The Edge (1997)

Admirable film.

a film so unique, intoxicating and bizarre that it not only demands another viewing, but is also forgivable as a satirical comedy where the jokes eventually take the back seat.

if their story seems completely bonkers, almost like a feverish work of fiction, you ain't heard nothing yet.

It is neither dumb nor smart enough to be fun, and spends way too much time with its boring human characters.

Great survival movie and wonderful scenery. But in reality, they have not had a chance in that rough environment. For example there would have been much harder to make a fire of wet materials. Their clothes had taken a long time to dry.LAST BUT NOT LEAST: THEY HAD NOT HAD ENOUGH WITH FOOD.

Came across this on Netflix having never heard of it, but this film really deserves a look. There's a lot of philosophy and thought given to the dialogue. You can tell the writers are digging deep and borrowing from the greats. Even if you have heard the life quotes before, there is something very refreshing in hearing them in place in a story. Anthony Hopkins character is unfortunately far too good to be true, but the final scene with Baldwin has had me thinking about forgiveness a lot. Very much a male self help film, and that's no bad thing.

The Edge (1997): Dir: Lee Tamahori / Cast: Anthony Hopkins, Alec Baldwin, Elle MacPherson, L.Q. Jones, Harold Perrineau: Exhilarating thriller about the extremes the mind may be driven too if pushed to the limits of sanity. Wealthy Anthony Hopkins joins associates in the snowy mountains. Alec Baldwin plays a photographer who subjects Hopkins wife before they search down a native. After the plane crashes they are hunted by a bear. Directed by Lee Tamahori who previously made Once Were Warriors and Mulholland Falls. He successfully brings out suspense based upon nature. Hopkins plays off intelligence with grace and is able to provide simple solutions to major problems. Baldwin is the opposite and totally relies on others. The real villain of the film is the bear, which is massive and results in a couple of truly terrifying scenes, one of which will resolve the plot problem. The film does have its problems and they are mainly stirred from the misuse of supporting roles. Elle MacPherson as Hopkins's wife is seen as this captivating beauty but the role is a prop not a personality. L.Q. Jones plays a cameraman but ultimately he is is basically there to become fast food for bear. This is a well made film fill of great scenery and an antagonist nightmare of nature. Otherwise the film is about survival in both the physical and mental state. Score: 9 / 10

I first saw the TV version of this film while at a family gathering about a couple of years ago. To cut to the chase, this film had my entire family (myself included) laughing hysterically throughout its entire running time due to its cheesy and unrealistic story plot. There are so many areas of this film that are so unrealistic that it leaves you wondering how the writers of the script even got away with turning in such mediocre work. Yes, I'm talking about a bear so vicious that it rips through large, old, and sturdy trees like an army tank, Charles' knife that never loses its sharp edge despite how many times he has used it throughout the film, the ability to start quick fires during a snowstorm, and the ease of lighting said fire with watch lenses. Oh, and why did the Director and/or writers feel that it was necessary for everyone in the film to say Charles' name over 80 times? Is this man of high honor or something without us, the audience, knowing? In any case, if you're looking for a good laugh with a totally unrealistic story plot, then go for this film. You will be laughing for hours!