working as a stage hand at the Hippodrome Theather in Baltimore City back in '33)MGM knew that they had to come up with a picture that would top the mighty Kong-and guess what-they did! Tarzan and His Mate is not only the Greastest of the Weissmuller films but I do believe it is about one of the Best Movies of all times! Real animals,the most real lifelike natives ever filmed (even the Gabonie Natives were enough to freak you out). Great lines like "Who did this? Gabonie Barrona, arrow always hear wit Gabonie" while the lead boy is pointing to his forehead ! Enough said, this is the best it gets do yourself a favor and pick this one up. "ENJOY"

Classic Tarzan adventure is the grandest of them all
This 1934 MGM release is the crown jewel in Edgar Rice Burroughs' screen adventures of Tarzan and is the film against which all other Tarzan movies are measured. Johnny Weissmuller is perfect as the socially backward ape man who knows all there is to know about the jungle's dark interior and its animals. Maureen O'Sullivan is just the right compliment as Jane who eschews the comforts and advantages of civilization to spend her life with Tarzan and Cheetah. A safari of ivory hunters braves warlike natives and a treacherous plateau to find an elephant graveyard to secure the ivory tusks that would guarantee great wealth in English society. Jane has a an extended nude swim with Tarzan that viewers are privileged to see and there is a ferocious and determined attack by savage warriors and lions on the safari that is blunted only by Tarzan's call to the elephants that saves the day in the nick of time.

this is more like it!
let me cut to the quick... easily the best tarzan movie ever made,the first fifteen minutes delivers as much fabulous over the top violence as you could wish for,arrows in the face,and giant crazy rock throwing gorillas are two highlights,naked Jane and an awesome rubber croc....if this movie was remade today,uncut,it would recieve an R rating,no problem. all in all top notch entertainment....where is the DVD? ... Read more

Reviews (113)

You Have Two Options: Option A- Go See The Rundown.
Option B- I MAKE YOU go see The Rundown.

The Rundown marks the arrival of Dwayne Johnson, A.K.A. "The Rock" as a bona-fide movie star. As Beck, a "Retrieval Expert" who longs for a simpler life as a chef, he displays for the first time on film the humor and charisma that won him "Millions....and MILLIONS!" of fans in the WWE. Dispatced to the South American town of El Dorado (Called Hell Dorado by the locals) to fetch Travis Walker (Seann William Scott), the wayward son of his shady boss, Beck gets more than he bargained for. He finds Travis easily enough, but getting him home might pose more of a problem. Not only does Travis not WANT to go home, but local land baron Hatcher (The hilariously nutty Christopher Walken, at his eye-popping best here) won't LET him go...At least not until Travis finds a mythical golden idol for him. The Rock vs. an army of gun-toting slave-drivers......Place your bets!

As I said earlier, The Rock is awesome in his role, bringing a mix of self-effacing humor and quiet strength to the mix, balancing out the potentially irritating Scott's whiny character. Walken is, as always, a joy to watch. His diatribe about The Tooth Fairy is worth the price of admission alone, and hearing him say "Oompa-Loompa" is sure to go down in history as one of my all-time favorite movie lines. Director Peter Berg shows himself to be equally comfortable with comedy and action; He keeps the film moving along at a brisk pace, and the action scenes are simply stunning- Not only are the fights choreographed beautifully, but the action is easy to follow, with none of the choppy editing and shaky photography that has ruined many an action movie.

The Rundown is just what it portrays itself as: A fun buddy picture. I had a blast, and so did everyone else in the theater. If you're in the mood for action, The Rundown is a sure bet. If you smell what I'm cookin'.....

3 Notable Comic Performances. Otherwise Mediocre at Best.
A "retrieval expert" named Beck (The Rock) travels to Brazil to find Travis Walker (Seann William Scott), the errant son of an American gangster, and bring him back to his father in Los Angeles. Once in Brazil, Beck finds that Travis is beholden to a man named Hatcher (Christopher Walken), the megalomaniacal owner of a huge gold-mining operation. He becomes embroiled in a race to find an ancient treasure hidden in the jungle that is sought by Travis, Hatcher, and the local tribespeople who want to free themselves from Hatcher's mines.

"The Rundown" is a comic action adventure movie. It has a silly plot and acrobatic fight sequences that are more preposterous than anything from The Rock's pro wrestling career. But if you can get past that, "The Rundown" features 3 good comic performances that are the backbone of this film. The Rock is often compared to Arnold Schwarzenegger and Sylvester Stallone, but he's a lot funnier. And whereas Schwarzenegger and Stallone are known for their stoic countenances, The Rock has an unusually expressive face, which he puts to good comic use here. Pro wrestling fans may like Beck's fight sequences, but a wider audience will enjoy his comic scenes. Seann William Scott once again proves that he's an actor who will do anything for a laugh as Travis, a kooky would-be archeologist. And Christopher Walken's deadpan delivery of Hatcher's ruthless, preposterously funny lines is priceless. These three actors are the only thing that makes "The Rundown" watchable. But if you're a fan of The Rock, Walken, or Scott, this might be worth seeing. It's no surprise that The Rock is a competent action star, but even a mediocre film like "The Rundown" shows him to be a very charismatic screen presence with a good deal of comic talent. Better script next time, hopefully.

The DVD: This is a nice package for a single disc. Bonus features include 2 audio commentaries, 6 featurettes, deleted scenes, a DVD-ROM (Windows only), and bios for cast and crew. One audio commentary is by director Peter Berg and The Rock. The other is by producers Kevin Misher and Marc Abraham. The featurettes: "Rumble in the Jungle" is a documentary about the film's fight scenes. "The Amazon, Hawaii Style" is about re-creating and filming the Brazilian jungle in Hawaii and features a lot of mutual comic criticism by The Rock and Seann William Scott. "Appetite for Destruction" is about the film's special effects. "The Rundown Uncensored" is a faux (spoof) documentary about The Rock's illicit onset relationship with the film's baboon star, Camilla. "Running Down the Town" is about the creation, in California, of the small Brazilian rain forest town where the film takes place, narrated by production designer Thomas Duffield. "Walken's World" is about the Hatcher character and his domain. All featurettes include interviews with the film's stars and director Peter Berg. Looking for a simple making-of documentary? Try "Rumble in the Jungle". Like the film's humor, particularly in the style of Seann William Scott? Try "The Amazon, Hawaii Style" and "The Rundown Uncensored". "Running Down the Town" is impressive, if you're interested in production design. The disc has 3 unavoidable previews before the film. Subtitles are available in Spanish and French, and captioning is available in English. Dubbing is available in Spanish and French.

