This 1988 revision of Daniel Dafoe's popular desert island survival adventure has enough of a modern conscience to suggest a tropical variation of 'The Defiant Ones', with Virginia gentleman slave trader Crusoe (no first name is given: could it be Robinson?) shipwrecked off the African coast and chained by circumstance to a native tribesman. Director Caleb Deschanel brings to his own film some of the same meticulous attention to visual detail from his work elsewhere as an ace cinematographer, in this instance hiding the shortcomings of an underdeveloped screenplay behind lots of glorious surf-and-sand imagery. The story itself, perhaps because of its familiarity in outline, unfolds with a surprising lack of emotion for such a compelling scenario. Little information is offered about its protagonist except that he's a bigot with a lesson to learn, so what little character he has isn't very sympathetic. But the idea alone still carries a lingering fascination, making the film a consistently interesting if not always very involving experience.
10 Reviews
Better than other versions
regahsof30 November 2012
Several years ago my brother and I tried, largely in vain, to find a Robinson Crusoe film adaptation that satisfied our deep curiosity with the story. We had read the fabulous work and knew its major themes, so searching for a visual adaptation was exciting. We found one version with Pierce Brosnan and then a black and white one, both of which were not fulfilling. This movie picks up the quest for a visual characterization of Daniel Defoe's title character and leaves me somewhat satisfied, at least more so than the previous ones I've seen. Missing the first few minutes, I began in on the movie just after Crusoe is shipwrecked. The film has great visuals and moves from one event/occurrence to another pretty steadily, but it was lacking in both depth of the Crusoe character and a general study of the character's relationship to nature and God, two aspects that the original story effectively focuses on. I did not experience a depth of connection with Aidan Quinn, who played Crusoe, and it feels like he is more just a random character in a made for TV movie rather than the rugged, time tested, and matured Robinson Crusoe I tend to imagine. I kept hoping the movie would have a "7" or "14" or even "21 years later" scene where we gasp and wonder how the time has changed Crusoe and wonder what he's been up to, like in "Cast Away" with Chuck Nolan. While there are some touching moments, I give it 6/10 stars for the previous reasons. I wanted a more integrated piece that zeroes in on the man Robinson Crusoe rather than a film that jumps from one island event to another and doesn't return to the title character and his story. Still, it's watchable.
Nice to watch
watchtiger19 August 2010
Warning: Spoilers
This version is a good watch and a freshened version of the Robinson Crusoe franchise.
It shows how a lonely man can survive on tropical island.
Beautiful shooting shows the great colors of the scenery of the island they were on.
I originally only caught the first few minutes of this movie and enjoyed it and later found it on again and watched it to it's finish.
Takes a few surprising turns that I have not seen in other versions.
I felt from the start of this movie was very real of what was happening in the slave trade and Crusoe mentions this to his first captured slave.
Enjoyable to watch, I recommend this for those 12 years old and above.
It shows how a lonely man can survive on tropical island.
Beautiful shooting shows the great colors of the scenery of the island they were on.
I originally only caught the first few minutes of this movie and enjoyed it and later found it on again and watched it to it's finish.
Takes a few surprising turns that I have not seen in other versions.
I felt from the start of this movie was very real of what was happening in the slave trade and Crusoe mentions this to his first captured slave.
Enjoyable to watch, I recommend this for those 12 years old and above.
Visual story-telling at its best
LelandAuslender16 November 2004
I viewed this movie on TV and in Spanish, and it mattered not.
This is visual movie making at its best, the story being told through
gripping physical encounters and gut-wrenching emotions on an
enchanting island. Crusoe and Friday are fiercely strong
individuals who must learn to cooperate to survive. But this version
of the classic story goes beyond mere physical survival and
focuses on how Crusoe, a slave trader in the 1800s, and Friday, a
Black, overcome their innate prejudices and learn to trust, respect,
and finally to help each other survive against life-threatening odds.
The mythic feel of the film is enhanced by wondrous cinematography and sparkling music. Thanks Aidan Quinn, Ade
Sapara, and Director-cinematographer Celeb Deschanel for a
most delightful movie.
This is visual movie making at its best, the story being told through
gripping physical encounters and gut-wrenching emotions on an
enchanting island. Crusoe and Friday are fiercely strong
individuals who must learn to cooperate to survive. But this version
of the classic story goes beyond mere physical survival and
focuses on how Crusoe, a slave trader in the 1800s, and Friday, a
Black, overcome their innate prejudices and learn to trust, respect,
and finally to help each other survive against life-threatening odds.
The mythic feel of the film is enhanced by wondrous cinematography and sparkling music. Thanks Aidan Quinn, Ade
Sapara, and Director-cinematographer Celeb Deschanel for a
most delightful movie.
