Man to Man (2005)

An epic about anthropologists who hunt and capture pygmies for study back in Europe, in an attempt to illustrate the link between man and ape.

Director:

Régis Wargnier

Writers:

William Boyd, Michel Fessler (screenplay)

Stars:

Joseph Fiennes, Kristin Scott Thomas, Iain Glen

1 nomination.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Joseph Fiennes	...	Jamie Dodd
Kristin Scott Thomas	...	Elena Van Den Ende
Iain Glen	...	Alexander Auchinleck
Hugh Bonneville	...	Fraser McBride
Lomama Boseki	...	Toko
Cécile Bayiha	...	Likola
Flora Montgomery	...	Abigail McBride
Patrick Mofokeng	...	Zachary
Alistair Petrie	...	Beckinsale
Hubert Saint-Macary	...	Comte de Verchemont
Matthew Zajac	...	Hector Duncan (as Mathew Zajac)
William McBain	...	Angus
Robin Smith	...	Douglas
Theo Landey	...	Purvis
Ron Donachie	...	Sir Walter Stephenson

Storyline

1870. Dr. Jamie Dodd (Joseph Fiennes) is elated. He has finally succeeded in capturing not one, but two pygmies. He brings them to Scotland with the help of Elena Van Den Ende (Dame Kristin Scott Thomas), an adventurous woman who sells wild animals to the zoos of Europe. He and his two anthropologist friends, Alexander Auchinleck (Iain Glen) and Fraser McBride (Hugh Bonneville), are certain they have discovered the missing link, which will make them famous. They start examining the pygmy couple from every angle and Jamie gradually discovers that Toko (Lomama Boseki) and Likola (Cécile Bayiha) are just as sensitive and intelligent as any other homo sapiens. His two colleagues strongly reject this idea, as it is glory they are after, not the truth. Will Jamie be able to prove the two short people are genuine human beings and not freaks to be shown in a zoo?

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Plot Keywords:

pygmy | zoo | scotland | cage | deer hunting | 

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Genres:

Drama

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Did You Know?

Trivia

Opening movie for the 55th Berlin International Film Festival on February 10, 2005 (world premiere).

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Goofs

When Likola shoots Douglas in the cage trap/fight scene, she is using a model 1873 Colt Single Action Army revolver (a.k.a. "The Peacemaker"), an evident mistake since the action is clearly stated to be set in the year 1870.

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Quotes

Jamie Dodd: [after capturing Likola] The whole world's been looking for you. And I'm the one who found you.
Likola: ...
Jamie Dodd: I'm going to call you America. You are my America, and by God, I'm your Christopher Columbus.

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Soundtracks

Three blind mice
(traditional)

User Reviews

A touching and thought provoking film

This film is about an British anthropologist developing an astoundingly human connection with two pygmies from Africa.

I find this film captivating. The plot is not a common mainstream plot, which is refreshing. I am particularly impressed by Joseph Fiennes' character's genuine attachment to the African people. It is touching to see him sacrifice himself.

It highlights many aspects of humanity. Is it right to sacrifice human life for the advancement of science? What rights should living beings get? How do we balance the satisfaction of curiosity and the exploitation of "exotic" individuals? Is it OK to blame a murder someone else to achieve the big picture? Other comments say that the film leaves little for imagination. I do not disagree with it, as I think the story was told rather plainly. However, I think it leaves a great deal about life, morality and ethical issues to reflect upon. It is a touching and thought provoking film.

Details

Official Sites:

MovieScore Media [Sweden] Official site (English, French)

Country:

France South Africa UK

Language:

English

Release Date:

13 April 2005 (France)

Also Known As:

Człowiek człowiekowi

Filming Locations:

Underberg, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa

Box Office

Budget:

EUR30,000,000 (estimated)

Cumulative Worldwide Gross:

$3,672,809

Company Credits

Production Co:

Vertigo, Skyline Films, France 2 Cinéma

Technical Specs

Runtime:

122 min

Sound Mix:

DTS Dolby Digital

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1