Film review: The Lost City Of Z

A sprawling true story of discovery at the turn of the 20th century informs writer-director James Gray's ambitious journey into the heart of darkness.
Charlie Hunnam as Colonel Percy Fawcett.  PIC: PACharlie Hunnam as Colonel Percy Fawcett.  PIC: PA
Charlie Hunnam as Colonel Percy Fawcett. PIC: PA

Based on author David Grann’s non-fiction bestseller, The Lost City Of Z charts the ba‘ le between globetro‘ ing cartographer Percy Fawce‘ (Charlie Hunnam) and the scientific establishment, who dismissed indigenous tribes of South America as“savages”.

In order to prove the snobbish academics wrong and anchor his place in history, Percy sacrifi ces relationships with his wife and children, and risks the safety of men in his care as he traces the Rio Verde upriver to its source.

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Shot on location in the Colombian rainforest, where cast and crew faced snakes and bouts of dengue fever, The Lost City Of Z is a handsome tribute to

one man’s struggle against himself and Mother Nature.

Hunnam delivers one of the strongest performances of his career against a lush backdrop.

Robert Pa‘ inson is reserved in support, while Sienna Miller embodies an endlessly supportive spouse, who encourages her husband to chase his impossible dream by pontifi cating, “a man’s reach should exceed his grasp”.

Unquestionably, Gray suff ers from acute jungle fever expecting us to

retain focus for almost two-and-a-half meandering hours.

At least 20 minutes could have been cleaved from the film’s bloated frame and tossed to piranhas that swarm during one terrifying sequence.

Rating: 7/10