Amusing In Spots
Whereas The Rundown did not live up to my expectations, it did have some good moments. The Rock(Dwayne Johnson) does add some charisma to the screen with his glib style. Sean William Scott and Christopher Walken are fine in supporting roles.

However the story line is really nothing special. It certainly lacks depth and basically was written as a vehicle for The Rock to show if his wrestling moves and stunt man abilities. There are other action thrillers that succede on both levels(story and action). Just check out anything by Denzel Washington or even Arnold Schwartzenegger.

The Rundown does feature some comedic moments and some good action scenes. However, the story is middle of the road at best.

Fun movie
I really enjoyed this movie. It was both an action adventure as well as having many funny lines. I would recommend this for anyone who wants to have an enjoyable evening in front of the television.

The Rock is Awesome
This is such a good movie. You will laugh you butt off. Seann William Scott is great in this movie. You will see a side of the Rock you never knew existed and will love it. A must see!! ... Read more

Amazon.com

"Me beefcake. You bossy." That kind of sums up the dynamics of 1932's Tarzan, the Ape Man, which stars an incredibly hulking Johnny Weissmuller as Tarzan and Maureen O'Sullivan as the gorgeous accidental feminist who finds true love with you-know-who in the jungle. Some of the footage in the first Tarzan talkie is comically dated--scenes of the British adventurers seem superimposed over stock footage of tribesmen and African vistas. But the action is swift and often unexpectedly hiply humorous. When Jane spots Tarzan watching her undress to bathe in the river, she says, "I wish you'd knock before you'd enter my boudoir." And it's hysterical how she wraps every man in the film around her finger. A romantic's trip through 20th-century popular culture would be incomplete without first-hand viewing of Tarzan capturing Jane, then swinging from tree to tree. The smoldering looks the man raised by apes exchanges with the cultured Brit? Animal attraction defined. --Valerie J. Nelson ... Read more

Reviews (10)

Johnny Weismuller, the Best Tarzan!
The roar of lions. The trumpet of elephants. The grunting of the huge men in monkey suits. Best of all the sound of a 1932 Hollywood sound track of Tarzan's yell! I must add that Johnny Weismuller as Tarzan doesn't hurt the film at all! I found the movie fascinating. Maureen O'Sullivan plays a strong Jane, a woman who is years before her time. A woman at the end of the movie stands by her man. Comparing it to todays movies with millions of dollars price tag, and with huge special effects, this 1932 movie was really refreshing. This movie shows us how Tarzan and Jane first met (with a small mention of ivory hunter, and lethal pygmies!). Even though not one kiss is shown (horrors! ) you finish the movie thinking "how did the sexual inuendos get past the early censors?" Yes, you can tell that the Tarzan wrestling one lion suddenly gained about 30 pounds and is wearing a horrible wig. You can tell that the stampede of the zebra is on a background film. However,you may find yourself(being a romantic wont hurt)rewinding the film to watch it again! This movie is refreshing when you consider todays movies with all the overt violence, sexual scenes, and obsenities (it doesn't hurt when the leading man can only say "Tarzan...Jane"). I recommend it.

the best
I watched this film when I was a kid, I was born in 1950, and I loved it then. It has not lost any of it's charm over the years. Is it corny? I don't think so, go watch the one with Bo in it. Johnny and Maureen do an excellent job, he may be a jungle man but is still a gentleman, and who could not help but to fall in love with Jane. This is a excellent movie concidering when it was made.

A true classic! Let's hope for a DVD soon!
Olympic Swimming Champion Johnny Weissmuller portrays probably the most "classic" Tarzan to date, in this wonderful 1932 film that, despite its age, is incredibly entertaining even now! The lovely and modern Jane Parker has come to Africa to spend time with her father, James Parker, a trader who is preoccupied with the idea of finding a legendary elephant graveyard and the ivory riches it would hold. Along with James' partner, Harry, who has his heart set on winning Jane, the father and daughter embark on an expedition into the African Jungle to search for the sacred place. Within the jungle, they encounter natives that give them the impression that they are on the right track. However, they also encounter something rather strange, a wild man raised by chimpanzees! The wild man immediately kidnaps the lovely Jane, and in time they grow quite attached to each other. Tarzan is completely fascinated with this female that looks so much better than an ape-girl, and Jane is in complete bliss to have found a hunky brute who is obsessed with her and understands nothing she says. But their romance is interrupted when Jane, Harry, and her father are taken prisoner by Pygmies, and it's up to Tarzan to save them, with a little help from his best friend Cheetah, the chimp. Tarzan, the Ape Man is full of classic adventure, danger, humor, and fun, like only a 1930's classic can provide. The film gets a bit violent and racy for its era, and there are definitely some surprising moments. It's amusing to see how, in some scenes, the actors pretend to interact with natives that are really just stock footage running on a screen behind them. It's also fascinating to see dwarfs in black make-up, pretending to be pygmies, and live-elephants with fake ears to make them appear African. There are several funny things to point out in this movie. I watched this the other night on cable with my dad, who saw the film in the theater in his youth, and was amused to hear him say several times, somewhat embarrassed, "They fooled us all with that when we were kids!"

Superb
For a 1930's movie I was very impressed. They just don't make them like they used to. My 6 yr old loved it and wants the rest of the Tarzan movies. It was quite graphic for the era. Good action for kids

The paramount Tarzan was Johnny Weissmuller
Weissmuller was the best of the loincloth-clad men of bravery, action and courage. This particular film is a testament to that. The engaging script has Tarzan jumping into action in an emotionally charged performance. This is one of the best Tarzan action and adventure tales. The villains once again meet their match, but its tough going. It contains discriminating effects and exquisite photography unusual from the other films in the series. Weissmuller was always the consummate professional gives one of his better performances here. Good jungle atmosphere created by brilliant set design makes a big difference from the others. ... Read more

Description

Harrison Ford gives one of his most powerful portrayals as an obsessive inventor whose dream of creating a jungle paradise erodes into a survival-of-the-fittest nightmare.Year: 1986 Director: Peter Weir Starring: Harrison Ford, Helen Mirren, River Phoenix ... Read more

Reviews (40)

