Linbeymusol Wonderful character development!

Breakinger A Brilliant Conflict

Grimossfer Clever and entertaining enough to recommend even to members of the 1%

FirstWitch A movie that not only functions as a solid scarefest but a razor-sharp satire.

Jonathan Roberts I remember reading Daniel Defoe's classic novel, 'Robison Crusoe'. I remember it because I vividly recall finding it very tedious and repetitive, and I spent a lot of time questioning its "classic" status. Around six months later I watched Luis Buñuel's 1954 adaptation, starring Dan O'Herlihy in the title role, and this has redeemed 'Robinson Crusoe' for me. The parts of the novel that I didn't enjoy largely sat in the middle, where Crusoe is in the process of upgrading his settlement, practising animal husbandry and performing other chores. Buñuel mercifully condenses such elements, and the result is a more coherent (and therefore enjoyable) narrative. Like in the novel, some of the best scenes in this film occur after Crusoe has met Friday, and I'd say that the second half is somewhat stronger than the first. However, I never grew bored of this adaptation; given its constraints, I believe that a 90-minute runtime is perfect for the story. The handful of actors comprising the cast for this film are also fairly good, and a perceptive viewer will see O'Herlihy's performance improve as the film progresses. Whilst Luis Buñuel's 'Robinson Crusoe' isn't exactly a great film, it remains commendably loyal to Defoe's original work whilst making it more palatable for the present day.

wes-connors In 1659, while sailing to obtain slaves from Africa, English adventurer Daniel O'Herlihy (as Robinson Crusoe) is shipwrecked in the Atlantic Ocean. Fortunately, he is very resourceful and swims to a relatively safe and productive island. Also surviving are a dog and cat. As the years pass, the castaway grows increasingly lonely. Darker-skinned cannibals visit the island and Mr. O'Herlihy adopts Jaime Fernandez as a servant. Assuming the younger man arrived for the weekend, O'Herlihy names him "Friday". O'Herlihy wants a slave companion, but is afraid "Friday" might eat him. He's a cannibal, remember...This relatively ordinary film was directed by Luis Bunuel, who is not known for being ordinary. There are a few intriguing moments, but Mr. Bunuel is undeniably subdued. Race, class and the culture of slavery are white-washed. Religion is slighted. Sex is short-sighted. You can find more passion in Daniel Defoe's original novel. Perhaps the film's backers told Bunuel to keep it at arm's length; if so, he is quite successful. The best scenes involve the dog and Mr. Fernandez. The latter is always threatening to kick the story up a notch, especially when he puts on a dress and quizzes O'Herlihy on God and the Devil.****** Robinson Crusoe (6/54) Luis Bunuel ~ Dan O'Herlihy, Jaime Fernandez, Felipe de Alba, Chel Lopez

bkoganbing No matter who does Robinson Crusoe or what interpretation they put upon it, the story of a man cast away for 28+ years on an island with only the company of a reformed cannibal for company, one indispensable component has to be there. The actor playing Crusoe by any name has to be an interesting and talented one capable of holding the audience's interest for a couple of hours. He has very little help in doing so.Dan O'Herlihy who was a fine character actor and never had any great pretense for anything else stars in this adaption of Daniel DeFoe's classic novel from the 18th century. O'Herlihy earned himself a Best Actor Oscar nomination though he had a great career, never got that kind of acclaim for anything he did. I recall him saying that he was happy just to be nominated, he never expected a victory. As a story Robinson Crusoe exists on two levels. First there is the struggle just for physical survival where he can expect no help. DeFoe narrates in the novel and on screen O'Herlihy has good instincts in that direction in making shelter for himself and in gathering food.The second level is the introspective one. The character of Crusoe is a typical English Puritan of the 17th century with very fixed ideas about morality. But you spend almost 30 years without the company of anyone to reinforce those ideas you do a lot of self analysis. Especially after he saves the man he later names Friday who is a cannibal about to be eaten by another tribe of them. Friday is played by Mexican film star Jaime Fernandez and the scenes between O'Herlihy and Fernandez are warm, affectionate, and touching.Nice color cinematography also distinguishes this version of Robinson Crusoe. Though it is O'Herlihy and Fernandez who make it worthwhile viewing.

benkidlington I've just seen this movie for the first time, and I thoroughly enjoyed it.I'm not yet familiar with any of this director's other works, but judging by some of the other reviews on here, I can happily say I've now got some other great films to look forward to seeing. (If I am able to find them, that is.)As for "Robinson Crusoe", I've never read the book, and I only knew the broad outline of the story. I didn't know exactly what to expect. The film just captivated me. From the desperate beginnings of our protagonist, through his darkest moments, his triumphal achievements and finally the thrilling climax, you can't help but absolutely live in the movie. I found it a most rewarding and heartwarming experience.A large part of the film details the relationship between Crusoe and Friday, which I think is very well done, and mentioned in greater detail by many other reviewers on here.However, special mention must surely go to a scene earlier in the film, where Crusoe's dog, Rex eventually dies of natural causes, due to the ravages of time.I thought this was handled very well, and I was personally moved to tears by it. It really did bring home the loneliness and despair felt by our hero, and how all things must come to an end. How desperately sad.Overall 10/10 from me, exquisite.