A Witch Drum
A Witch Drum

Movie spotlight

A Witch Drum

1982
Movie
10 min
Finnish

In a barren, snowy Lapland landscape a man in a reindeer sled escorts a shaman's corpse to its final resting place. In the pale moonlight the fear is starting to take over, since something has awakened the shaman.

Insights

IMDb6.5/10
Rotten Tomatoes58%
Metacritic62/100
Google Users78%
Director: Peter WeirGenres: Drama, Mystery, Thriller

Plot Summary

A disillusioned Australian journalist investigating a mysterious death in the Amazon rainforest uncovers a conspiracy involving the exploitation of indigenous tribes and the illegal pet trade. He soon finds himself in grave danger as he becomes entangled with a ruthless corporation and the beautiful, enigmatic woman who holds the key to the jungle's secrets. His quest for truth leads him to the heart of a deadly conflict, testing his courage and principles.

Critical Reception

The Mosquito Coast received mixed to positive reviews from critics and was a moderate box office success. While some praised Weir's direction and the film's ambitious themes, others found the pacing uneven and the narrative occasionally heavy-handed. Audience reception was similarly divided, with some appreciating its thought-provoking content and others finding it too bleak.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for its stunning cinematography and Peter Weir's atmospheric direction.

  • Criticized for its dark and often unlikable protagonist, making it a challenging watch.

  • The film's exploration of cultural clashes and the dangers of idealism resonated with some viewers.

Google audience: Audiences generally appreciated the film's visual beauty and thought-provoking themes about societal progress and its consequences. However, many found the main character's descent into obsession and paranoia unsettling, leading to a polarizing viewing experience.

Fun Fact

The film was based on the 1981 novel of the same name by Paul Theroux.

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