Harrison Ford's best work
Peter Weir's under appreciated masterpiece draws a striking comparison between religious zealotry and the utopian fantasies of technological imperialism. The smarmy Reverend Spellgood heads south into Central America to spread the Christian faith. Paranoid inventor Allie Fox does likewise, but his mission is somewhat different though no less religious in its intensity - he wants to bring ice, and by his logic 'civilization', to the locals. Both men are 'missionaries', both equally blind to the personal and social costs of the 'salvation' they bring. The cast is universally excellent. Helen Mirren is flawless as the devoted but cautious mother, and River Phoenix really impresses as the coming-of-age son through whose eyes the story unfolds. But Ford is absolutely perfect as the father. This was truly inspired casting, as it uses our latent feelings for the actor to put us in precisely the same position as his on-screen family: we want to love him - this quintessentially paternal hero - despite his destructive obsession. But in the end we have to accept that he gets exactly what he deserves. I'm surprised Ford doesn't seek out more roles like this one, rather than settling for repetitive action fare or trying to reinvent himself as Bogart. Adapted with considerable skill by Paul Schrader from an exquisite novel by Paul Theroux, this film is a rare find: a powerful, gripping, moving story with something important to say.

No Buzz for the Mosquito Coast.
After reading several reviews, the consensus is that the movie MOSQUITO COAST strays far from its original source..the book from which it is based upon. It seems those who are familiar with the book hate this movie and there is a hate it or love it attitude towards this film. With that aside,Harrison Ford gives one of his best performances as Allie Fox, a crackpot inventor disillusioned with society, particularly the American landscape. He moves his family to the rain forests of Central America to create a utopia so he can live in peace and build a ice-making machine (which he thinks would be the central core of his vision). Things are fine in the beginning, but Allie becomes obsessive and egotistical, and his family begins to become disillusioned by the whole concept. In this viewers opinion the movie is great for the first three quarters as Allie's ideas and dreams come to fruitition. He seems a little unstable, but his dreams are coming together. Then,the final phase of the film echoes the sentiments from an episode of the Twilight Zone called "Elegy" where in the final scene of this classic story, a character (an android named Mr. Wickwire) says "...because you are men, and you are here. And where there are men, there can be no peace!"; the results are almost identical in both stories. This is where the movie falls and where it will turn off most audiences. This is a tour de force acting vehicle for Ford, but the story, plot and somewhat downbeat ending will alienate audiences especially those who are used to seeing Ford playing strong and heroic characters. Good all around support cast with Hellen Mirren (CALIGULA),and the late great River Pheonix (STAND BY ME) who plays Charlie, Allie's(Ford) son. (Pheonix went on to play a young Indiana Jones in a flashback sequence in THE LAST CRUSADE; perhaps because of this role of playing the son of Ford's character.)

Book Expertly Brought To Life
Striking locations, solid acting, and fidelity to the original story make this an excellent film. In contrast to what has been written in certain other reviews, this is exactly the way in which a book should be brought to life on the silver screen.

To wit- much of the dialogue used in the film has been lifted directly from the book. The storyline follows the novel with nearly exact precision. Sure, some of the detail gets left out, but it's impossible to make a feature-length film from a full-length novel without losing some of the subleties. If they're that important to you, skip the movie and stick to the book.

Secondly, Harrison Ford's preformance as the self-destructive genius Allie Fox is beyond question. Author Paul Theroux was among Ford's biggest fans, once quoted as saying "He IS Allie Fox." Ford took the role after Jack Nicholson turned it down, and this is likely for the best - his performance, superlatives aside, is in fact Oscar-worthy. The rest of the cast offers standout performances - especially noteworthy are Helen Mirren and the late River Phoenix, as Mother and Charlie respectively.

Perhaps this film's biggest detriment is the story itself - the psychologically dark plot can be as off-putting as it is fascinating.

This film should be viewed for what it is - an excellent film version of the book and a fascinating, dark tale of self-destruction. Fans of Harrison Ford's lighter action films might not enjoy the movie because of the dark plot. This movie, however, was never intended to please all of the people all of the time; keeping that in mind, this is an excellent film.

Slow
This is a slow starter and finisher, but it has many powerful scenes and a great cast. Filmed in Beliz, it takes me back to jungle memories.

This is an unusual, yet successful, role for Harrison Ford.
Reviews are only subjective.

Ford as Allie Fox is an inventor, a genius, a man too smart for the world around him. He is a mechanical engineer who takes his family to Central America in search of Utopia, as he defines it. Of course, his family does not want to leave behind civilization and all of the comforts that home brings, but no one can resist his will. Perhaps that and his abrasive irritating manner are aspects of his insanity.

He does not expect to find another zealot, particularly in the form of Reverend Spellgood (Andre Gregory) who has determined to bring Christianity to the natives. Fox's goal is to bring his definition of civilization. The conflict and comparison between two very strong characters is part of what makes Paul Theroux's story work

River Phoenix as Charlie, the son who comes of age, and through whose eyes we see this story, is brilliant. Helen Mirrin, recently of 'Calendar Girls,' is stunning; her portrayal of a woman in love with her family, wanting to support her husband, yet protect her family is touching. John Seale's, directory of photography, work is outstanding, and reminds me of other fascinating movies brought to life by the careful use of lights, shadows, and lush, verdant scenery.

Ford's portrayal of the disintegration of a brilliant man, inventor, know-it-all, family despot is compelling, but gets lost in the slow, tedious complexities of a long journey - both mentally and the one his family travels. Yet, it has been almost twenty years since I saw the theatrical release, and I remember this film. I still think about it, wonder about motives and actions - and that is what makes this an excellent film, in my opinion.

This is one of the most difficult films to rate because it was overly long and somewhat wearisome, but it is also powerful. However, when actors, a story, and cinematography linger in my imagination and analysis processes since 1986, I must give it five stars. I know that some people will be bored because it is slow, but I will watch it many times to enjoy the nuances.

Victoria Tarrani ... Read more

Reviews (6)

Great Treasure
As most Tarzan movies with Johnny Weismueller, this one is great fun. Tarzan, Jane, and Boy once again face danger from outside forces and protect a secret gold treasure hidden in the jungle. The supporting cast including Reginald Owen is great. The group that confronts Boy are a good mix of good to evil. Even though there is a fair amount of stock footage in the movie, it is still a treat. Most kids even today find these movies fun to watch. Considering the great books by Edgar Rice Burroughs it is no surprise. Even though the movies are loosely based on the stories, they carry enough of his idea of adventure into them to make them entertaining. I look forward to this movie being released in a set on DVD June 8th,2004. I hope most of you will join me in buying the Tarzan DVD set. As one other reviewer indicated they wanted to get "Tarzan and the Leopard Women" and "Tarzan's Desert Mystery" on VHS. I too hope those will become available on DVD as well. They are fun to watch as well. I especially like "Tarzan's Desert Mystery".

