Lost Horizon
Lost Horizon

Movie spotlight

Lost Horizon

1937
Movie
132 min
English

British diplomat Robert Conway and a small group of civilians crash-land in the Himalayas, where they are rescued by the inhabitants of the hidden, idyllic valley of Shangri-La. Protected by the mountains from the world outside, where the clouds of World War II are gathering, Shangri-La provides a seductive escape for the world-weary Conway.

Insights

IMDb7.3/10
Rotten Tomatoes94%
Director: Frank CapraGenres: Adventure, Drama, Fantasy

Plot Summary

A group of plane crash survivors finds themselves in the mystical, hidden valley of Shangri-La. Led by the wise High Lama, the inhabitants live in a state of perpetual peace and longevity, untouched by the outside world's conflicts. However, one of the survivors, Robert Conway, struggles with the allure of eternal peace versus his responsibilities and the memory of his past life.

Critical Reception

Lost Horizon was a critical and commercial success upon its release, praised for its imaginative storytelling, stunning visuals, and Capra's directorial skill. It has since been cemented as a classic film, celebrated for its enduring themes of peace, escapism, and the human desire for utopia.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for its enchanting premise and Capra's masterful direction.

  • Lauded for its visual splendor and memorable performances.

  • Recognized for its profound exploration of peace and longevity.

Google audience: While specific Google user ratings from 1937 are unavailable, contemporary reviews and its lasting legacy suggest significant audience appreciation for its unique story and escapist qualities.

Awards & Accolades

Won Academy Awards for Best Film Editing and Best Interior Decoration (Art Direction). Nominated for Best Picture and Best Director.

Fun Fact

The iconic crystal lamasery in Shangri-La was built on the Columbia Pictures studio lot and was so elaborate that it was later reused as a monastery in the Abbot and Costello film 'The Naughty Nineties'.

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My Review

TMDB Reviews

2 reviews
CinemaSerf

CinemaSerf

Having managed to arrange the evacuation of ninety-odd British civilians from the clutches of the marauding Chinese army, diplomat “Conway” (Ronald Colman) is now on a plane with his brother “George” (John Howard) and a few others heading f...

John Chard

John Chard

Capra adapts James Hilton's Utopian novel with grace and beauty. It's so nice to be able to see something resembling the original vision Capra had for this story, the wonders of science gives us a cracking restoration to enjoy at our wan...