Quest for Fire (1981)

This story takes place in prehistoric time when three tribesmen search for a new fire source.

Director:

Jean-Jacques Annaud

Writers:

Gérard Brach (screenplay) (as Gerard Brach), J.H. Rosny Sr. (based on the novel by)

Stars:

Everett McGill, Ron Perlman, Nicholas Kadi

Won 1 Oscar. Another 10 wins & 7 nominations.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Everett McGill	...	Naoh
Ron Perlman	...	Amoukar
Nicholas Kadi	...	Gaw (as Nameer El-Kadi)
Rae Dawn Chong	...	Ika
Gary Schwartz	...	Rouka - The Ulam Tribe
Naseer El-Kadi	...	Nam - The Ulam Tribe
Franck-Olivier Bonnet	...	Aghoo - The Ulam Tribe (as Frank Olivier Bonnet)
Jean-Michel Kindt	...	Lakar - The Ulam Tribe
Kurt Schiegl	...	Faum - The Ulam Tribe
Brian Gill	...	Modoc - The Ulam Tribe
Terry Fitt	...	Hourk - The Ulam Tribe
Bibi Caspari	...	Gammla - The Ulam Tribe
Peter Elliott	...	Mikr - The Ulam Tribe
Michelle Leduc	...	Matr - The Ulam Tribe
Robert Lavoie	...	Tsor - The Ulam Tribe

Storyline

Anthony Burgess created the primitive language for the early humans in this prehistoric adventure about a trio of warriors who travel the savanna, encountering sabre-toothed tigers, mammoths and cannibalistic tribes in search of a flame that would replace the fire their tribe has lost.

---

Plot Keywords:

rear entry sex | hunting | sex in missionary position | cavewoman | prehistory | 

---

Taglines:

In the tradition of 'Star Wars' and 'Raiders of the Lost Ark' - A GREAT ADVENTURE

---

Genres:

Adventure | Drama | History

---

Certificate:

R

Details

Country:

Canada France

Language:

None French

Release Date:

12 February 1982 (USA)

Also Known As:

Quest for Fire

Filming Locations:

Lions Head, Ontario, Canada

Box Office

Budget:

$12,500,000 (estimated)

Gross USA:

$20,959,585

Cumulative Worldwide Gross:

€40,602,910, 31 December 1981

Company Credits

Production Co:

International Cinema Corporation (ICC),Ciné Trail,Belstar Productions

Technical Specs

Runtime:

100 min

Sound Mix:

Dolby (35 mm prints) 70 mm 6-Track (70 mm prints)

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

2.35 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

The special features and commentary state that there are only two species of hominids in the movie, Homo-sapiens and Neanderthal. Naoh and Ika are Homo-sapiens; however, the director commentary states that Ika's people are "more evolved". The other species, the Ape-like creatures, are representing Neanderthal man. If using the shooting locations as a reference; Naoh is from Scotland, Ika is from Kenya, and of course the Neanderthals are from Germany.

---

Goofs

Early in the movie when the Ulam tribe is being attacked from the cliff above there is a tire clearly visible in the foreground in two shots on the cliff top; the first as a shot showing right after the boulders being pushed over the cliff and then again when the Ulams come up to meet them.

---

Quotes

[first lines]
Title Card: 80,000 years ago, man's survival in a vast uncharted land depended on the possession of fire. / For those early humans, fire was an object of great mystery, since no one had mastered its creation. Fire had to be stolen from nature, it had to be kept alive - sheltered from wind and rain, guarded from rival tribes. / Fire was a symbol of power and a means of survival. The tribe who possessed fire, possessed life.

---

Connections

Referenced in Psych: Any Given Friday Night at 10PM, 9PM Central (2009)

User Reviews

"...and Prometheus said, 'Let me give you fire,' and humanity saw that it was good..."

A peaceful tribe of prehistoric humans, unable to create fire, loose their only source of flame due to another tribe's attack. Three of the tribe leave their home to search for a new source of fire to bring back to their people before the cold climate can take its toll. Their journey brings them not only into contact with other tribes of prehistoric humans at different stages of evolution but also advances their own humanity, as well as teaching them to be "prometheuses" in their own right.

An absolutely fascinating film. Those who are partial to history and anthropology will especially enjoy this. An honest, un-PC look at the origins of the species and the development of humanity through loss, tragedy, hardship, hostile elements and the beginnings of laughter, morality, community service, leadership, friendship and of course, love. A wondrous feat of body language performances as there is no truly discernible language/dialogue spoken. This is a well done, well made film all around.

For those into scenery gazing the beauty of the locations (Canada, Iceland, Kenya, Scotland) alone are worth a rental fee.

Ron Perlman is one of the three male leads/would be prometheuses. Watch the body language! Someone did research! A difficult and impressive (first movie) performance.

Definitely worth a buy (the DVD has two commentaries, one with the director Jean-Jacques Annaud, one with producer Michael Gruskoff, Rae Dawn Chong and Ron Perlman).