Honestly, I am surprised that more opinions were not written on this movie. Especially considering the amount of animal-rights activists there are out there. Perhaps they are all busy 'out there' getting things done. Which is exactly what I should be doing too!

Anyway, all the reviews I have read have been relatively short and sweet, and I like that. Everyone basically knows the the story of Dian Fossey and her Gorilla crusades. I presume most folks know her as the woman who lives with the monkeys. A seemingly poor and somewhat inaccurate title for a woman who has achieved so much...while sacrificing even more. But they are not all that wrong.

To LIVE amongst others, in the true sense of the word, is to be accepted, loved, trusted and protected within that environment. 'Gorillas in the Mist' is a fantastic representation of what it is like to truly belong within a niche. Though of a different species, one brave woman, whose understanding and appreciation of the often misunderstood mountain gorilla, earns her position and esteem among these gentle giants.

Sigourney Weaver delved into the role of Fossey, articulately reproducing much of Fossey's adopted behaviour among her surrogate family of majestic gorillas. The amazing story of a woman who embarked on a temporary research project, who became so changed by what she had seen and come to know, that her project became a life-long quest. Such intense emotions and passion for animals can never be conjured within a vaccuum. It could only be a recounted manifestation of an actual incident. And it is a character so powerful and passionate, that it can only be reproduced by an actress of great resources, abilities, and an underlying awareness of the true issues at hand.

Fossey encountered numerous obstacles, it seemed from the very start of her journey. During the course of the film, we see Ms. Fossey encountering and befriending individuals who themselves have migrated and made Africa their home. It is through these persons that Fossey's conviction to stay is awakened and nurtured...despite the intense governmental interference concerning the presence of 'foreigners' in Africa..and despite the ensuing civil wars brewing within Africa itself.

Fossey begins anew in her field research, despite her academic qualification....searching out the gorillas hiding in the mountains. The film glimpses at her emulation techniques and research style...the grueling hours, days ,weeks spent observing and following the gorillas, gaining their trust...watching over them. According to the film, due to the encouragement of a National Geographic photographer (who was specifically sent by Nat'l Geographic) Fossey made bolder attempts to get physically closer to the gorillas...to attain footage that she hoped would bring worldwide awareness of the plight of the African gorillas. As the film industry would have it, a romantic link was established between the two characters, but this served only to prove Fossey's steadfast belief in her noble cause, when she chose to stay with and protect her beloved gorillas, instead of running away with the man she had grown to trust and love.

I had the wonderful opportunity to have seen actual footage and accounts of the true Fossey and her work on National Geographic. But I have learnt that sometimes these television productions can still be misleading and inaccurate. Though some details may have been deliberately reshaped to accommodate filming, the essence of the story has remained true...the life of a woman so changed that she literally gave her life to protect that which she loved.

Some may find her methods excessive, unorthodox and shocking, but if situations were manipulated a little bit...just a little bit...to fit into your own life...you just might realise that you too would stop at nothing to protect what you love...to try to change a devious wrong in the world. You would use whatever knowledge and 'tools' at your disposal and work them to your advantage. If all businesses could use these methods (and they are much more unscrupulous in their methods!).....then why not this brave woman fighting virtually alone, against poachers, dealers, illegal traders and corrupt government officials!

I have yet to read Dian Fossey's book in my own personal desire to know the most accurate picture of her life and the lives of her 'children.' But the movie still moves me to tears when I watch it, inaccuracies and all. The issues remain the same. The essence remains pure. The message is profound. The cry still resounds long after Fossey's wrongful death. A death shrouded in deception...where her blood still stains the corrupt hands that had any part in her demise.

If you want to once again be reminded of the cruel nature of some humans. If you want to see the horror that is the fate of innocent wildlife. If you want to hear the barrage of opportunistic excuses that are used by individuals and governments...to justify the merciless destruction of wildlife. If you want to be inspired by the fortitude and resilience of ONE WOMAN. If you want to open your eyes...watch this movie. Watch the biography. Read her book. FEEL!

Recommended: Yes

Viewing Format: VHS