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Dark of the Sun: A Classic War Movie of the 60s
If you are someone who loves war movies, Dark of the Sun is a classic that should be on your watchlist. Directed by Jack Cardiff and released in 1968, it is a movie set during the Congo Crisis in the early 1960s. The movie has all the elements of a classic war movie- an intense storyline, engaging characters, well-choreographed action sequences, and a lot more.
The Storyline and Plot:
The story revolves around a small team of mercenaries hired by a Congolese President to retrieve a huge cache of diamonds from a region controlled by Simba rebels. The team consists of Captain Curry (Rod Taylor), Ruffo (Jim Brown), Sergeant Ruffo (Yvette Mimieux) and other soldiers. They have to travel through several dangerous areas to reach their destination.
The plot is filled with suspense, as they face numerous obstacles along the way. From defeating rebel soldiers to overcoming racial tensions among team members, each scene ups the thrill factor.
The Cast:
The movie features an exceptional cast, with Rod Taylor as Captain Curry and Jim Brown as Ruffo. Their performances are outstanding, bringing depth and nuance to their characters.
Yvette Mimieux (Sergeant Ruffo) also delivers a convincing performance, portraying a strong female character that was rare in movies of that era.
Other notable actors include Kenneth More (Doctor Wreid), Peter Carsten (Henlein), and Olivier Despax (Captain Henlein).
The Popularity and Score:
Dark of the Sun was well-received by audiences and critics when it was first released, earning an impressive score on Rotten Tomatoes. It gained popularity as a classic war movie over time and continues to be regarded as one of the best in the genre.
The Cinematography:
The cinematography in Dark of the Sun is superb. The picturesque landscapes provide awe-inspiring backdrops that create a sense of realism for viewers. The camera work is incredible, with each shot expertly framed to capture all the action.
Opinions:
Many viewers have praised the movie for its intense action sequences and gripping storyline. Its portrayal of the racial tensions among the characters also received favorable reviews, as it added depth and nuance to the movie.
However, some viewers find it a bit too violent for their liking, with scenes that are quite gruesome or gory. Also, some critics have criticized the script’s lack of complexity.
The Dialogue:
The dialogue in Dark of the Sun is well-written and natural. The exchanges between characters flow effortlessly, adding an authenticity that deepens our engagement with them.
It’s worth noting that there are scenes where French is spoken without subtitles, which may be confusing for some viewers who do not speak the language.
The Special Effects:
Given that Dark of the Sun was released in 1968, special effects were limited compared to modern-day movies. However, it doesn’t detract from how well-directed and executed each scene is. The practical effects used in this movie are superbly done and contribute to its gritty realism.
The Crews:
Director Jack Cardiff is known for his mastery of Technicolor and delivering beautiful visual spectacles, which is evident in this movie. The producers and writers were also meticulous in their attention to detail, ensuring that the movie was as authentic to its setting as possible.
The Gossip:
During the filming of Dark of the Sun, there were some rumors that Jim Brown and Rod Taylor did not get along well on set due to their different temperaments. However, this did not affect their performances and they delivered unforgettable portrayals of their characters.
The Soundtrack:
The music in Dark of the Sun is noteworthy. Composed by Jacques Loussier, it adds an atmospheric quality that heightens the audience’s emotional connection with the film. The score has a haunting feel to it, which contributes to the overall sense of warfare despair present throughout the movie.
The Evaluation:
Dark of the Sun delivers an intense, action-packed movie-going experience that will leave you captivated from beginning to end. Its themes of race and warfare add depth to what is already a gripping plot and engaging characters. It’s certainly a must-watch movie for fans of the war genre or anyone who appreciates great storytelling.
The Analysis:
The Congo Crisis was a significant event in African history, and Dark of the Sun captures some aspects of it exceptionally well. The movie explores how political instability exacerbated tensions between racial groups, resulting in untold violence and tragedy. It also examines how individuals had to make difficult choices when caught up in such circumstances.
The Criticism:
While Dark of the Sun is an excellent movie, it is not without some flaws. Some viewers may find its violence excessive or gratuitous at times, especially given modern sensibilities regarding such things. Additionally, there are some scenes where the dialogue feels stilted or unnatural.
The Production:
The production quality of Dark of the Sun is outstanding, considering it was made in the 60s. The sets, costumes, and makeup are all meticulously crafted to create an immersive experience for viewers. This movie serves as an excellent example of how to make a quality war film with limited resources.
The Conclusion:
Dark of the Sun is a classic war movie that has stood the test of time. It offers an immersive experience for viewers, capturing the essence of a difficult historical period in African history. Its themes of race and conflict remain as relevant today as they were over 60 years ago. This movie will leave you with a sense of greater appreciation for the sacrifices made by those caught up in such situations.