Review of Conquest of the Planet of the Apes (1972) by Bradley F — 13 Jan 2009

Conquest is the 4th movie in the Planet of the Apes series. The third movie was a bit lacking, and had a feeling of being forced, but the groundwork laid in that movie was used to create this truly inspired piece of film-making.

Conquest carries on the storyline of the downfall of man and the rise of the apes to power, as it was foretold by Cornelius. Well, almost as foretold. With Cornelius' travel back in time, and the introduction of his son into society, events were changed slightly, maybe accelerated compared to the history that Cornelius' people had experienced, but events unfold in much the same fashion as he said.

What's great about this movie is that it recaptures the power and vision that was evident in the first two films. The movie is highly entertaining, thought provoking, and allegorical. The revolution of the apes that were made into slaves can be compared to the way in which the American blacks achieved their freedom. In fact, one of the key players in this movie, that makes Ceaser's (Cornelius' son) rise to power possible, is a black man. He manages to save Ceaser's life and then offers wisdom where possible, hoping that Ceaser will usher in an era of peace, rather than one of violence and persecution, such as the blacks in America faced. I believe this can best be demonstrated through a quote from the movie:

"MacDonald: Caesar... Caesar! This is not how it was meant to be.

Caesar: In your view or mine?

MacDonald: Violence prolongs hate, hate prolongs violence. By what right are you spilling blood?

Caesar: By the slave's right to punish his persecutor.

MacDonald: I, a decedent of slaves am asking you to show humanity.

Caesar: But, I was not born human.

MacDonald: I know. The child of the evolved apes.

Caesar: Whose children shall rule the earth.

MacDonald: For better or for worse?

Caesar: Do you think it could be worse?

MacDonald: Do you think this riot will win freedom for all your people? By tomorrow...

Caesar: By tomorrow it will be too late. Why a tiny, mindless insect like the emperor moth can communicate with another over a distance of 80 miles...

MacDonald: An emperor ape might do slightly better?

Caesar: Slightly? What you have seen here today, apes on the 5 continents will be imitating tomorrow.

MacDonald: With knives against guns? With kerosene cans against flamethrowers?

Caesar: Where there is fire, there is smoke. And in that smoke, from this day forward, my people will crouch and conspire and plot and plan for the inevitable day of Man's downfall - the day when he finally and self-destructively turns his weapons against his own kind. The day of the writing in the sky, when your cities lie buried under radioactive rubble! When the sea is a dead sea, and the land is a wasteland out of which I will lead my people from their captivity! And we will build our own cities in which there will be no place for humans except to serve our ends! And we shall found our own armies, our own religion, our own dynasty! And that day is upon you... NOW!".

If you were a fan of the first two movies, but the third put you off, the fourth is definitely where your interest will be caught again.