Boy find gold. Boy and Jane captured. Tarzan find. Rescue.
The 1941 film "Tarzan's Secret Treasure" is the fifth of the twelve Tarzan movies featuring former Olympic swimming champion Johnny Weissmuller as the Ape Man. Weissmuller might not have been the definitive Tarzan, especially for anyone who read the original novels of Edgar Rice Burroughs, but he certainly ended up being the most memorable. In "Tarzan's Secret Treasure," Boy (Johnny Sheffield) finds gold at the bottom of the local river and when Jane (Maureen O'Sullivan) explains what it is and what it can buy in the more civilized parts of the world, Boy takes off to take advantage of his windfall. Of course, before Boy can find trouble, trouble finds him, in the form of Professor Elliott (Reginald Owen) and O'Doul (Barry Fitzgerald), a group of researchers eager to study the son of Tarzan, who happen to have a couple of villain in their midst in the form of Medford (Tom Conway) and Vandermeer (Philip Dorn). Eventually native and elephants become involved in the narrative as well.

The death of Irving Thalberg affected this film as budget cuts forced the use of stock shots taken from earlier movies in the series (e.g., the recycled Tarzan fights the crocodile scene). Add to that the predictable plotline and you would think that would be enough to make this a below average Tarzan movie. But it actually scores above average because of the pacing, the solid supporting cast (Fitzgerald calls the Ape Man "Mr. Tarzan"), and the fact that Sullivan still looks like the queen of the jungle. The idea of Boy wanting to make it to the big city was revitalized the following year for one of the best of these films, "Tarzan's New York Adventure." If you are currently watching the new "Tarzan" series on the WB, then that is one you will want to track down to see what it was like the first time Tarzan prowled a big modern city.

Action packed adventure!!
This may not be one of the best of the Tarzan films as far as good film making goes, but it is definatley one of the most action packed. Lots of impressivley staged chases with lions and rhinos and a very athletic Boy make for an action packed hour and a half. Gotta love that stock footage of Africa!! Can someone please tell me what kind of bird that 'chicken' looking thing was? Was that a real bird or was it some kind of elaborate puppet? Simply amazing!! I've never seen anything like that in my life!! I find the three movies with Boy to be the most action and fun for repeated viewings and Tarzan and His Mate to be the best overall film. I just wish I could get Tarzan and the Leopard Women and Tarzan's Desert Mystery on VHS.

Tongue-in-Cheek Adventure
"Tarzan's Secret Treasure" directed by Richard Thorpe injects more humor than menace in this tale of a band of gold seekers who invade Tarzan's jungle domain. The interlopers kidnap Jane and Boy as bait for Tarzan, but instead they all fall captive to the local natives. In usual jungle fashion Tarzan saves the day. This is one of the less memorable Tarzan adventures from MGM.

Johnny Weissmuller to the Rescue again
This admirable film is a testament to Tarzan the King of the swinging rescue. Interesting script has Tarzan "swinging" into action in usual fashion. This is a good action and adventure tale. It contains discriminating effects and beautiful photography, but is marred by sped up film. Johnny Weissmuller was the best of the loincloth-clad heroes. Weissmuller was always the ultimate master of swing. The villains once again meet their match in this tense drama of capture and escape. Another favorite of mine. ... Read more

Reviews (203)

Nigeria's Bitter Tears
TEARS OF THE SUN starts out as an actioner for star Bruce Willis, but soon morphs into an introspective soul-searching film that disguises itself in a series of bloody jungle ambushes. Director Antoine Fuqua presents an image of Africa that has become increasingly commonplace in the media, a continent rent with tribal internicene warfare that degenerates into genocidic ethnic cleansing. Fuqua chooses Nigeria as the background for some truly horrific tribal slaughtering. The elected president, his cabinet, and his family have all been executed by advancing rebels who do not pause to kill anyone found in their path. Monica Belluci is Doctor Lena, a good-hearted woman who chooses to tend to the suffering of a tormented population. With her is a priest, Father Gianni (Pierrino Mascarino) and a nun Sister Grace (Fionnula Flanagan), all of whom choose to remain in harm's way rather than abandon some 70 wounded natives. Enter Bruce Willis as Lt. A. K. Waters, who is ordered to enter Nigeria with his Special Ops team to extricate only Doctor Lena. Waters and his team find Doctor Lena, but she refuses to go with them unless her 70 wounded can go too. Most reluctantly, Waters agrees to this change of orders. Until this point, Waters is a strictly by the book officer, one who regards this war, this country, and its natives as irrelevant to his mission. But he cannot close his eyes to the ubiquitous suffering to which he has a ringside seat. He surprises Doctor Lena, and probably himself as well, by making a genuine effort to extricate the entire group of helpless natives.

TEARS OF THE SUN is a violent film filled with both disturbing images of jungle battle and the even more malific glimpse into the depths of sadism and inhumanity that seemingly reside within the collective breasts of all the rebel commanders. Malick Bowens as rebel Colonel Sadick is especially convincing as one who is as equally determined as is Lt. Waters to complete his own mission but allows not his conscience to bother him in the least. To Colonel Sadick, natives of his own country, but of a different tribe, are disposable people. As a moral counterbalance to Sadick, Sammi Rotibi as Arthur Azuka, the son of the slain president, is the reincarnated collective soul of his bitterly abused people, most of whom see in him the restored dignity of a once proud Nigeria. TEARS OF THE SUN suggests that the evil and insanity of ethnic cleansing is a moral disease that, far from being an epidemic, afflicts only those who are predisposed to violence. Lt. Waters and Arthur Azuka remind the audience that for good to triumph, brave men must show their bravery, not to an armed enemy wearing a different uniform, but more to their own kind ordering them to commit acts that differ from those of the rebels more in degree than in kind. The tears of the son that are being shed for his people are constant reminders that this sort of bravery cannot be assumed to exist in any great quantity.

Not bad, but it just didn't do it for me
You can't really call "Tears of the Sun" a bad movie. By any account it's certainly a decent action war movie, and I enjoyed it. Where "Tears of the Sun" fails to succeed is in it's somewhat one-dimensional and shallow aproach at including policical and social messages, and in it's seeming impotence at crossing the lines from mediocrity to greatness.

