Robinson Crusoe (1997)

I've no idea why this lovely film received such ridiculously low rating. Perhaps most of the critics are disappointed because the script does not follow faithfully the book. Well, it doesn't have to. During the opening credits it is stated that the film is based on the "Adventures of Robinson Crusoe". If this is of any consolation, I can tell you that the original novel, which was published on 25 April 1719, had run thru 4 editions by the end of the year and that by the end of the 19th century it had many more editions, spin-offs and translations. To date there are more than 700 alternative versions of it! (Check Wikipedia) So, to those who wrote that Daniel Dafoe would turn in his grave if he could see the film - do not worry about that, he wouldn't! The script writers Christopher Lofton, Tracy Keenan Wynn and Christopher Canaan have done a fine job modernizing the novel and compressing it to fit the story in a 90 min. screenplay. The romance is beautiful and adds nice, elegant touch to the plot. It's 1703, Scotland. Robinson Crusoe is forced to duel a friend, Patrick O'Conner over his childhood sweetheart. The duel ends with Patrick's death and Robinson must flee the country. He sets off on a year long sea voyage. An ocean storm wrecks his ship and leaves him stranded on an uninhabited island. It's a matter of survival for him and his only companion, the late captain's dog Skipper, until he meets Friday, a tribesman whom he saves from being sacrificed. The two men struggle at first, but gradually manage to build strong bond despite their cultural and religious differences. The plot is complex. I find it thought provoking and inspirational. The soundtrack is lovely, the cinematography beautiful. To me, the highlight in the film is the superb acting by both Pierce Brosnan (Robinson Crusoe) and William Takaku (Friday). Their final scene, once again a forced fight between friends, will stay me for the rest of my life. It is so emotionally charged and so deeply moving.Robinson Crusoe (1997) is a great, little film. It is worth the attention of everyone who appreciates fine cinema and great storytelling. And perhaps it is so brutally underrated because it came nearly 2 decades ahead of its time - nowadays, when the world is on a verge of new war because of religious and cultural differences, its message is more valid than ever!

I was very very disappointed in this movie. It fails to tell the tale of Robinson Crusoe. The only similarity between this movie and the book is a man getting shipwrecked. There was no build up at all. No explanation of the father explaining the middle life to his son and asking him to stay home. No description of initial journeys being a disaster and how he felt it was a sign from God. These are important elements to the story!If I had to pick one thing that really bothered me it would be the relationship between Robinson and Friday. In the book Friday is ALWAYS the slave. Robinson does eventually give Friday his freedom in the book but he still remains a servant. This sanitized version fails to keep us in the time setting of the book. The ending. Oh my. How cliché.

I think this film is for everybody and the film is great. While I was reading Robinson Crusoe, I wanted to watch the Robinson Crusoe of film. Robinson loves sea so he goes on a journey and one day ship sunk. Sea wafted Robinson. Robinson reached the land but there are not people here. This is İsland. He was afraid and he walked around the İsland. He found a cave twenty four years later. Somebody came to the İsland. He captured one of them. In short he had got eventful life and he stayed at İsland just about twenty eight years.Events was very excited and fluent. Actors were very good. Daniel Defoe is the writer of this film.The film's stars are Pierce Brosnan, William Takaku, Polly Walker and other actors. I suggest the film because I like very much but you should read the film's book, in my opinion

I will tell you something. I don't like the book. I don't know why. I just don't like it. But I have liked some of the movie adaptations. I really love good adventure movies. A friend of mine told me that this movie was a great adventure. But it was not. It was mediocre at best. Sorry. Not entertaining. And that is not the worst.It is not a good movie and it is a TERRIBLE book adaptation. Really terrible. In the book Robinson Crusoe was not a lord, he was not a great swordsman and he was not a warrior. He was not in love with any girl. And, for God's sake, he did not fight Friday! If you want a good adaptation watch something else. This one is the worst you could choose.That is it.