The Lost City of Z is a biographical adventure drama film about Major
Percy Fawcett (Charlie Hunnam), a British explorer sent on a survey mission to uncharted Amazon rainforest, and from which he gained the lifelong obsession
of finding the “lost city of Z.” Despite
the ridicule he received from the Royal Geographical Society, he managed to
find backing for two separate expeditions, in which he was accompanied by,
first, Corporal Henry Costin (Robert Pattinson) and then, second, by his son,
Jack Fawcett (Tom Holland). (Yep, that’s
King Arthur, Edward Cullen, and Spider-Man together in the same movie.)
It’s not exactly a “fun”
adventure film. Nevertheless, it’s generally absorbing – largely thanks to magnetic performances
(especially by Hunnam), striking cinematography, fabulous
production value, and measured direction.
It’s the type of movie that could have easily become tedious and
scattered, but everything was kept together because it was so well-crafted.
The movie makes a dignified, unsensational
approach to the featured story. Hence, paired
with Hunnam’s performance, it creates a thoughtful and heartfelt presentation
of Fawcett’s life. On paper, his desire to
find this mythical city is bananas. But
the audience is made to sympathize with him, by contrasting this wild dream
with the sacrifice he had to pay and disrespect he had to undergo. And somehow, just like that, “the lost city
of Z” begins to subtly and metaphorically represent the noble and brave
pursuits of life. Thus, there’s
emotional impact.
Furthermore, The Lost City of Z is supposed to be a throwback to classic
filmmaking tradition. And, indeed, it does
give off the same endearing, artistic, “old-fashioned” vibes as movies like Lawrence of Arabia.
The Lost City of Z may not be for everyone. Its lengthy runtime and heavy story are a tad
intimidating. Personally, though I liked
it, I don’t think I would ever watch it again.
It’s that kind of movie for me. But,
anyway, serious cinema fans who are ready to invest a bit of effort will probably
find it rewarding.
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