The plot is pretty much a no brainer that gets set up right from the get-go. The Democratic government in Nigeria gets ousted by a military coup and rebel forces execute the presidential family and begin an genocidal killing spree, killing christians and rival tribes. Bruce willis and his small special forces team is sent to to find and evacuate several US Citizens, including a doctor working at a christian mission. The doctor wont leave without her patients, and so Willis and his team agree to escort the people to the Cameroon border. Of course they are followed by the rebels the whole way and are grossly outnumbered and it becomes a race to get to the border and to safety before they are completely over run.

Not exactly full of surprises and not much food for thought. of course there is the initial lie/double cross, and then the classic (not to mention very cliche) moment where our heroes grow a conscience after witnessing the horrors and extent of ethnic cleansing that is taking place and decide to help the people as thier way of making amens with thier own guilty consciences. other than this there is little to talk about plot-wise.

The acting is pretty good, although it varies throughout. Willis himself does a very good job playing his charcter though other than him and the doctor none of the characters grew on me. The setting is great, and the shots of the african landscape were very nice. For being an action war movie, "Tears of the Sun" offered only sporadic action until the climatic battle at the end which was mildy impressing, though nothing you havent scene before.

There is a constant attempt throughout the movie to bring attention to the brutality the ethnic cleansing that occurs in Africa that most americans are unaware of. We hear about bosnia, kosovo, but not so much about the many war torn regions in africa many of which are subject to constant guerilla warfare, famine, tribal clashes, and civil wars. The current attention being given to the situation in Sudan is very similar to what is shown in the movie. The look we are given however, although sad and mildly graphic, is a little one dimensional, and doesnt really explore the complexity of the political, ethnic, and religious angles of african conflicts. instead this is all reduced to "good guys vs bad guy" with the US as the good guys who sit idley by of course. I think many people will wish that the movie had a more realistic and more complete look at this angle of the plot rather than just showin "a bunch of rebel guys in red hats who run around killing all the christians and guys from the other tibes".

Other than that there is an overwhelming lack of depth and substance to the movie. Character development was underdone and there just arent many layers beyond what you see on the surface. And what is on the surface, though not bad, is not spectacular either. While I liked the movie over all, it just didnt have enough meat to it I felt. There were times I would just feel like something I couldnt put my finger on was missing to this one.

"Tears of the sun" does win points however for atleast trying to shed some public light to the attrocities in africa that most of the world lives happily ignorant to. It also serves as an effective, and enjoyable military action movie that is hard to hate but impossible to love.

One-dimensional but...
I really have quite ambivalent felings about this movie. From one hand, it's full of cliches and very simpleminded. You pretty much know what will happen, a lot of things are overdramatized (not the scenes of atrocities though). The acting is mediocre but it's not a problem of actors but rather of a bad script. On the other hand, the scenes of atrocities in the movie (somewhere in Africa - Sudan comes right away to mind) make people to realize that such terrible things are really happening today. It did really resonate through probably some shock - at least that's the way I feel. And who knows, maybe a simplemindness of this movie helps to deliver the message. I would give one star for cinematographic qualities and five stars for revealing the problem and showing disasters really happening in the world today.

DOA Near the End....
Rent it when you've seen the better combat stories. Well I had high hopes for this one at the theater, and the first half was good enough. Then on the second half the whole "reality" of the movie fell through. If you ever read any real SEAL stories you will wonder what happened at the end. Bad tactics, bad acting, and just poor story. They all died about the start of the "big battle", somehow walking out in the B-movie end. Total science fiction. Sorry, that was just too much. And Why? No one to write a realistic script? Ran out of ideas? What a waste for the budget and huge effort. Thats my take. BlackHawk down Was a good movie though!

Tears for Humanity
Bravo to the filmakers for making this movie based on the plights of many war torn countries in Africa. This film exposes some of the atrocities faced by Africans, genocide, rape, torture, mass graves and the list only grows. A very necessary exposure for the world as it sits back and watches a great nation destroyed.

The direction is excellent, war scenes mixed with touches of humanity and nature giving a sense of what people are fighting over. Some of the acting is a bit overdone, but then what other reason is there to watch a Bruce Willis movie? The most touching scenes are unfortunately the most brutal, the slaughter of towns, the piles of dead bodies, innocents pleading for life and the factual account of women being raped by militias who "de-breast" them so that future generations are deprived of something as simple as a mother's milk.

I highly recommend this film for the horror it provokes and try to imagine the nations of Africa pleading for their lives while our fat and happy nation only fights for oil. Shouldn't war be about saving lives? This movie says it all....the right way. ... Read more

Reviews (34)

One of the Greatest Films Ever...I Was Stunned
It shocks me that I had never even HEARD of "Fitzcarraldo" a week ago (nor did I know who Werner Herzog was), and now that I've seen it I consider it to be one of the 10 best films I've ever seen in my life, right up there with "Vertigo," "Once Upon A Time In The West," and "Rashomon."

The pacing of this film is slow, languid, and dreamlike, and allows the viewer to really immerse him/herself in the brooding jungle atmosphere. I never realized how contrived most American movies felt, until I experienced the stark reality of Werner Herzog's documentary-like style. "Fitzcarraldo" blurs the line between reality and drama, utilizing actual natives in conjunction with his character-actors (including the brilliant and intense Klaus Kinski), who subject themselves to real hardships in order to lend the film legitimacy. The result feels like a cross between a surreal daydream and something out of National Geographic.

The transfer to DVD is virtually perfect. I was awestruck at the quality of the video and audio on this disc. The picture is gorgeous, in sweeping, flawless widescreen, and the sound is bright and alive. There are few extras on this disc, but the film itself was so satisfying that I didn't care.

I highly recommend the boxed set entitled "The Herzog/Kinski Collection," as it contains excellent DVD versions of all 5 of their collaborations, as well as Herzog's tribute to Kinski entitled "My Best Fiend," a fascinating portrait of their bizarre, yet intensely creative, working relationship. It will add to your appreciation of "Fitzcarraldo" and all of their films.

" Life without music would be a mistake"---Nietsche.
Documentaries have been made about the love/hate relationship between the greatest German director and the greatest German actor of the twentieth century. Kinski claimed that he kicked Herzog during the making of this film and that "Herzog groveled." For his part Herzog claimed that when Kinski threatened to walk off the set, Herzog took a high powered rifle and swore to Kinski that he would shoot him as his motorboat passed around the bend.( They were filming in the The Amazon ) Kinski stayed.

Only these two superbly talented megalomaniacs could have pulled off this tour de force of directing and acting.

