The Mosquito Coast

Product Description

Harrison Ford gives one of his most powerful portrayals as an obsessive inventor whose dream of creating a jungle paradise erodes into a survival-of-the-fittest nightmare. Year: 1986 Director: Peter Weir Starring: Harrison Ford, Helen Mirren, River Phoenix

Top Reviews

Not that well known of a film, but still worth watching once.
by Zack Ha-Ria (4 out of 5 stars)
July 4, 2018

It's such a shame that River Phoenix died so young, like most if not all of his other films, he's great in this. A conflicted character that eventually becomes torn between the love for his father, and the victim of his father's downfall into ego-driven madness. All-around great acting, the mood and pacing were to my tastes, although it could seem slower for other people. It's more a philosophical drama about rejecting the modern world so I know it won't be everyone's cup of tea. Not something I'd rewatch frequently, only watched recently since I hadn't seen it since it original release. Would recommend to watch it once, at least.
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Progress happens no matter where you go, buddy.
by Meri (5 out of 5 stars)
February 9, 2018

One of Ford's most underrated roles. And who doesn't miss River Phoenix? Great story and VERY applicable to today's world. I very much wanted to offer sunscreen and bug spray to everyone in the room while we watched this.
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The Mosquito Coast
by Gary W. Phelps (5 out of 5 stars)
September 18, 2015

There is more to Harrison Ford and River Phoenix than just Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade. Helen Mirren as the devoted Wife tops this

movie also. There is a dark side to Genius and heroism as Harrison Ford played the lead role of an eccentric, brilliant inventor with 9 patents - and 6 pending approval. The inventor takes his wife and 4 children into the remote jungles on the Mosquito Coast of Central America with the intent to carve out a new society. This adventure includes elements of true life in regards to native tribes, roving bands of robbers/squatters and the hostile environment of a jungle with a river delta that evolve into a real test of survival. The conclusion of this movie demonstrates tragedy is equal in the outcome to success. Jerome Hellman s' production is a marvelous adaptation of Paul Theroux's bestseller.
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An Harrison Ford Classic!
by YucaipaDan (5 out of 5 stars)
November 29, 2014

A marvelous film, with extremely wonderful acting, writing & gorgeous settings! It's message, I think still completely applies to this day, & it's from the early 80s! A young & vibrant , Harrison Ford, & Helen Mirren play wonderfully off each other! A strong supporting role, solidly performance by a gifted young River Phoenix, who left us way way too soon! It's not a conventional movie, but I feel fabulously well made! It is based on the novel by Paul Theroux. The film tells the story of a family that leaves the United States and tries to find a happier and simpler life in the jungles of Central America. However, their jungle paradise quickly turns into a dystopia as their stubborn father's behavior becomes increasingly erratic and aggressive. It was shot in the cities of Cartersville and Rome in Georgia, in addition to Baltimore, Maryland, and Belize.

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I'd love to see Terry Gilliam's re-edit of this film
by Cool MF Rob (3 out of 5 stars)
May 22, 2018

3.25 stars. This could have been Ford's masterpiece following Witness (and with Witness's same director, Peter Weir). Yet, something is lost

in the basic conveyance of the story that undercuts this strange and fascinating (almost) mythological tale. I'd love to see Terry Gilliam's re-edit of this film.
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Great view of ones man's decent into madneses
by Jenifer Justice (5 out of 5 stars)
April 26, 2018

Great view of ones man's decent into madneses. Excellent acting job by actor with excellent track record. Not for squemish delicate viewers.
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Ford's Finest Moment
by David E. Baldwin (5 out of 5 stars)
March 16, 2008

"The Mosquito Coast" is one of the unheralded great films of the Eighties. I read Paul Theroux's novel after seeing the film on video and mesmerizing a book as it was I realized that though not unfilmable it would be difficult to translate to the screen. Director Peter Weir and writer Paul Schrader succeeded. What one would find problematic in the book is the Allie Fox character is a tad unsympathetic. What Harrison Ford has achieved without compromising the character is imbuing Allie with a little empathy. This demonstrates to those who would relegate Ford to the Han Solo or Indiana Jones parts what a consummate actor he is. Another difficult part is the one assayed by Helen Mirren as Mother. A lesser actress would lead you to believe that Mother is spineless and compliant in indulging her husband's preposterous whims. Watch Mirren in the closing moments of the film and you realize that Mother acquieses to Allie more out of love than a lack of backbone. Lastly, the late lamented River Phoenix makes his mark as the Fox's oldest son torn between idolizing adoration for his father and repulsion toward's Allie's thoughtless cruelty. The film contains lush tropic scenery and a haunting score by Maurice Jarre. "The Mosquito Coast" is a challenging film but adventurous filmgoers should pursue it.
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An underrated gem for Ford and Phoenix fans
by Galena (5 out of 5 stars)
January 22, 2019

A must for (1) anyone inexplicably trapped in a relationship with a charismatic, handsome madman; and (2) charismatic, handsome madmen. It is surprisingly true to a very well written novel, one of Theroux's finest. Mirren is icing here on an already good cake.
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Five Stars
by Peter Ashlock (5 out of 5 stars)
October 3, 2017

Good film about a crack pot in the jungle
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well done, but sad
by Diane (4 out of 5 stars)
February 7, 2014

All of the acting was first-rate. It was sad to see Harrison Ford play a villain, though. He is pretty crazed, and so is the so-called missionary (he might have started with his heart in the right place, but he gets a little too judgmental and does not show the love of Christ). I suppose this is a commentary on society at large--things don't change just because the geographical location changes. The main character (Harrison Ford's) is way off base--maybe a "mad scientist" not thinking beyond his test tubes.

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