Mountains of the Moon
Mountains of the Moon

Mountains of the Moon

1990Movie136 minEnglish

The story of Captain Richard Francis Burton's and Lt. John Hanning Speke's expedition to find the source of the Nile river in the name of Queen Victoria's British Empire.

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Insights

IMDb6.2/10
Rotten Tomatoes60%
Google Users62%
Director: Bob RafelsonGenres: Adventure, Biography, Drama, History, Romance

Plot Summary

In 1857, determined British explorer Richard Francis Burton embarks on a perilous journey to find the source of the Nile River. Alongside his equally adventurous companion, John Hanning Speke, Burton faces treacherous landscapes, disease, and conflict with local tribes. As they navigate the unforgiving African wilderness, their shared ambition is tested by personal demons and the dawning realization that their quest may drive them apart.

Critical Reception

Mountains of the Moon received a mixed to positive reception from critics. While many praised its stunning cinematography and ambitious scope in depicting the arduous expedition, some found the narrative pacing uneven and the character development lacking. The film was appreciated for its historical detail and the raw portrayal of the challenges faced by the explorers, though it didn't achieve widespread blockbuster success.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for its visually impressive depiction of Africa and the arduous nature of exploration.
  • Criticized for a sometimes slow pace and underdeveloped characters.
  • Applauded for its historical scope and the adventurous spirit it conveys.

Google audience: Audiences generally found 'Mountains of the Moon' to be an interesting and visually appealing adventure film. Many appreciated the historical aspect and the grand scale of the expedition. Some viewers noted that the film could be a bit slow at times, but overall, it was seen as a commendable effort to bring a significant historical journey to the screen.

Fun Fact

The film was shot on location in Kenya and Uganda, utilizing the natural landscapes to authentically portray the environments faced by the historical explorers.

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