Review: The lost city of Z [2016]

The things we do for handsome men…

I decided to watch “The lost city of Z” shortly after seeing Triple Frontier, so I could bask some more in the glory of Charlie Hunnam. He is a gorgeous guy, but also a pretty decent actor, so I wanted to see “The Lost city of Z” because the story intrigued me and I also noticed Robert Pattinson and Tom Holland were in the cast list. 

“The lost city of Z” follows the story of British explorer Percy Fawcett, “who journeys into the Amazon, where he discovers evidence of a previously unknown, advanced civilization that may have once inhabited the region. Despite being ridiculed by the scientific establishment, which views indigenous populations as savages, the determined Fawcett, supported by his devoted wife (Sienna Miller), son (Tom Holland), and aide-de-camp, returns to his beloved jungle in an attempt to prove his case.” (thanks IMDB, I suck at summaries)

I wanted to like this, but it was too slow-paced for me. It was so slow, that at one point I started thinking about how actors chose parts. Like, what makes them say yes, even if the script is boring or bad? Just for the money? Or is just that there were no other parts and this is what was offered to him? What made him choose this part? Hmm…maybe he did think it was a good script. 

Now, don’t get me wrong, the story is rather interesting and it sheds light into explorer missions in those times, and that alone is fascinating. For example, most academics didn’t think that primitives from Amazonia could be normal, or god forbid, have a long history behind them. But the pacing is way off, I think it could have definitely been made shorter. Some scenes steal (the piranha attack, meeting the new civilization, Percy’s interactions with his wife), but most are a bore. 

Acting wise, I can’t really fault them. Sienna Miller and Robert Pattinson were surprisingly good, and Charlie Hunnam did a great job (I heard he went full method for this role, letting go of all technology and social media whilst he filmed). Tom Holland did his part, but I don’t understand the casting, because in what universe is Charlie Hunnam believable as a father to Tom Holland? 

In conclusion, “The lost city of Z” is an OK movie, but be warned that the slow pace will probably bore you. Still, if you want, watch it for the nice sets & costumes, the interesting story and for Charlie Hunnam.