Mountains of the Moon (1990)

Mountains of the Moon (1990)
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Director Bob Rafelson fulfilled a lifelong dream when he finally received backing to complete Mountains of the Moon. The film recreates the exploratory adventures of 19th century visionaries Sir Richard Burton (Patrick Bergin) and John Henning Speke (Iain Glen). The heart of the film is the effort by Burton and Speke to discover the true source of the Nile river. This occurs well into the film, after several torturous scenes involving the injuries sustained by the protagonists during other expeditions and their growing friendship (which, the film intimates, goes far beyond friendship). Rafaelson's fascination with this story, and his insistence upon painstaking historical accuracy, unfortunately compromises his ability to make an interesting film. There are so many starts and stops during the first half that we sincerely hope Burton and Speke will chuck it all and set up a pub in Bristol or something. What saves Mountains of the Moon is the rapport between its stars and the brilliant, epic-like cinematography of Roger Deakins. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi

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Starring:
Patrick BerginIain Glen, (more)
Director(s):
Bob Rafelson
Theatrical MPAA Rating:
R
Format(s):
DVD
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Synopsis of Mountains of the Moon

Director Bob Rafelson fulfilled a lifelong dream when he finally received backing to complete Mountains of the Moon. The film recreates the exploratory adventures of 19th century visionaries Sir Richard Burton (Patrick Bergin) and John Henning Speke (Iain Glen). The heart of the film is the effort by Burton and Speke to discover the true source of the Nile river. This occurs well into the film, after several torturous scenes involving the injuries sustained by the protagonists during other expeditions and their growing friendship (which, the film intimates, goes far beyond friendship). Rafaelson's fascination with this story, and his insistence upon painstaking historical accuracy, unfortunately compromises his ability to make an interesting film. There are so many starts and stops during the first half that we sincerely hope Burton and Speke will chuck it all and set up a pub in Bristol or something. What saves Mountains of the Moon is the rapport between its stars and the brilliant, epic-like cinematography of Roger Deakins. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi

Theatrical Feature Running Time:
140 mins

Complete Cast of Mountains of the Moon


Director(s):
Bob Rafelson
Writer(s):
Bob RafelsonWilliam Harrison
Producer(s):
Daniel Melnick
Theatrical MPAA Rating:
R(Adult Situations, Nudity, Questionable for Children, Violence)
Categories:
Action / Adventure
Warning:  This product is intended for mature audiences only. It may contain violence, sexual content, drug abuse and/or strong language. You must be 17 or older to purchase it. By ordering this item you are certifying that you are at least 17 years of age.

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    Robert W.

    Even though it was a ok movie with beautiful scenery it was very dry in some parts and just kind of went thru its paces and then was over. It was interesting from a history stand point but over all not that great of a movie.

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    Thomas B.

    Mountains of the Moon is an excellent telling of the events surrounding Richard Frances Burton and John Hanning Speke and their search for the source of the Nile River. Be forewarned that this picture does hint at homosexuality and has female nudity. The cinematography is outstanding. This film is not for the squeamish. You have hunting, killing, war, drought, bugs, starvation, torture, drugs, disease and slave traders. The movie has just about everything you would expect in at least a 6 month trek across East Africa in the 1850’s. I even enjoyed the second story line in England involving the politics of the Royal Geographical Society, the press and the two men. Wonderful picture!

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    Stephen H.

    Great historical movie on the search for the headwaters of the Nile. Good acting and great story. Very enjoyalble.

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