the fresh films reviews

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The Emerald Forest (1985)

Director:
John Boorman
COUNTRY
United Kingdom
GENRE
Drama/Action
NORWEGIAN TITLE
Smaragdskogen
RUNNING TIME
110 minutes
Producer:
John Boorman
Screenwriter:
Rospo Pallenberg


Cast includes:

CHARACTER ACTOR/ACTRESS RATING
Bill Markham Powers Boothe ½
Jean Markham Meg Foster ½
Tomme Charley Boorman
Heather Markham Estee Chandler
Werner Eduardo Conde
Kachiri Dira Paes
Wanadi Rui Polonah

 

Review

John Boorman explores highly interesting territory by going deep into the unknown woods once again. However, this time he doesn't manage to be quite so subtle as with the unparalleled Deliverance. The premise is brilliant, however, and Boorman shows a keen interest in the beautiful Brazilian nature (which is a little too idyllic sometimes). But the conflict - sprung from somewhere between existentialism and environmental politics - is projected in an oversimplified and naïve manner. Boorman has not much time for the emotionally challenging parts, but instead opts for the action payoff that was so typical for semi-serious films of the 1980s. Despite this, the film remains rather potent throughout. The director's son is fine in an interesting role.

Copyright © 22.10.2006 Fredrik Gunerius Fevang

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