...than a 7, but I cannot in good conscience. The film is effectively poignant where it needs to be and is at best more engaging than its documentary counterpart "Beyond the Gates of Splendor," as well it should be. But at times the oversaturated hues of the jungle, melodramatic dialogue, and corny sentiment mar a promising story.
The second act is the real meat of the story and it works marvelously. If the others were as strong, this would be a real winner through-and-through. 20 minutes into the film, we're still waiting and wondering if it's not too late to catch another feature. But then we begin to learn about the Waorani cycle of violence and the consequences for its people. This is where the film comes alive and redeems itself, because it knows how to handle its characters, even if they seem a bit too "Hollywood" at times (you'll see what I mean at the end.)
In all, I wasn't disappointed, and if you miss it in the theatre you shouldn't be either. Just be sure to rent it.
The second act is the real meat of the story and it works marvelously. If the others were as strong, this would be a real winner through-and-through. 20 minutes into the film, we're still waiting and wondering if it's not too late to catch another feature. But then we begin to learn about the Waorani cycle of violence and the consequences for its people. This is where the film comes alive and redeems itself, because it knows how to handle its characters, even if they seem a bit too "Hollywood" at times (you'll see what I mean at the end.)
In all, I wasn't disappointed, and if you miss it in the theatre you shouldn't be either. Just be sure to rent it.