Beautiful scenery, but....
knightsonbroadway13 February 2022
A big film in scope, but a small one in how it presents some lessons about humanity, whether civilized or not.
mark.waltz9 June 2023
Warning: Spoilers
This was the first film that I saw based on Daniel Dafoe's classic novel, revisited for the first time in over thirty years, seeing variations made in the 30's, 50's, 70's and 90's. Aiden Quinn barely says a word as he is stranded mostly by himself, a young slave trader who doesn't make it back home, ending up shipwrecked, and encountering two different island natives, one brutally killed by cannibals after they briefly become acquainted, and later by one of the cannibals who may have slain the other.
It's the human side of the story along with the gorgeous scenery that takes control here, with the direction by Caleb Deschanel and a tender music score also memorable. Quinn shows Crusoe going through a transition from naturally prejudiced and a civilized barbarian to one whose wake up call sees him loose two friends violently whom earlier he might have violently murdered or enslaved. Subtle and touching, with one moment of the supposed savage tribesman saving his life, then how their mutual trust comes about. The tribesmen looks on Crusoe in awe as the changes occur, and it's a tragic brotherhood that lasted far too short.
It's the human side of the story along with the gorgeous scenery that takes control here, with the direction by Caleb Deschanel and a tender music score also memorable. Quinn shows Crusoe going through a transition from naturally prejudiced and a civilized barbarian to one whose wake up call sees him loose two friends violently whom earlier he might have violently murdered or enslaved. Subtle and touching, with one moment of the supposed savage tribesman saving his life, then how their mutual trust comes about. The tribesmen looks on Crusoe in awe as the changes occur, and it's a tragic brotherhood that lasted far too short.
What you see is what you get
blumdeluxe10 June 2019
Warning: Spoilers
"Crusoe" is a movie adaption of the classic Robinson Crusoe story. It focuses around Crusoe, who becomes a victim of shipwrecking and has to build a life for himself on an isolated island until he meets a stranger and has to bond again.
Unfortunately it's been a while since I read the actual nocel so it's hard to tell but it felt like producers used a bit of their artistical freedom there. In general though this is still the classical story. It does nothing wrong, the acting is decent and I like that it shifts a bit of focus on the hierarchy between Crusoe and Friday. I have to confess though, that it didn't really catch me, possibly because it focused more on telling the story than on a portrayal of emotions and inner conflicts that it could have been, too.
All in all this is a pretty classic approach towards the novel. Nothing wrong, solid work but I'm unsure if it would have been really necessary.
Unfortunately it's been a while since I read the actual nocel so it's hard to tell but it felt like producers used a bit of their artistical freedom there. In general though this is still the classical story. It does nothing wrong, the acting is decent and I like that it shifts a bit of focus on the hierarchy between Crusoe and Friday. I have to confess though, that it didn't really catch me, possibly because it focused more on telling the story than on a portrayal of emotions and inner conflicts that it could have been, too.
All in all this is a pretty classic approach towards the novel. Nothing wrong, solid work but I'm unsure if it would have been really necessary.
Aidan Quinn Great actor
victorritchie13 March 2008
This almost wordless version, is my favorite, it captures the lonely feeling of being lost on a beautiful Island. A man lost to the world with no one to help him, finds he needs companionship. The actors did a great job expressing the parts. I feel the writer's human approach to expressing the conflict between the white and the black man shows for all to see that we are, all, in the human race and need to learn to overcome our superior selfishness whether white or black. These 2 men become friends even to learning from each other and they both show they are indeed able to share there lives with respect for each other. They learn to trust each other and to protect each other. The haunting theme music so sets off this story. It sets the stage with the emotion, giving the viewer a real feel for the truths in this wonderful story.
Gorgeous Scenery
max8434 November 2014
"Crusoe" came on in the middle of the night on Multiplex. Do remember the buzz in 88 before it was released. Surprised it didn't do better in the American market.
Optics are stunningly beautiful, sets appear authentic to my unprofessional eye - and Serbia is absolutely gorgeous. Sinful what has happened to that country.
Beginning scenes reminiscent of recent films such as "12 Years A Slave" and others. Painful to watch, but a necessary back story. Agree with previous reviews that this version of Daniel Defoe's story conveys well the isolation, desperation and redemption of man. Good on director Caleb Deschanel.
Thought it was a bit too convenient our hero just happened to retrieve a razor, soap and other necessities from the wreck. And especially, his ship-launching skills were a wonder to behold.
Loved Aiden Quinn's interaction with the ship's dog, especially compared to his first encounter with Hepburn Graham. Telling.
Optics are stunningly beautiful, sets appear authentic to my unprofessional eye - and Serbia is absolutely gorgeous. Sinful what has happened to that country.
Beginning scenes reminiscent of recent films such as "12 Years A Slave" and others. Painful to watch, but a necessary back story. Agree with previous reviews that this version of Daniel Defoe's story conveys well the isolation, desperation and redemption of man. Good on director Caleb Deschanel.
Thought it was a bit too convenient our hero just happened to retrieve a razor, soap and other necessities from the wreck. And especially, his ship-launching skills were a wonder to behold.
Loved Aiden Quinn's interaction with the ship's dog, especially compared to his first encounter with Hepburn Graham. Telling.
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