Gorillas in the Mist: The Story of Dian Fossey (1988)

82% of critics liked it
(17 reviews)
72% of users liked it
(26,705 ratings)

Gorillas in the Mist is based on the autobiographical 1983 book by naturalist Dian Fossey. Before the book could be brought before the cameras, Fossey had been mysteriously killed; her death provides a logical, if somewhat ghoulish climax to the film. A Kentucky girl, Fossey (Sigourney Weaver) is… More Gorillas in the Mist is based on the autobiographical 1983 book by naturalist Dian Fossey. Before the book could be brought before the cameras, Fossey had been mysteriously killed; her death provides a logical, if somewhat ghoulish climax to the film. A Kentucky girl, Fossey (Sigourney Weaver) is inspired by famed anthropologist Louis Leakey (Iain Cuthbertson) to devote her life to the study of primates. Traveling into deepest Africa, Fossey becomes fascinated with the lives and habits of the rare mountain gorillas of the Ugandan wilderness. Studying them at close quarters, Fossey develops a means of communicating with the gorillas, and in so doing becomes obsessed with the beasts' well-being. She is so devoted to "her" mountain that she loses the opportunity for a romance with a National Geographic photographer (Bryan Brown). Appalled by the poaching of the gorillas for their skins, Fossey complains to the Ugandan government, which dismisses her by explaining that poaching is the only means by which some of the Ugandan natives can themselves survive. She refuses to accept this, and becomes a militant animal-rights activist, burning down the poachers' villages and even staging a mock execution of one of the offenders. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi

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Rating, Runtime: PG-13, 2 hr. 10 min.
Directed By: Michael Apted
Genres: Drama

In Theaters: Sep 23, 1988 Wide
On DVD: Apr 13, 1999
Studio: MCA Universal Home Video

Critic Reviews

Rob Gonsalves, eFilmCritic.com
This is a movie for masochists.
Emanuel Levy, EmanuelLevy.Com
Sigourney Weaver gives a towering, Oscar caliber performance in Michael Apted's biopic about courageous anthropologist Dian Fossey who devoted and risked her to save Africa's vanishing breed.
Staci Layne Wilson, StaciWilson.com
Heartbreaking... a must-see.
Rich Cline, Shadows on the Wall
Fascinating.
Frederic and Mary Ann Brussat, Spirituality and Practice
Sigourney Weaver gives an inspired performance as a woman who launches a crusade to save gorillas in Africa.

Critic ratings and reviews powered by RottenTomatoes.com

Fresh (60% or more critics rated the movie positively)

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Featured Audience Ratings

Tim S

Dynamite little film. I love Sigourney in everything, so I could be a bit biased.
Anthony L

Good, well balanced biopic, one of Sigourney Weaver's best performances!
Lady D

An insight into the life of Dian Fossey, this a great film
Jason S

Messed up movie about the woman who studied the gorillas.
Dean M

Sigourney Weaver, who plays the true-life anthropologist Dian Fossey, goes slightly bananas trying to protect her beloved mountain gorillas. Remarkably, it's almost impossible to tell the real monkeys from the guys wearing the suits and, partly because they have no dialogue, they… More
Sigourney Weaver, who plays the true-life anthropologist Dian Fossey, goes slightly bananas trying to protect her beloved mountain gorillas. Remarkably, it's almost impossible to tell the real monkeys from the guys wearing the suits and, partly because they have no dialogue, they are often more interesting to watch than the humans.
Dannielle A

I saw this as a little girl and remember one particular scene that still haunts my memories and nightmares. I saw it again yesterday, and that scene was perfectly exact as the memory in my head. The best part of this movie is the beautiful landscapes of Africa and the amazing… More
I saw this as a little girl and remember one particular scene that still haunts my memories and nightmares. I saw it again yesterday, and that scene was perfectly exact as the memory in my head. The best part of this movie is the beautiful landscapes of Africa and the amazing cinematography and performance by Weaver. It's a crappy ending but hey, it's a true story, and they gotta tell it like it is.
Alec B

The film is bogged down by a tedious love story and I was disapointed it didn't spend more time on Fossey's all out war to protect the Gorillas. While she did do a lot of important research, what is infinitely more facinating was the near insane lengths she went to in order… More
The film is bogged down by a tedious love story and I was disapointed it didn't spend more time on Fossey's all out war to protect the Gorillas. While she did do a lot of important research, what is infinitely more facinating was the near insane lengths she went to in order to protect these animals and even to avenge them. Sigorney Weaver is very good, but the film doesn't allow her the opportunity to fully explore the character.
Nicolas K

Great actors can carry a film a long way and in this one Sigourney does a magnificent job. This coupled with the beautiful photography makes a film worth watching.
Doctor S

Probably Sigourney Weaver's best performance as naturalist Dian Fossey. Normally she receives and excels at ice queen roles or at kicking ass, here she's kicking ass through activism and displays a rarely seen fiery passion.
hawk l

True story of naturalist Dian Fossey who saved Mountain Gorillas from brutal butchering at the hands of poachers. Important movie, upsetting, sad, reminding that such inhuman crimes continue while animals have little or no protection. Beautiful cinematography. Sigourney Weaver… More
True story of naturalist Dian Fossey who saved Mountain Gorillas from brutal butchering at the hands of poachers. Important movie, upsetting, sad, reminding that such inhuman crimes continue while animals have little or no protection. Beautiful cinematography. Sigourney Weaver revealed as an outstanding, gifted actress.
Sarah P

I thought this was an excellent movie. It was extremely well done and interesting to watch, especially for an animal lover. It was heartbreaking, but I think a great tribute to a great woman.
Lee K

Well done bio pic on Diane Fossey. She was a very brave humanitarian working to stop the senseless slaying of Africa's Gorillas. Touching at times but very angering! A good watch.
Barry L

Powerful...........