Crusoe (1989)

"Crusoe" came on in the middle of the night on Multiplex. Do remember the buzz in 88 before it was released. Surprised it didn't do better in the American market.Optics are stunningly beautiful, sets appear authentic to my unprofessional eye - and Serbia is absolutely gorgeous. Sinful what has happened to that country.Beginning scenes reminiscent of recent films such as "12 Years A Slave" and others. Painful to watch, but a necessary back story. Agree with previous reviews that this version of Daniel Defoe's story conveys well the isolation, desperation and redemption of man. Good on director Caleb Deschanel.Thought it was a bit too convenient our hero just happened to retrieve a razor, soap and other necessities from the wreck. And especially, his ship-launching skills were a wonder to behold.Loved Aiden Quinn's interaction with the ship's dog, especially compared to his first encounter with Hepburn Graham. Telling.

Several years ago my brother and I tried, largely in vain, to find a Robinson Crusoe film adaptation that satisfied our deep curiosity with the story. We had read the fabulous work and knew its major themes, so searching for a visual adaptation was exciting. We found one version with Pierce Brosnan and then a black and white one, both of which were not fulfilling. This movie picks up the quest for a visual characterization of Daniel Defoe's title character and leaves me somewhat satisfied, at least more so than the previous ones I've seen. Missing the first few minutes, I began in on the movie just after Crusoe is shipwrecked. The film has great visuals and moves from one event/occurrence to another pretty steadily, but it was lacking in both depth of the Crusoe character and a general study of the character's relationship to nature and God, two aspects that the original story effectively focuses on. I did not experience a depth of connection with Aidan Quinn, who played Crusoe, and it feels like he is more just a random character in a made for TV movie rather than the rugged, time tested, and matured Robinson Crusoe I tend to imagine. I kept hoping the movie would have a "7" or "14" or even "21 years later" scene where we gasp and wonder how the time has changed Crusoe and wonder what he's been up to, like in "Cast Away" with Chuck Nolan. While there are some touching moments, I give it 6/10 stars for the previous reasons. I wanted a more integrated piece that zeroes in on the man Robinson Crusoe rather than a film that jumps from one island event to another and doesn't return to the title character and his story. Still, it's watchable.

This almost wordless version, is my favorite, it captures the lonely feeling of being lost on a beautiful Island. A man lost to the world with no one to help him, finds he needs companionship. The actors did a great job expressing the parts. I feel the writer's human approach to expressing the conflict between the white and the black man shows for all to see that we are, all, in the human race and need to learn to overcome our superior selfishness whether white or black. These 2 men become friends even to learning from each other and they both show they are indeed able to share there lives with respect for each other. They learn to trust each other and to protect each other. The haunting theme music so sets off this story. It sets the stage with the emotion, giving the viewer a real feel for the truths in this wonderful story.

I viewed this movie on TV and in Spanish, and it mattered not.This is visual movie making at its best, the story being told throughgripping physical encounters and gut-wrenching emotions on anenchanting island. Crusoe and Friday are fiercely strongindividuals who must learn to cooperate to survive. But this versionof the classic story goes beyond mere physical survival andfocuses on how Crusoe, a slave trader in the 1800s, and Friday, aBlack, overcome their innate prejudices and learn to trust, respect,and finally to help each other survive against life-threatening odds.The mythic feel of the film is enhanced by wondrous cinematography and sparkling music. Thanks Aidan Quinn, AdeSapara, and Director-cinematographer Celeb Deschanel for amost delightful movie.