Lost City of Z (2016) [Movie Review]



Dir: James Gray
Starring: Charlie Hunnam, Sienna Miller
Dur: 2 hrs 20 mins
Genre: Historical drama
Rating: 6/10
PG: Lots of kissing, partial nudity of the tribals

It wasn’t very long ago that I watched a biographical film, of an explorer in South America who was shunned for his findings of cave drawings that went against the teaching of the Church (Finding Altamira). This is also a story of a similar nature. Set in early 20th century Britain, it tells the story of an army man with a passion for adventure and discovery. The film is based on the novel of the same name by David Grann.

Percy Fawcett (Charlie Hunnam) is  a young army major whose family history keeps him from advancing in rank. However, his skills as a marksman and a successful completion of a previous venture put him in touch with the Royal Geographical Society of London, who commission him to help settle the dispute between Brazil and Bolivia with regard to their border, by drawing a map of the region. At this point, one might get the impression that this is about his voyage and discovery but sad to say, it is not. The emphasis of the film is rather on the man himself and not so much on his achievements. When I first saw Sienna Miller playing his wife, I wondered why the director would want a talent like her to play the simple role of abandoned wife. Later, I realized that she in fact, plays the pivotal role. I would go as far as to attribute the lead character to her. Needless to say her performance is stunning.

In all, Fawcett made three expeditions, the last being with his oldest son. The film does make jumps in the narration but they don’t really hamper the overall narrative. I wouldn’t say the film was thrilling, but neither was it boring. It was… well… You’ll have to decide for yourself. It’s a biography so there is no need to set the bar too high. If you admire the spirit of the human person than you should have a fine experience, if you don’t then I can only wish you luck as you watch this film.   

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