Fitzcarraldo is, quite simply , one of the greatest films of all time. No other actor could have played the lead as well as Klaus Kinski, and no other director could have conceived eschewing props and actually hauling a 300 ton steamship over a mountain, or, for that matter, hiring warring tribes of headhunters as extras.

It works.

The story is set in the late 19th century when rubber (and robber!) barons created great wealth in the remote jungles of South America, built on the monopoly of the rubber plant. We moderns know that this artificially created civilisation will soon collapse, when the plant is smuggled out; so what better setting than these ephemeral cities of gold and palaces of opulence to tell this tale of man's capacity to dream?

Here is a world where elegance mingles with crudity. In one scene, a millionare, proud of his collection of rare carps, tosses them them large bills, while he jokes in front of an impoverished Fitzcarraldo about how fond the fish are of the taste of money.

Fitzcarraldo has a passion for opera. If the viewer does not share this, the film can still makes sense, provided the viewer has a passion for SOMETHING. If not, forget it. It'll be incomprehensible to anyone without blood in his veins. Just the story of a nut.

Not that Fitzcarraldo is not er . . .speculative in his business schemes. When he announces to his lover, a successful brothel keeper, (Claudia Cardinale) " I have an idea! " She responds with: " Oh, no! Not another one! "

But she bankrolls him, nevertheless. Now all he has to do is--well, as Einstein once eloquently said, to achieve the impossible, we must attempt the absurd.

Caruso on the Amazon!
It seems almost ridiculous to add yet another praise-filled review to the heaps already expressed here, but such a consummate piece of art like, 'Fitzcarraldo,' deserves the most it can get. Since others have brilliantly summarized the plot, I'll concentrate instead on why one should 'treasure' the three perfect hours of this film.

Rare is the film nowadays that says so much with so little. Dialogue is used very sparingly throughout Fitzcarraldo, but that's all the better, for Kinski's Fitzcarraldo doesn't need words to express his dream. Every close-up of that intense face tells more than two hours of annoying chatter ever could. With his sharp features, searing gaze and untamed mane, Kinski is indeed Brian Sweeney Fitzgerald. A man possessed by his dream, by his mission to bring one of the most delectable of human creations, opera, to the 'wilds.' I agree most wholeheartedly with that reviewer who mentionned the role of Kinski's hair. It indeed has a life of its own and it mesmerizes the viewer. Like the antennae of Fitz's spirit, it stiffens in determination to see his passion come to bear, and then flys off his head, when the dream is realized. Every single second of this masterpiece is artfully necessary. Every stony gaze from the Indians, every sweeping shot of the misty jungle fits perfectly into place, creating a mosaic of colossal proportions. The scenes of the boat being painfully nudged over the hill mirror the struggle of creation itself. Or my favorite: when the Indians board the boat and meet Fitz for the first time. Herzog closes-up on how the chief gently touches, then rubs Fitz's palm. Two minutes that cast us into eternity. What could it mean? A symbol of our underlying brotherhood, a first 'clash' between 'the civilized' and 'the wild?' I don't even pretend to know, nor do I particularly care, for the soothing, almost sensual warmth of the scene brings that inner peace that all great art should.

Ponderous? Deliberate? Yes and rightly so. Good things, great things, whether they be an exquisite meal, passionate lovemaking or the creation of a masterpiece, take their own time, irregardless of the frantic chaos that surrounds them. Fitzcarraldo is one such 'time-less' experience. Dive in and revel in its every breathtaking second!

Not only does this film enrichen our senses, it strengthens our hearts. Fitz instructs us on we should pursue our dreams. With relentless faith. Believe and yes, we can move mountains! And move our weighty burdens over them as well. Yes, they are painstaking and for every inch gained, we lose two more. Yes, there are casualties. For ourselves and for others. And yes, nobody believes you can really pull it off, but in the end, you shall have your vindication as did Fitz. Caruso on the Amazon? Watch and believe!

Towering!!
What can one say about this unique film experience. Herzog takes the viewer along for the great "ride" and we must pay attention.

The love of opera here is manifest in a way that is so compulsive and thereby so compelling that we have to take breaths often during this film.

All you F(x) experts can stay home and ponder your next bit of software on your bland and insufferable computers which dole out dreams as emotional as Hexadecimal!! Everything you see here is real and the passion of the vision is evident with Mr Kinski giving one of his Dr. Pretarious performances.

Hollywood bean counters and executives beware..This is a real film, this is cinema not the pap you have been shoveling the last 24 years. Finally, I would like to quote a,line by Paul Scofield in " The Train" to Burt Lancaster...and transpose the thought to those same hollywood bean counters " Letting you look at this film is like showing a " String of Pearls to an Ape"!

Fitzcarraldo a Rare film experience

Obscure history, writ large
Among the things that distinguish Werner Herzog as a film-maker are two qualities that he shares with William Shakespeare: he knows the human heart better than most dramatists, and he never lets the facts get in the way of telling a good story.

Brian Sweeney Fitzgerald (called "Fitzcarraldo" by the natives) was a real guy, who really loved opera, and really did drag a ship over a piece of land to get it from one part of a South American river to another. He did it to bring opera to middle of the jungle. That's history. What drove this guy to do such a frankly outrageous thing in the name of art? What kind of fever siezes a visionary and brings him to the brink of insanity to attempt such a thing? That's the stuff of drama. Herzog knows the difference, and his choices in bringing the story to the screen were flawless.

Fitzcarraldo, like all of Herzong's films (even Nosferatu: Phantom der Nacht), uses the theme of cultural clash as a macrocosm of the conflicted human mind. So what if the real boat was much smaller than the one in the film? Who cares if the real act of dragging it across land - though arduous - was not nearly so grand as the film depicts? The resultant images are what count, and they would not have the stunning effect Herzog pulls off in this film were it more "historically accurate".

All film directors do things for effect. What separates the good ones from the great is their reason. The once-great Frances Ford Coppola seems to be aiming for empty aesthetics with his last few films; Herzog wants nothing less than to illuminate the soul. It's a grand, quixotic goal; prone to failure - much like dragging a boat through the jungle. But he seems to pull it off time and time again. You remember the images, yes - they're hard to forget. But you also remember the passion of the characters - their desparate dreams, wild fantasies, great achievements, and devastating failures.

Klaus Kinski perfectly embodies the obsessive madness of the title character - albeit in a far less sinister way than in Aguirre: The Wrath of God. His performance is no less brilliant. Claudia Cardinale plays his love interest, the kind of woman whose heart every visionary dreams of winning.

