Allie Fox is fed up of a world that "buys junk, sells junk, eats junk" and a country that talks of "nuclear warfare like it were a game show topic". He is a failed inventor, who's inventions are nothing less than brilliant, but the world only turns its back on them. Every time he leaves the house, he is disgusted at what he sees - a globalist world falling apart that "looks like a toilet". Then there are his wife and children, who love Allie dearly, but cannot see the world through the same eyes.
Working for an Asparagas business, Allie devises a new invention, an ingenious Asparagus cooler, that cools without an electrical cord. But his boss only dismisses it as a joke, labeling it a "contraption"! It is here that Allie turns HIS back on the world and confronts his dreams.
Consistently exposing his sons to embarrassment and ridicule of the township in which they live because of his rude approach to those he despises with his extreme views of modern politics and globalization, it is no surprise that his children (particularly his sons) are excited about the idea of starting a whole new life in the jungles of Nicaragua - The Mosquito Coast. A place of a simple, natural life, where Allie can be recognized for his genius. A place where very few people have seen or know the existence of ICE.
"We eat when we're not hungry. Drink when we're not thirsty. We buy what we don't need and throw away everything that's useful. Why sell a man what he wants. Sell him what he doesn't need. Pretend he's got eight legs, two stomachs and money to burn. Wrong! Wrong, wrong, wrong!" - Allie Fox/Harrison Ford
When his family begins to understand his vision, Allie purchases his own town in the depths of the jungles - in the middle of god's nowhere. It is here that the natives see him as a god send. His ingenious Cooling machine named 'Fatboy', capable of cooling houses, making cold water and most importantly ICE, unites a whole jungle into his hand and a pioneering village of fine agriculture is constructed - consequently creating competition and enemies afar.
"Ice is civilization. That's Why I came. That's Why I'm Here!" - Allie Fox/Harrison Ford
Does Allie's brilliant visions prevail or destroy him and his family?
This has to be the most powerful film regarding the nature of humanity, in that it doesn't need any graphic violence to show you just how far the human can go before he/she breaks. Allie Fox is the perfect example of a man that goes too far - to the edge. He dislikes the world he lives in due to its greed, violence, globalization, politics and the complacency of its people. Deciding it is best to start his own civilization, he soon comes to terms with the fact that HE is no different to those he despises. The parallels portrayed in the film between Allie's little world and the rest of the world are poignantly executed. Aside from very minor problems, this film is absolutely flawless in showing this. Peter Weir masterfully brought the book of the same name to the screen.
Harrison Ford's performance as Allie Fox is a must see for all film buffs out there. His commanding presence is one thing - his performance is one of the greatest I have ever seen! He portrays Allie's obsession with such passion, you are easily convinced that he is indeed Allie Fox. Surprisingly he didn't win an Academy Award, but was nominated for a Golden Globe. Equally brilliant in his performance was River Phoenix, playing Allie's son Charlie. The fear, confusion and love he shows for his father is very powerful and extremely convincing. He comes to the Mosquito Coast a boy and leaves like an older man. Helen Mirren, a wonderful British actress, was a great choice - different from your typical American wife who constantly can't keep her mouth shut - who portrays a caring mother who's influence on Allie deteriorates yet remains a means of hope for her children. The whole cast did an excellent job.
Peter Weir, perhaps the greatest Australian director, yet again made an unforgettable, powerful epic experience that I can only summarize in one word as a masterpiece. Being the second feature along side Harrison Ford following 'Witness' - another great film - Weir's direction is that of an artist and like John Carpenter, is a master of adding atmospheric life to film - like you were really there. He is a wonderful story teller and it would be a blessing to see him work with Ford again.
What also really struck me in the film was the beautiful cinematography and the absolutely extraordinary score composed by Doctor Zhivago's Maurice Jarre. Locations were exotic and suited the film perfectly - gave almost a mythical feel to the film. However the music set the moods incredibly well. At times it was extremely uplifting. You just feel like your in another world in this film.
How can I summarize this film experience in few words. This is one of the very few films that changed my perspective of humanity and life in a masterful, epic way. Every time I watch it, only becomes more and more powerful. Yet, this isn't only a movie about world issues and the nature of man, but it is rather also a great way to escape to another world for an hour and a half. Immensely enjoyable film which is an undisputed classic. I recommend it to anybody who enjoys film, escapism and stories about life. You won't be disappointed. This is a masterpiece that can't be missed. Peter Weir and Harrison Ford's greatest hour!
