Gorillas In The Mist
At the far ends of the earth she found a reason to live, and a cause to fight for.
Based on the true story of young anthropologist Dian Fossey who travels to the African mountains to study the rare gorillas. In this incredible paradise which she describes as being "as close to God as you can get," her interest in the gorillas turns to passion and finally obsession. Not even her lover, photographer Bob Campbell, can tear her away-or stop her from risking her life to protect the gorillas from poachers and animal traders. Desperate to save her "family" from extinction, Fossey searches for justice, but in the end settles for revenge. You my applaud what she does. Or you may condemn it. But you will never forget the passion that turned her into a legend.
Member Reviews
GORRILLAS IN THE MIST - zippo
NEVER SEEN IT BEFORE CAUSE I AM NOT A BIG WEAVER FAN BUT I MUST SAY SHE DID EARN ALL THE PRAISE SHE RECEIVED FOR THIS MOVIE. I FELT HER PERFORMANCE WAS POWERFUL AND MADE ME FEEL SHE WAS DIAN PROSSY AND THESE APES WERE HER FAMILY AND SHE WOULD DO ANYTHING TO PROTECT THEM. SHE GETS CLOSER THAN ANY OTHER RESEACHER HAS WITH THE APES AND THEY BECOME VERY COMFORTABLE WITH HER. IF YOU ARE LIKE A I WAS AND NEVER SEEN THIS MOVIE BEFORE YOU SHOULD REALLY GIVE IT A TRY BUT THIS FILM IS NOT FOR YOUNG CHILDREN DUE TO SOME GRAPHIC SCENES.A Magnificent Movie; Heart-Breaking Yet Hopeful; Sigourney Weaver At Her Best - revsdd
Like most movie buffs, I have seen Sigourney Weaver in a variety of roles and genres, from "Ghostbusters" to "Alien" to "A Map Of The World" among others, and yet I don't think I have ever seen her offer a better performance than in "Gorillas In The Mist," in which she plays fanatical gorilla researcher and protector Dian Fossey. Fossey's life - and ultimately her tragic and violent death - leaps out from the screen through Weaver, as we watch her evolve from the uncertain and inexperienced assistant to the great anthropologist Louis Leakey to the committed expert on these marvelous creatures, sometimes going over the top in her quest to save them. Be warned of some possible spoilers ahead.
The movie is absolutely heart-breaking in places. The terrified mother gorilla trying to save her baby as the tree they've climbed is cut down by poachers; Fossey's anguished cries of "I'm sorry, I'm sorry," to the baby she nursed back to health only to have to turn her over to zookeepers; the horrible death of Digit. I have to confess that each of these scenes brought a few tears to my eyes. And yet the basic gentleness and nobility of the gorilla is brought out as well, and the movie ends on a sad yet hopeful note. Fossey is murdered - certainly by the poachers she opposed for years - but her body is buried beside her beloved Digit, and the gorillas (even Digit's group) live on and increase in number.
The movie contains strong supporting performances from Bryan Brown as National Geographic photographer Bob Campbell, with whom Fossey falls in love but for whom she won't leave her gorillas, from John Omirah Miluwi as Sembagare, Fossey's gentle guide through the African jungles to Iain Cuthbertson who was perfectly believable as Louis Leakey.
This is spectacular. From the photography to the acting to the reality behind the story. I honestly can't come up with a flaw.Facinating. Moving. Enraging. - cathyottawa
First off, those that aren't familiar with Dian Fossey's story should be warned that this is not a happy, Disney style animal movie.
The movie begins shortly after Fossey arrives in Africa for the first time. A rookie, with no experience to speak of, she is nonetheless determined to study the mountain gorilla.
The film drags in spots, but there is lots of drama, as Fossey has to deal with a civil war that forces her off her camp, poachers, and run ins with machette weilding locals that think she's a witch.
The shots with her and the gorillas are breathtaking. The film used both real gorillas and people in gorilla suits, but, other than some close ups of a baby gorilla that are clearly fake, I defy you to tell the difference. You'll feel like you're watching a documentary, it's so well done. I wish there had been more of it.
Weaver successfully shows Fossey's transformation from a somewhat naive yet determined girl, to a woman full of frustration and anger, as she becomes virtually the gorillas only protector. She becomes obsessed with saving them, and it drives her a little mad. Her passion also makes her fearless, with deadly results.
Had she not worked so tirelessly, the mountain gorilla may very well be extinct today. It just shows you what one person can do.
Member Reviews
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GORRILLAS IN THE MIST - zippo
NEVER SEEN IT BEFORE CAUSE I AM NOT A BIG WEAVER FAN BUT I MUST SAY SHE DID EARN ALL THE PRAISE SHE RECEIVED FOR THIS MOVIE. I FELT HER PERFORMANCE WAS POWERFUL AND MADE ME FEEL SHE WAS DIAN PROSSY AND THESE APES WERE HER FAMILY AND SHE WOULD DO ANYTHING ...A Magnificent Movie; Heart-Breaking Yet Hopeful; Sigourney Weaver At Her Best - revsdd
Like most movie buffs, I have seen Sigourney Weaver in a variety of roles and genres, from "Ghostbusters" to "Alien" to "A Map Of The World" among others, and yet I don't think I have ever seen her offer a better performance than in "Gorillas In The Mist," ...Facinating. Moving. Enraging. - cathyottawa
First off, those that aren't familiar with Dian Fossey's story should be warned that this is not a happy, Disney style animal movie.
The movie begins shortly after Fossey arrives in Africa for the first time. A rookie, with no experience to speak ...