In most treatments of this kind of story, one would expect things to end badly. They do for Fitz, but somehow it does not matter. He finds grace and dignity in the struggle, rather than the outcome. He is a brighter vision of Don Quixote, and the feeling of surviving his ordeal is, miraculously, more like that of triumph than defeat. Fitzcarraldo ends in exuberance rather than despair. How can a man lose everything and still raise his head so high, as Kinski does in the last scene?

Without a hint of sappy, artificial feel-good-ism, Herzog has pulled off one of the most authentically moving surprise happy endings in recent cinema.

Failure never looked so good! ... Read more

Reviews (4)

Cry me a 'River,' Put on DVD now!
A lost city in the Amazon jungle has John Hamilton (Michael Dudikoff) interested. There are riches hidden below, but unfortunately for he and his crew, there is a sadistic doctor there still performing offbeat operations. Disease ridden and strange tribes are spread out through the "River of Death" and the group either survives or perishes by the end of the story. The movie based on Alistair MacLean's novel is pure genius (never read the book). If I knew a river was called the "River of Death," then I wouldn't go into it. No casual swim, no fishing. Probably infested with piranha, anyway, those tribesmen needed to save makeup time for their Barbies. Why couldn't those people take a shower? If you want to stay healthy, all you have to do is stay clean. Common sense. Michael Deitykoff is a genius once again. Please put this movie on DVD right now! MGM needs to release all of Michael Dudikoff's movies.

Actually, 2,5 stars...
This is just ok. Nothing else. But don't waste money buying it. There are MUCH better action movies...

Great action adventure
I didn't realize this was an Allistair MacLaine story. There are plenty of neat twists to keep you interested. I always have liked adventure stories that involve a group of colorful heroes/characters who go jungle adventuring together and you try to determine who will live or die by the end. This isn't a perfect movie, but fun. Personally, my favorite Dudikoff role.

Indiana Jones meets Dr. Mengele
WOW!!!!

If your in the mode for a great flick then rent this sleeper. It boasts everything; from Nazis to a swashbuckling hero. Nuff said - get it NOW!!! ... Read more

Amazon.com

This is a terrible movie. Frank Marshall (Arachnophobia) demonstrates no control over story, actors, effects, or general presentation in this adaptation of a Michael Crichton novel about an expedition into deep, dark Africa that runs into an unknown race of killer apes. The big monkeys attack and attack and attack and have to be fought off with machine guns and lasers--that's pretty much the story, except there's probably an even better one behind "fourth Ghostbuster" Ernie Hudson's bizarre decision to speak with a British accent. While Marshall wants us to root for the human characters, they're all so obnoxious and unbelievable you can't help but feel lousy for the poor apes when they get chopped to bits just for defending their homes against these twerps. If you're not feeling enough environmentalist ire these days, watch this and get angry. --Tom Keogh ... Read more

Reviews (85)

Preposterous, But Fun Jungle Adventure
In the tradition of H. Rider Haggard and "Indiana Jones" comes another blockbuster adaptation of a bestselling Michael Crichton novel. Up until now, this has not been one of his better known books, although it was a good enough read. The film is okay, but hopefully it will lead people to the even better book.

The story begins in the jungles of the Congo. An expedition of scientists has discovered an incredible find: a huge source of pure, blue diamonds. They communicate the good news back home, but before they can transmit their coordinates, they are suddenly attacked and killed. But by what?

Another scientist is sent in to find out. Dr. Karen Ross (Laura Linney), for reasons best left unexplained, attaches herself to a mission already bound for Zaire. A primatologist (Dylan Walsh) is returning his talking gorilla-she communicates through sign language-to her home in Africa. He is accompanied by a mysterious and very shady Romanian "philanthropist" with the unlikely name of Herkermer Homolka (Tim Curry). Karen comes along at a crucial time with a pile of money and is soon part of the gang.

Once in Africa, they meet up with Monroe Kelly (Ernie Hudson), their Great White Hunter "who happens to be black." That's when their adventure begins in earnest and it is a wild one. I won't give it away here-you probably wouldn't believe me anyway-but it is exciting and suspenseful, if never actually believable.

The screenplay for "Congo" was written by noted playwright John Patrick Shanley ("Moonstruck"). He has an odd sense of humor-witness his underrated "Joe Vs. the Volcano"-that is very much in evidence here. The story at times borders on the ludicrous and it is filled with all the delightful cliches that usually populate jungle adventure films (e.g. porters who go missing in the night, and a corpse with a diamond clutched in its hand).

Maybe the film wouldn't have worked any other way. I don't know. By making the story a pseudo-spoof, though, Shanley has removed the dramatic tension and suspense that made the novel work. Since everything is played for laughs-all too frequently unintentionally-then it is almost impossible for us to really get involved and care about what is happening.

Still, there is always pleasure to be had from a film that doesn't take itself too seriously and is not above poking fun at the customs of its genre. "Congo" has that, plus a few exciting scenes and some fun performances, particularly by Ernie Hudson. It is certainly not a great film, but it is a pleasant diversion on a hot summer day.

Why are these folks so critical, was the book so good?
I did not read the novel and while I won't say it's the best movie ever made (It's probably a four and a half in my opinion) I found it perfectly entertaining. Admittedly, I have read a lot of SF and like well made SF and adventure movies (Aliens 2, Matrix, even Bakshi's LOTR) but I also enjoy any genre of movie that is created with attention and art if possible and not with lowest-common-denominator formulaic design or for contract obligations. True, if your looking for dramatic acting, go watch "Boys Don't Cry", or "Men Don't Leave" (Movies, not a Four Seasons greatest hits compendium) Congo lacks the special effects of the newer Godzilla movie, but I enjoyed it more than the latest Star Wars movie (Phantom Menace) Congo, which I have watched twice on VHS and will most likely pick up on DVD, has, as one of the other reviewers noted, a Saturday morning adventure feel. It was tense and the gorillas were well done for monster movie make-up. The characters all unobtrusively played out their archetype roles. I recommend this movie to those who can keep thier minds open and who have a taste for adventure in a E. R. Burroughs vein.

EXCELLENT STORY-EXCELLENT MOVIE!!!
Definitely a great adventure and one of my personal favorites, Congo, brings to the screen a tale set in the African jungles involving an unlikely group that has banded together in search of a lost city and the rare diamonds that are rumored to exist there in abundance. The actors' performances are outstanding, especially Tim Curry whose "Romanian philanthropist" character steals the show. The plot, the jungle ruins, and the battles are all wonderful, making this film one of the best of its kind.
Congo is an action packed movie with strong elements of Indiana Jones and Tomb Raider, therefore, a "must see" for those with a passion for archaeology, mystery and adventure.

