The Emerald Forest (1985)

87% of critics liked it
(15 reviews)
72% of users liked it
(5,337 ratings)

The Emerald Forest is based on a true story, as related by Los Angeles Times correspondent Leonard Greenwood. Powers Boothe stars as Bill Markham, a US engineer working on a dam project in the Amazonian jungles. Bill's young son, Tomme (played by director John Boorman's son Charley Boorman) is… More The Emerald Forest is based on a true story, as related by Los Angeles Times correspondent Leonard Greenwood. Powers Boothe stars as Bill Markham, a US engineer working on a dam project in the Amazonian jungles. Bill's young son, Tomme (played by director John Boorman's son Charley Boorman) is kidnapped in the rain forest by a tribe called "The Invisible People" because of their skills at camouflage - a group that has reportedly never experienced contact with Caucasians. The authorities give up the boy for lost, but Bill perseveres in searching for his son, for over 10 years. While fleeing for his life from The Fierce People - enemies of The Invisible People - he's rescued at the last minute by Tomme, now an adoptee of The Invisible People's chief. To Bill's frustration, Tomme initially refuses to join his biological dad and return to civilization, but when The Fierce People swing in and abduct all of the women in the Invisible People tribe, Tomme seeks his dad's help in rescuing them. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi

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Rating, Runtime: R, 1 hr. 53 min.
Directed By: John Boorman
Written By: Rospo Pallenberg
Genres: Drama, Action & Adventure, Art House & International

In Theaters: Jan 1, 2003 Wide
On DVD: Feb 6, 2001
Studio: Nelson Entertainment

Critic Reviews

Carol Cling, Las Vegas Review-Journal
Emotionally gripping, visually stunning.
Frederic and Mary Ann Brussat, Spirituality and Practice
Conveys the ancient wisdom of the primitives who relish dream time and have found a way to dignify the different stages of life with meaningful rituals
Brian Mckay, eFilmCritic.com
Just as he did with the British countryside in EXCALIBUR, Boorman gives the deep jungles of South America an almost dreamlike, magical quality
Rob Thomas, Capital Times (Madison, WI)
The execution is a little sedate, but the idea sticks with you.
Ken Hanke, Mountain Xpress (Asheville, NC)
John Boorman ought to be ashamed
Scott Weinberg, eFilmCritic.com
An engrossing and insightful adventure flick - that actually has something to say.
James Kendrick, Q Network Film Desk
even if Boorman can be faulted on a narrative level, his cinematic eye almost matches his mythic aspirations

Read all 7 critic reviews

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

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Featured Audience Ratings

Pierluigi P

There was this quiet and more cohesive film from John Boorman long before the mediocre pastiche and box office sensation of "Avatar". Adventure and drama set in the amazonia, following the lines of Ford's "The Searchers" but adding an ecological denounce that… More
There was this quiet and more cohesive film from John Boorman long before the mediocre pastiche and box office sensation of "Avatar". Adventure and drama set in the amazonia, following the lines of Ford's "The Searchers" but adding an ecological denounce that does not fall in preachment, but remains powerful. Cinematography is breathtaking.
Tom E

This is what happens when the Amazon forest is destroyed
xGary X

Powerful, beautifully shot eco-thriller from John Boorman examining the cultural impact of the commercial exploitation of the rainforests, as seen through the eyes of a boy adopted by an indigenous tribe. Great performances and intelligent eco-message that rarely feels preachy. Good… More
Powerful, beautifully shot eco-thriller from John Boorman examining the cultural impact of the commercial exploitation of the rainforests, as seen through the eyes of a boy adopted by an indigenous tribe. Great performances and intelligent eco-message that rarely feels preachy. Good stuff.
Donna D

Another of John Boorman. His son Charlie Boorman is amazing as the lost son of an architect that is stolen by a hidden Amazon trible. Great movie and great story with amazing graphics and intrigue.
Moe E

I was blown away by the beauty of the Amazon as depicted in this movie. Excellent performance from Powers Booth as a father looking for his son, Tommy, who was abducted by the people of the jungle at an early age.

Cast

            Powers Boothe as Bill Markham

            Meg Foster as Jean Markham

            Charley Boorman as Tomme

            Dira Pass as Kachiri

            Rui Polonah as Wanadi the Chief

            Claudio Moreno as Jacareh Chief of the Fierce Tribe

            Tetchie Agbayani as Caya

            Paulo Vinicius as Mapi

            Eduardo Conde as Uwe Werner

            Estee Chandler as Heather Markham

            Babriel Archanjo as Trader's Henchman

            Mario Borges as Costa

            Ariel Coelho as Padre Leduc

            Silvana de Faria as Peoui

            Atilia Iorio as Trader

            Gracindo Júnior as Carlos

            Peter Marinker as Perreira

            Yara Vaneau as Young Heather

            María Elena Velasco as Uluru

            Isabel Bicudo as Kachiri's Cousin

            Joao Mauricio Carvalho as Monkey

            Aloisio Flores as Samanpo

            Arthur Muhlenberg as Rico

            Patricia Prisco as Kachiri's Cousin

            William Rodriquez as Young Tommy

            Chico Terto as Paulo

            Rospo Pallenberg
            
            William Rodriguez
            
            Dira Paes
            
            Charlie Boorman
            
See full cast