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The Emerald Forest

Play trailer Poster for The Emerald Forest R 1985 1h 53m Adventure Play Trailer Watchlist
Watchlist Tomatometer Popcornmeter
84% Tomatometer 19 Reviews 79% Popcornmeter 5,000+ Ratings
American Bill Markham (Powers Boothe) has taken his family to the jungles of Brazil, where he has been hired to design a dam. Unexpectedly, a native tribe abducts his son, Tommy (Charley Boorman). Bill spends an entire decade looking for Tommy, only to discover that the boy has adopted the ways of the indigenous people he's been living with. Bill tries to convince his son to return to his family, but their reunion is interrupted when another group of natives attacks Tommy's tribe.

Critics Reviews

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David Robinson The Times (UK) Apr 5, 2022
The mystery and menace of the wilderness excite John Boorman; and the suspense of the action is sustained through consistently fine images, in which the green forest light predominates. Go to Full Review Derek Malcolm Guardian Apr 4, 2022
This simplicity of expression, combined with Boorman's usual sophisticated visual technique, makes it a genuine oddity. But, whatever its faults, it looks glorious, tells a fascinating story and is a piece of sheer cinema you have to see. Go to Full Review Paul Attanasio Washington Post Jan 3, 2018
This long, wheezy tribute to the Noble Savage has some pretty scenery, but not much else -- it's not a movie, it's a National Geographic special. Go to Full Review Matt Brunson Film Frenzy Dec 26, 2023
3/4
Here’s a “save the rainforest” film that succeeds so well as an adventure yarn and as a familial drama that one might forget about its pro-environmental slant until the closing text helpfully brings it back to the forefront. Go to Full Review Carol Cling Las Vegas Review-Journal Sep 29, 2006
5/5
Emotionally gripping, visually stunning. Go to Full Review Chuck O'Leary Fantastica Daily Oct 9, 2005
2/5
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Audience Reviews

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Zach T @RT17364556 Apr 19, 2026 Sailed up as one of my favourite movies. Beautiful, grounded and high stakes. An almost absurd "what if" scenario though based on real events. Really wish there were more movies of this sort. The complete absence of CGI BS is such a treat too. See more Noel L @RT15930389 Jan 20, 2026 What an attention grabbing film about true people and true events. But all the naked minors was a little off putting See more Priya F @RT46974943 Dec 3, 2023 Magical. The movie has aged better than the trailer sounds like. See more Mar 15, 2022 An inspired movie - it hasn't lost its relevance in 36+ years. See more May 28, 2021 good thriller and an evertime hit See more Jan 29, 2021 Some gorgeous cinematography, and is interesting for showing these natives beliefs and rituals. But I was just bored to tears. It felt like an adventure that should have moved with a lot more urgency, considering the subject matter. See more Read all reviews
The Emerald Forest

My Rating

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Cast & Crew

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John Boorman

Director

Powers Boothe

Bill Markham

Charley Boorman

Tomme

Meg Foster

Jean Markham

William Rodriquez

Young Tommy

Yara Vaneau

Young Heather

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The Emerald Forest

The Emerald Forest (1985) The Emerald Forest (1985) View more photos

Movie Info

Synopsis American Bill Markham (Powers Boothe) has taken his family to the jungles of Brazil, where he has been hired to design a dam. Unexpectedly, a native tribe abducts his son, Tommy (Charley Boorman). Bill spends an entire decade looking for Tommy, only to discover that the boy has adopted the ways of the indigenous people he's been living with. Bill tries to convince his son to return to his family, but their reunion is interrupted when another group of natives attacks Tommy's tribe.
Director
John Boorman
Producer
John Boorman, Michael Dryhurst
Production Co
Embassy Pictures, Christel Films
Rating
R
Genre
Adventure
Original Language
English
Release Date (DVD)
Feb 6, 2001
Box Office (Gross USA)
$24.0M
Runtime
1h 53m
Sound Mix
Surround
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