Before Python there was Congo
Made way back in 1995. A horror story about a lost city and killer gorillas. A research team is slaughtered by some unknown creature will locking for a dimon to power a laser. Design for communication. She goes on a quest across the africian border to retrive it.

What she things is an ancient legendary city and killer gorilas. Can the survive and get off the island. Before the volcano errupts.

If you like Congo I also recomend Raptor, Python, Phyton 2, Anadaconda.

Entertainment well done
I loved this movie, bought the DVD and watch it over and over the performance is so good. It is hard to single out any one thing. The musical score and songs are so good, I keep playing them over in my head. The scene where Dylan Walsh's character starts singing "California Dreaming" to Amy and everyone of the Africans join in the song shows the universality of music and song to people. As with any well executed movie, the details were done right letting the viewer enjoy the actors work. All of the priciple actors came accross as believable in their characters. The only mystery to me is the total lack of credit listing for Joe Pantoliano's participation and his character not even being listed in the ending credits! There must be some Hollywood Gossip behind that. Ernie Hudson really stole the show. The using of a British accent was genius. Since the English colonized and ruled most of Africa for years and set up most of the schools, an African guide would speak English with a British accent. The ending sequence with the volcano erupting and the land splitting brings back fond memories of 1940s "expedition" movies that always ended with such a scene.

"Congo" is entertaining, well directed, scored and acted. It is well worth the price of purchase and my only critcism (the devil is in the details) is the depiction of too few porters to haul the amount of equipment they kept coming up with for different scenes. Laura Linney's character was great! She had the best lines in the movie too.

Rent it or buy it, you will not regret it. ... Read more

Description

One of Disney's most treasured animated classics comes to glorious life -- stunningly photographed on magnificent locations in India! Based on Rudyard Kipling's beloved short stories, this all-new adventure promises a journey beyond your wildest imagination! Raised by wild animals since childhood, Mowgli (Jason Scott Lee) is eventually drawn away from the jungle by Kitty, the beautiful daughter of Major Brydon (Sam Neill). Mowgli soon faces a corrupt Captain Boone (Cary Elwes), who wants both Kitty's hand in marriage and a hand on the mythical treasures of Monkey City, a place only Mowgli can find. Loyal animal friends Bagheera, Baloo, and Grey Brother must help Mowgli survive the untamed peril. All of Kipling's memorable characters spring wonderfully to life in Disney's THE JUNGLE BOOK, a bold, sweeping adventure brimming with treasures for the whole family! ... Read more

Reviews (13)

Nostalgic Simple Love Story
This movie is great - full of surprises and delightful scenes between a young British women and the rough jungle man she falls in love with. There are many funny scenes characteristic of traditional British humor, as well as witty dialogue and lovely scenary and costumes. This movie made me wish I were a kid again and could still get away with watching only Disney movies. Also, Jason Scott Lee is absolutely gorgeous!

Superlative--Best movie of 1994
The only reason I am giving this film 5 stars is that I can not give it anything higher. This film is far and away one of my all time favorite movies. I must have seen it at least a dozen times in theatres. I stumbled on JB totally by accident. On Christmas day 1994 I went to see Interview with the Vampire. Only to find that it had been pulled. Not wanting to make my trip to the theatre a waste of time. I decided to watch the Jungle Book. I braced myself for a silly childrens film. Instead I found a moving story, fit for all ages, about pure love, racism and colonialism and adventure.

The Jungle Book is about Mowgli (Jason Scott Lee) who, after a terrible mis-hap as a child, ends up growing up in the Jungle communicating with the animals. As an adult he becomes re-aquainted with his childhood sweetheart Kitty (Lena Heady) the daughter of a British officer(Sam Neal) in Victorian India and learns to become "civilized" again. Unfortunetly Mowgli crosses Kitty's then love interest (Cary Elwes). And a bunch of stuff happens which I will not go into for giving away the plot.

I will say this though this is really, really an amazing movie. The chemistry between Jason and Lena is unbelivable. It really is what love is all about. Not once do they utter the "L" word towards each other but in every scene they are together you can see the bond and affection they have for each other. Also (keeping in mind that this is a PG movie) It is so refreshing to see a couple in love without them getting physical. Cary Elwes as the movies villain is really effective and subtle. He really is slick and charming-a real cad.

I would strongly recommend this film to lovers of the above.
This film became such an obessession of mine that I wrote out the novelization just to get it out of my system. Get this movie, it is a descision that you will not regret!

Look out! This is not the movie and most reviews are wrong
This is a complete rip off and unworthy of a Disney label. Packaging totally deceptive. No Jungle book film and not even any clips. Yes there are a couple of songs of poor quality. Kids very frustrated and parents upset with Disney.

Note to Amazon - you have been deceived too - you need to change the editorial review as you are contributing to the deception.

This is not the movie.. the reviews are wrong
The packaging is a total misrepresentation.. and the reviews here are wrong as well. The reviews talk about the movie.. I made the mistake of reading these reviews and others and bought it because my son is in Spanish immersion and wanted some fun alternatives to his usual books/videos/music. There is so much wrong with this DVD, I don't know where to start. First, there is no chance of reading along.. the story goes so fast that any child will find it challenging to read AND listen to the words - let along if they are learning to read. In addition the story is completely abridged. And while the packaging says "games" there is ONE game.. a very simple game. Three barrels move around and you have to find Mowgli under the right one. My 4 year old could do it in seconds. That's all for games. The vocabulary section is laughable. The vocabulary ranges from incredibly simple words like "boy" to highly specific words like "lily-pad" and "column" and doesn't seem to bear sufficient relation to the vocabulary in the story - sure some of the words are from the story like "panther" but many many many words that appear frequently in the story do not appear in the vocabulary. The concept of this video seemed great but this is an absolute travesty of marketing and profiteering from the movie. I wish I had not recommended it to my son's grandmother to buy for Christmas.

Good old-fashioned Saturday matinee adventure film
Oh, this film could have been made for those Saturdays at the movies (25 cents to get in, popcorn with real butter, etc.) Jason Scott Lee is Tarzanly-gorgeous as the grown-up Mowgli, complete with animal sidekicks. The scene where he finds the monkey-king's treasure city is just wonderful.

This is n