This is a funny caveman movie. Not a farce, but mostly light-hearted and funny. Our three heroes are sent on a quest to find fire. Seems the tribe's fire has gone out and no one knows how to start a one from scratch!
The lead (Everett McGill) is, I guess, "handsome" by caveman standards. You might recognize Ron Perlman as one of the cavemen. The trio, of course, encounter dangers and adventures. They learn about laughter and humor. There is even romance. And, of course, they eventually learn to make fire.
The background to this movie is interesting. It is adapted from a book written in 1911, and made with the intention of being as scientifically factual as possible. It seems that for the most part, they did a good job. Desmond Morris, author of and zoologist, developed the body language and gestures used by the different tribes. Anthony Burgess, linguist and author of
A Clockwork Orange, created the language the Neanderthals speak. The language spoken by Ivaka, (Rae Dawn Chong), is mostly Cree/Inuit of northern Canada, which apparently has caused some amusement among those who speak it, since the words have little to do with the plot. This movie is not in English and does not have titles. Instead we hear the beginnings of language. Don't worry, you'll figure out everything.
At times touching, at times laugh out loud funny, this is an enjoyable movie experience. Unfortunately, it is not for the kiddies. Among the things our handsome hero learns is the missionary position.
DIRECTOR: Jean-Jacques Annaud. CAST: Everett McGill, Rae Dawn Chong, Ron Perlman, Nameer El Kadi.
AWARDS: Won one Oscar. Another 10 wins & 7 nominations.
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