Directed By Jean-Jacques Annaud
Ron Perlman as Amoukar
Everett McGill as Naoh
Nicholas Kadi as Gaw
Rae Dawn Chong as Ika



Quest For Fire 1981

Quest for fire is set in the cave man days, many thousands of years ago. Things are about as primal as things can be without being an outright monkey. Their language is very primitive and I couldn’t understand many of the grunts. Although some of them are obvious. You can tell when they are agitated, scared, humored and even horny. It’s amazing just how much can be said with body language. In fact this two hour film doesn’t have a single word in it and it still tells a great story with several sub plots. This scene is set somewhere in Europe. The film is about one particular tribe who are living in a large cave. Life is extremely simple, it’s survival at the basic level. They had to eat, hunt and keep a fire.

Fire is the cornerstone of their lives. It kept them warm, cooked their food and kept predators like packs of wolves away. No animal likes fire. This life seems pretty simple and easy but it was not. Their biggest problem was the fact that they needed fire to survive but they had no idea how to make fire. So they had to keep the fire going all the time and when they moved about, they took fire as coals with them. Their worst enemy was other human tribes.

Some of these tribes are more like apes than humans. It’s interesting to see the different species of ape and humans. After their tribe is attacked by an ape tribe, their fire is lost. So three of them decide to go in search of fire. The film is about their search for fire and the different tribes they run across during their journey. During their journey they come across one tribe that is far more advanced than their own. This tribe builds huts, has advanced weapons and can make fire! Someone who can make fire is completely magical to them.


Final Thoughts

Quest For Fire is a unique film that I enjoyed seeing. You have to admire a film that tells us a fairly complex story with out using any vocal language or dialogue to speak of. That being said there is war, love, lust, humor and an adventure. The story is one of survival with several sub plots. I found the story to be well written and I enjoyed it. The acting in the film was unique as well. All three of the main characters were outstanding. Ron Perlman (Hellboy) made his acting debut with this film. The entire cast acted their perspective parts very well. The special effects are decent but this film is not a special effects bonanza. Other than a couple of saber tooth lions, I didn’t see too much in the special effects area.

The directing and cinematography were also solid. The film was all outdoors and looks authentic to me. The fact that the director is able to pull off a movie without a word being said is a testament to his directing. The film has a good pace to it and tells a very good story. I think most people would enjoy seeing this film once. there are a couple of awkward scenes though. Sex in the cave man era was a bit different. There wasn’t much in the order of courting or foreplay. After a chewing on a half cooked Teridackl leg, a cave man will just grab the nearest female and rape her on the spot, while the rest of the tribe finishes supper.

Table manners, courting and common courtesy have come a long way, I tell ya. This seems to be a part of the daily routine though. It’s not like there was a lot of entertainment in their daily schedules. Anyway, it is what it is. Other than these awkward but common scenes, the film is comfortable to watch. This film was nominated for lots of awards and won a few, including an Academy Award for make - up. The only other film that I have seen where no language is used, is The Bear. I also really enjoyed that film. I give Quest For Fire 3 ½ of five stars.


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Thanks for the read,

© 2005 Joe McMaster

Recommended:
Yes

Viewing Format: VHS
Video Occasion: Better than Watching TV
Suitability For Children: Suitable for Children Age 13 and Older