Working for an Asparagas business, Allie devises a new invention, an ingenious Asparagus cooler, that cools without an electrical cord. But his boss only dismisses it as a joke, labeling it a "contraption"! It is here that Allie turns HIS back on the world and confronts his dreams.
Consistently exposing his sons to embarrassment and ridicule of the township in which they live because of his rude approach to those he despises with his extreme views of modern politics and globalization, it is no surprise that his children (particularly his sons) are excited about the idea of starting a whole new life in the jungles of Nicaragua - The Mosquito Coast. A place of a simple, natural life, where Allie can be recognized for his genius. A place where very few people have seen or know the existence of ICE.
"We eat when we're not hungry. Drink when we're not thirsty. We buy what we don't need and throw away everything that's useful. Why sell a man what he wants. Sell him what he doesn't need. Pretend he's got eight legs, two stomachs and money to burn. Wrong! Wrong, wrong, wrong!" - Allie Fox/Harrison Ford
When his family begins to understand his vision, Allie purchases his own town in the depths of the jungles - in the middle of god's nowhere. It is here that the natives see him as a god send. His ingenious Cooling machine named 'Fatboy', capable of cooling houses, making cold water and most importantly ICE, unites a whole jungle into his hand and a pioneering village of fine agriculture is constructed - consequently creating competition and enemies afar.
"Ice is civilization. That's Why I came. That's Why I'm Here!" - Allie Fox/Harrison Ford
Does Allie's brilliant visions prevail or destroy him and his family?
This has to be the most powerful film regarding the nature of humanity, in that it doesn't need any graphic violence to show you just how far the human can go before he/she breaks. Allie Fox is the perfect example of a man that goes too far - to the edge. He dislikes the world he lives in due to its greed, violence, globalization, politics and the complacency of its people. Deciding it is best to start his own civilization, he soon comes to terms with the fact that HE is no different to those he despises. The parallels portrayed in the film between Allie's little world and the rest of the world are poignantly executed. Aside from very minor problems, this film is absolutely flawless in showing this. Peter Weir masterfully brought the book of the same name to the screen.
Harrison Ford's performance as Allie Fox is a must see for all film buffs out there. His commanding presence is one thing - his performance is one of the greatest I have ever seen! He portrays Allie's obsession with such passion, you are easily convinced that he is indeed Allie Fox. Surprisingly he didn't win an Academy Award, but was nominated for a Golden Globe. Equally brilliant in his performance was River Phoenix, playing Allie's son Charlie. The fear, confusion and love he shows for his father is very powerful and extremely convincing. He comes to the Mosquito Coast a boy and leaves like an older man. Helen Mirren, a wonderful British actress, was a great choice - different from your typical American wife who constantly can't keep her mouth shut - who portrays a caring mother who's influence on Allie deteriorates yet remains a means of hope for her children. The whole cast did an excellent job.
Peter Weir, perhaps the greatest Australian director, yet again made an unforgettable, powerful epic experience that I can only summarize in one word as a masterpiece. Being the second feature along side Harrison Ford following 'Witness' - another great film - Weir's direction is that of an artist and like John Carpenter, is a master of adding atmospheric life to film - like you were really there. He is a wonderful story teller and it would be a blessing to see him work with Ford again.
What also really struck me in the film was the beautiful cinematography and the absolutely extraordinary score composed by Doctor Zhivago's Maurice Jarre. Locations were exotic and suited the film perfectly - gave almost a mythical feel to the film. However the music set the moods incredibly well. At times it was extremely uplifting. You just feel like your in another world in this film.
How can I summarize this film experience in few words. This is one of the very few films that changed my perspective of humanity and life in a masterful, epic way. Every time I watch it, only becomes more and more powerful. Yet, this isn't only a movie about world issues and the nature of man, but it is rather also a great way to escape to another world for an hour and a half. Immensely enjoyable film which is an undisputed classic. I recommend it to anybody who enjoys film, escapism and stories about life. You won't be disappointed. This is a masterpiece that can't be missed. Peter Weir and Harrison Ford's greatest hour!