When this film came out in 1990, it disappeared from the theaters as quickly as it came. Which is a shame really, because MOUNTAINS OF THE MOON is an excellent historical drama about the search for source of the Nile. The film is beautifully photographed on real African locations. I hate to call this film an epic, because that word has bad connotations today, and the film does not suffer from "epicitis" like so many films dubbed "epics". But MOUNTAINS OF THE MOON is an epic in the positive sense of the word. The cast is uniformally good. A lot has already been written in this forum by others about the leads so I won't say anymore. Supporting player Delroy Lindo sometimes steals the show with his excellent role as the expeditions African guide. I recommend you rent this along with STANLEY AND LIVINGSTONE for a night of good viewing. Till next time...Your pal Jim.

source: Mountains of the Moon

Trailer—Mountains of the Moon

Mountains of the Moon

All of the previous comments are accurate, in my estimation. This film is an overlooked gem. If the viewer still requires a convincing sample: There is a pivotal scene wherein Burton, having returned to England from one expedition and seeking funding for another, applies in person to the Royal Geographical Society, currently under the direction of none other than the aging David Livingstone himself.As the two men converse, uncomfortably, they discover that their experiences in Africa have given them something in common; the results are believable, true to the characters, probably accurate, and undeniably hilarious.

A great story, beautifully filmed and acted about two Victorian era explorers. Irish-born Sir Richard Francis Burton, one of the greatest explorers in history, is in search of knowledge. English-born dilletante John Hanning Speke joins Burton's quest in search of glory. Together they search for the answer to one of the most elusive geographical questions of their time - what is the Nile's source? The film accurately shows how the Royal Geographical Society and other outside interests played Burton and Speke against each other for their own gain. The film's tagline really says it all: "Two strangers made friends by a savage world. Two friends made enemies by a civilized world."

"Mountains of the Moon" is a historical biodrama which focuses on British explorer Capt. Richard Burton (Bergin) during that portion of his life when, accompanied by John Speke, he ventured into Africa (circa mid 1800's) in search of the much sought after source of the Nile river. Though Burton and Speke were adventurers of the first order, their position in history is somewhat obscure and esoteric making the substance of the film of questionable value to the public at large. The film seems to spread itself so thin in its attempt to be all things to all people as to lack focus and fall short of the epic it was probably intended to be. Nonetheless, "M of the M" should be time well spent for those interested in the exploration of the dark continent or expeditionary adventure in general. (B)

This is an excellent film, and it's unfortunate that it wasn't more widely seen. I wish I would've caught it in the theater, as I'm sure it would be magnificent there. In it, you're going to see some of the most painfully memorable scenes in cinema (that I refuse to give away), and an epic story that is most remarkably, wholly true. I loved Raiders of the Lost Ark, and before "meeting" Sir Richard Francis Burton, thought characters of Indy's ilk were simply figments of Steven Spielberg's imagination. However, with study you will find that Burton's experience (and that well beyond this expedition) makes him one of the most enigmatic, interesting people to have ever walked the face of the earth. As they say, truth is stranger than fiction. Slow, smart, challenging, beautiful. And highly recommended viewing.

When this film came out in 1990, it disappeared from the theaters as quickly as it came. Which is a shame really, because MOUNTAINS OF THE MOON is an excellent historical drama about the search for source of the Nile. The film is beautifully photographed on real African locations. I hate to call this film an epic, because that word has bad connotations today, and the film does not suffer from "epicitis" like so many films dubbed "epics". But MOUNTAINS OF THE MOON is an epic in the positive sense of the word. The cast is uniformally good. A lot has already been written in this forum by others about the leads so I won't say anymore. Supporting player Delroy Lindo sometimes steals the show with his excellent role as the expeditions African guide. I recommend you rent this along with STANLEY AND LIVINGSTONE for a night of good viewing. Till next time...Your pal Jim.