Forbidden Territory: Stanley's Search for Livingstone

Forbidden Territory: Stanley's Search for Livingstone is a biographical adventure film from 1997, directed by Simon Langton. The movie tells the story of the historical expedition to Africa by the British journalist and explorer Henry Morton Stanley, who was sent to search for the missing missionary and explorer David Livingstone.

The story begins in the year 1869, with Henry Morton Stanley (played by Aidan Quinn) reflecting on his troubled past and his big dreams. Stanley was born in Wales and grew up in poverty, after being abandoned by his parents. He left his hometown at the age of 15 and moved to the United States, where he became a journalist.

Stanley's big break came when he was hired by the New York Herald to find David Livingstone, a Scottish missionary and explorer who had gone missing in Africa while searching for the source of the Nile River. The movie portrays Stanley as an ambitious and ruthless man, willing to do whatever it takes to achieve his goals. He sets out on his mission, despite having no experience in Africa and encountering numerous challenges along the way.

The journey takes Stanley deep into the wilderness of Tanzania, where he faces hostile tribes, harsh weather conditions, and dangerous wildlife. He is accompanied by a small team of explorers, including the Indian guide Sidi Bombay (played by Kabir Bedi) and the experienced African hunter Kumalo (played by Winston Ntshona).

As they make their way through the jungle, Stanley's team faces many obstacles and setbacks, including sickness, desertion, and betrayal. They endure long marches, attack by tribesmen with arrows, and step by step through a scene that looks like a natural battlefield. But Stanley remains determined to find Livingstone and make a name for himself.

One of the key characters in the story is also the journalist James Gordon Bennett Jr., played by Nigel Hawthorne. Bennett is the owner of the New York Herald and the man who sent Stanley on his mission. He is portrayed as a wealthy and powerful figure, who is both fascinated and frustrated by Stanley's progress. Bennett constantly urges Stanley to send telegrams back to the Herald and to provide more details about his journey.

Throughout the movie, Stanley is haunted by his own demons and his troubled past. He is driven by a burning desire to prove himself to others and to find a sense of belonging. In his quest for fame and recognition, Stanley becomes increasingly ruthless and self-absorbed. His ultimate goal is to find Livingstone and to bring him back to civilization, but he soon realizes that the mission is much more complicated than he initially thought.

Forbidden Territory: Stanley's Search for Livingstone is a well-crafted and exciting historical drama that captures the adventurous spirit of the late 19th century. The film features impressive cinematography that captures the stunning beauty of the African landscape, as well as the dangers and challenges faced by Stanley and his team. The performances by the lead actors are solid, with Aidan Quinn and Nigel Hawthorne delivering strong and nuanced portrayals of their respective characters.

In conclusion, Forbidden Territory: Stanley's Search for Livingstone is a movie that will appeal to fans of historical dramas, adventure films, and biographical stories. It presents an engaging and thrilling account of one of the most notable expeditions in the history of exploration, while also exploring themes of ambition, sacrifice, and self-discovery.