Review of Quest for Fire (1981) by Rim M — 09 Aug 2008

I loved this movie. It really appeals to anyone who is interested in science fiction. No, it has no aliens or paranormal garbage. Rather, the movie satisfies that yearning to understand or at least imagine a world that is remarkably different than our own. The attempts of cavemen to survive in a harsh world without any safety net parallels a modern-day Willy Loman struggling in a corporate job to earn the wages that will feed and clothe his family and perhaps provide him some comfort and personal achievement to claim as his own.

The film captures human emotion such as fear, comprehension, and love using prehistoric characters and without the use of dialogue. The technical execution is excellent. Even some of the weaker scenes (ie. those with wooly mammoths and saber tooth tigers) really shine through and enrobe this film with a patina of age and craftsmanship that rivals that of fine antique furniture.

I give this movie five stars because it achieves what it aims and it aims high. I cannot think of a better quest movie (Lord of the Rings' quest to Mordor is a silly CG caricature in comparison) nor a better prehistoric movie.

See it!