The Clan of the Cave Bear (1986) Reviews

The Clan of the Cave Bear (1986)
Member Rating:  
Cinematographer Michael Chapman directed this John Sayles adaptation of Jean M. Auel's best-selling ode to Cro-Magnon women. The story begins at the moment in pre-history when the last of the Neanderthal men were becoming extinct and the superior race of Cro-Magnons were starting to supersede them. Focusing on a tribe of wandering Neanderthals who adopt a young girl named, Ayla (played as an adult by Daryl Hannah). She grows tall, lithe, and smart. The Neanderthals quickly accept her into their tribe, but once a tribal member, Ayla begins to question the tribe's male chauvinistic presumptions. Unable to conceive of why only men are given weapons, she takes it upon herself to learn how to use a slingshot. She then questions the tribe's assumptions concerning sexual politics. She learns to count and becomes the assistant to the local medicine expert. As the seasons wear on, the tribe utilizes Ayla's knowledge for their own good while Ayla's continues to try the patience of the tribe with her unspeakable feminist demands. ~ Paul Brenner, Rovi

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Starring:
Daryl Hannah, Pamela Reed, (more)
Director(s):
Michael Chapman
Theatrical MPAA Rating:
R
Format(s):
DVD
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Average Ratings

(13 member reviews)  

Member Reviews

Dorthy C.

If we hadn't read the book, we would have missed the whole point. Darryl Hannah did a nice job of acting. Some nice photography. If you are curious as to how the book was adapted, see it.

Yes   |   No


Angela W.

I'm into the probably 8th re-reading of the books and thought I'd revisit the movie, as I didn't sit through it the first time. It's not a terrible movie, but unless you had read the books, you didn't understand the depth of what was going on. The movie is the story of a girl rescued by cave men, but doesn't portray the complexity of their culture the way the books describe. It's too shallow. Plus, I didn't like Daryl Hannah's portrayal of Ayla. I think this movie begs to be remade, but only by someone with an intense love of the books.

Yes   |   No


Rebecca A.

I am a HUGE fan of the Earth's Children books by Jean M. Auel. I actually saw this movie before I read any of her books. I thought the movie was great until I read it. The book was excellent. The movie, after reading the book, is average. I still enjoy the movie, but a lot of important stuff was left out, and the ending was totally wrong. I recommend reading the book opposed to watching the movie. You'll be a lot happier and a lot more satisfied.

Yes   |   No


Morgan W.

So this movie is ridiculous. As with any book that was made into a movie, things were left out that should have been left in and things were added in that should have stayed out. The way that the characters communicate is amusing enough to make it worth sitting through (only an hour and a half): there is very little dialogue and the gestures and monosyllabic words are translated into subtitles, which is an interesting idea. Overall it is an unbelievable story of a Cro-Magnon raised with a clan of Neanderthals.

Yes   |   No


Danielle B.

The movie was just alright. Couldn't even compare to the books.

Yes   |   No


Jennifer C.

I haven't read the books, maybe that's why I loved this movie-because I had no expectations. I believe it's the only movie about early man that is at all realistic and I found it very interesting on many different levels. I enjoyed every minute of it-and am hoping there will be both remakes and sequels. I've actually purchased it twice-because all of my friends & family enjoyed watching and rewatching it til the VHS version no longer played right.

Yes   |   No


Carol D.

I thought this was very true to the story and spirit of the book, even though of course you can't come near the depth and richness of the book. I enjoyed Darryl Hannah's performance. I do think you'll like the movie more if you've already read the book.

Yes   |   No


Donna M.

It is impossible to fit the entire scope and content of the book into a 90-minute movie. The multi-faceted relationships between Ayla and various members of the Clan are simply glossed over for the lack of time to develop them. There is absolutely no depth to ANY of the characters. Unfortunately, this film felt more like a short documentary on Neanderthals than the sweeping epic story that is depicted in the novel. My suggestion is to devote the time necessary to read the book; then, if you feel that you absolutely MUST put faces to the novel's characters, watch the film with lower expectations.

Yes   |   No


Kathleen T.

the book (and all to follow) was so great. I couldn't wait for the next one to come out. I am so glad they did not insult Jean Auel any further by making more movies....

Yes   |   No


Nancy C.

I was so disappointed in this movie after enjoying the Earth's Children books so much. It's a good thing I read the book first because the movie glossed over everything and had no meat in it.

Yes   |   No


 
 
 

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    Read all (13)
     
    Dorthy C.

    If we hadn't read the book, we would have missed the whole point. Darryl Hannah did a nice job of acting. Some nice photography. If you are curious as to how the book was adapted, see it.

    Yes   |   No

     
    Angela W.

    I'm into the probably 8th re-reading of the books and thought I'd revisit the movie, as I didn't sit through it the first time. It's not a terrible movie, but unless you had read the books, you didn't understand the depth of what was going on. The movie is the story of a girl rescued by cave men, but doesn't portray the complexity of their culture the way the books describe. It's too shallow. Plus, I didn't like Daryl Hannah's portrayal of Ayla. I think this movie begs to be remade, but only by someone with an intense love of the books.

    Yes   |   No

     
    Rebecca A.

    I am a HUGE fan of the Earth's Children books by Jean M. Auel. I actually saw this movie before I read any of her books. I thought the movie was great until I read it. The book was excellent. The movie, after reading the book, is average. I still enjoy the movie, but a lot of important stuff was left out, and the ending was totally wrong. I recommend reading the book opposed to watching the movie. You'll be a lot happier and a lot more satisfied.

    Yes   |   No

     
    Read All 13 Reviews
       

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