Directed by: James Gray

Screenplay: James Gray

Producer: Dede Gardner, Jeremy Kleiner, Anthony Katagas, James Gray, Dale Armin Johnson

Starring: Charlie Hunnam, Robert Pattinson, Sienna Miller, Tom Holland, Angus Macfadyen, Ian McDiarmid, Franco Nero

Runtime: 2h 21m

Genre: Drama film/Action

James Gray bases ‘The Lost City of Z’ on the book of the same name written by David Grann. Although the trailer might make it seem to be an action adventure film, instead it’s a troubling story of a man who ages and realizes his dreams and aspirations are left behind. It’s not easy to make a slow burning biographical adventure film and this movie captures the essence of undying passion beautifully. People who are familiar with the story that the movie is based upon will relish its cinematic storytelling. Those who are not very familiar (I come into this category) will leave the theatre in awe.

The movie takes place in the early 1900’s .The movie revolves around the life of a British Army officer named Percy Fawcett played by the hunky Charlie Hunnam who is looking to right the wrongs of his alcoholic father by venturing on the dangerous mission to scout the Amazon jungle. Amidst his exploration he finds out about a lost civilization, which he calls The Lost City of Z. His obsession with finding this city drives him to explore the jungle many a times only to face unforeseen obstacles along the way. He spends his entire youth in the forests looking for it, which takes a toll on his family and relationship with his wife. After multiple failed attempts at finding the city, his son eventually accompanies him in his not so youthful days to complete his mission.

Percy Fawcett’s character is rather modern in his thinking. Unlike the majority of people in the 1900’s, his attitude was anti racist and he carried himself with utmost discipline. Charlie Hunnam plays him to perfection, a man with a hardened exterior and a driving passion to reach his dream. His wife Nina (Sienna Miller) is somewhat proto-feminist, who’s views on life were more liberated than most English wives during that time period. The director dabbles with sensitive topics like slavery, racism and feminism extremely subtly. The cinematography is brilliant and many pan shot makes you feel that he’s back in the forest even when he’s not. At times this movie gets extremely dark, and the director strives to build up anticipation with every chance he gets. Gray has done a fine job in bringing the psyche of the characters to life. The struggle of Percy and his team to find The Lost City of Z is exhilarating. The flashback during the second encounter with the arrow shooting natives was splendid. The performances by the leads and also the side characters were top notch; especially Henry Costin played by Robert Pattinson. Tom Holland was also great as Jack Fawcett, Percy’s son. But this does not justify the runtime. The only thing that was lacking was the pace. The movie was too slow at times and scenes dragged on longer than they should have.

Generally you would expect a fast paced thrill ride in the summer but hey you got the opposite. Its slow and steady, unfolding piece by piece, like a complex jigsaw puzzle. This dark and grimy mystery will surely leave you in wonder. If your looking for a good piece of cinema and a well crafted mystery, give it a watch. The stunning scenic visuals, acting and story telling are the highlights of this film.