The Lion of Africa is a 1987 American adventure film directed by Kevin Connor and written by Bruce Franklin Singer.
The film stars Brian Dennehy, Brooke Adams, Yosef Shiloach, Don Warrington, Carl Andrews, and Katherine Schofield.
This HBO movie is a good action/adventure romance, not just an action movie.
Furthermore, the movie actually has a strong lead for a mature woman -- played by Brooke Adams.
She is both amusing and tough, bantering well with Brian Dennehy in an unusual role for him (you don't usually see Dennehy as the object of romance).
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If you want a character-driven plot mixing adventure and romance, try this movie.
Here's a detailed look into the movie's plot, cast, and critical reception.
Synopsis
An idealistic young female doctor hires a hard-drinking, cynical truck driver to take her to town to buy medical supplies for a tribe stricken with cholera.
She offers him payment in diamonds sought out by sinister parties.
The theaters are full of action-packed movies with more special effects and male heroes than you could ever want (with a few anorexic, 27-year-old females baring skinny flesh and hanging on their arms).
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Cast and Crew
- Director: Kevin Connor
- Writer: Bruce Franklin Singer
- Starring:
- Brian Dennehy
- Brooke Adams
- Yosef Shiloach
- Don Warrington
- Carl Andrews
- Katherine Schofield
- Composer: George S.
- Genre: Action, Adventure, Romance
Detailed Plot
An idealistic young female doctor hires a hard drinking cynical truck driver to take her to town to buy medical supplies for a tribe stricken with cholera.
She offers him payment in diamonds sought out by sinister parties.
An idealistic young female doctor hires a hard drinking cynical truck driver to take her to town to buy medical supplies for a tribe stricken with cholera.
She offers him payment in diamonds sought out by sinister parties.
Reviews and Reception
One reviewer noted that the characters evolve realistically over the course of the movie, making their relationship believable.
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Brooke Adams is praised for her portrayal of a strong, yet vulnerable leading lady.
Brian Dennehy's unusual role as a romantic lead is also highlighted as a terrific aspect of the film.
Some critics have pointed out that the movie is somewhat derivative of The African Queen and borrows a famous line from Casablanca.
There's not much adventure, but lots of gunplay.
The only black soldiers in the film are portrayed as bribe-taking crooks, giving impression that all soldiers/officials are.
Also, can't remember any wildlife.
Despite some criticisms, the film is considered an entertaining TV movie with fine performances by the two leads.
The Lion of Africa 1987 Film Preview Brian Dennehy Brooke Adams Kevin Connor
Similarities to "The African Queen"
Several reviews have drawn comparisons between The Lion of Africa and the classic film The African Queen.
Both films feature an unlikely pairing embarking on a dangerous journey in Africa, leading to a developing romantic relationship.
This thematic similarity adds to the film's appeal for fans of classic adventure stories.
Key Elements
The characters evolve realistically over the course of the movie.
You can see and feel their relationship develop and it makes sense.
Brooke Adams is fantastic as a strong, yet vulnerable leading lady.
It was wonderful to watch a movie where the leads are sexy, but not "cookie cutter" Barbie and Ken types, but realistic characters.
Here's a summary table highlighting the key aspects of the film:
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Director | Kevin Connor |
| Main Actors | Brian Dennehy, Brooke Adams |
| Genre | Action, Adventure, Romance |
| Plot | Doctor hires truck driver for medical supplies, faces danger for diamonds. |
| Themes | Romance, Adventure, Character Development |
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tags: #Africa
