ghent1
True, this isn't the most splendid picture you'll ever see. The scenario is a bit sketchy, it all goes a bit too fast to take the whole span of the story seriously, the make-up of the Neanderthals looks shabby etc. Nonetheless, I quite enjoyed watching this film. I just love the feel of prehistoric stories with wide landscapes, clothes in hides, wildness in people and animals, caves, camping fires etc. Next to that, it's always a pleasure to see a young Daryl Hannah especially cloth in hides and with her legs barely covered. Sexy. But I even like the story, even though the book it's based upon could be better brought to the screen. In the book, for instance, you get a much better feel for the depth of difference between Neanderthals and Cro-magnons, which is why you better understand why Ayla has such a hard time in the clan, and why she has constant troubles mainly with Brun. In the movie all of that is not clarified. So I say: if you like the movie but want to dig deeper: read the book.
brightflash
Not true in all respects to Jean Auel's novel, but entertaining in its own right. Then again, neither the book or film is accurate in light of more recent archaeological and anthropological research. The story is clearly set in the ice age, and close to the ice. Many Paleolithic burials have been found in this kind of setting. The stunning Canadian scenery, with its dense coniferous forests and mountains scarred from the last ice age, is perfect to convey this. Acting is good, with Daryl Hannah doing very well in the lead, and James Remar outstanding as Creb, the crippled holy man. In the book, I believe Ayla was about twelve, so it would have been smart to give Nicole Eggert (as the younger "Middle Ayla") a lot more screen time, and she was certainly capable of it. The scenes with Nicole Eggert and James Remar conversing are the most enjoyable in the film. I think costumes could have used a little more work. All of the characters wore furs and pieces of leather crudely patched together, but for some reason Miss Eggert's costume didn't look quite right and appeared unduly cumbersome for a kid to wear; probably should have tried some different styles for her and the handful of other young people in the film. At the other extreme, it seemed kind of odd for men to be out hunting muskox wearing practically nothing at all. Okay, maybe the Arctic isn't always freezing, but muskox live only in the Arctic and like the cold. Along with Quest for Fire, Clan of the Cave Bear is a serious work about the Old Stone Age. Unfortunately, both films fall somewhat short when it comes to truly great cinematic entertainment about our Paleolithic ancestors. The film industry needs to continue trying to meet the challenge.
kayakdreams71
As a teen, I started watching this movie; until my mom walked into the living room during the rape scene. OFF went the VCR and TV - no rentals for me for awhile. As an adult, some years later, I finally found a copy and promptly bought it. I sat down and watched it several times, loving every moment of it. Then I loaned out my copy - and 'poof' it is gone!The movie itself is done rather well, which is to say Daryl Hannah is a great choice for Ayla, and we can all dislike Broud rather easily.Unfortunately, as an avid, repeat, reader of the entire Earth children series of books by Jean Auel; I have spent years (5 to 7 of them) waiting on the next book, and most of my life waiting for the subsequent books to be made into movies. though if more movies based on the book series are ever made - they need to be more in depth and atuned with the books and would do best, I think, as each book made into a trilogy.
James Welck
Lacking some of the minor details. And changing it slightly. As in that she hadn't seen her mother fall into the pit. She was playing in the river. And she doesn't learn to speak until quite a bit later. Or that in the beginning, she never touched a weapon. Of course, Book to video always changes. So that much was already expected. The progression of the movie, compared to the book was startling. And Why was there a flock of doves or pigeons living in the cave? They completely forgot the whole ceremony for the cave, and the feast. and the whole reason broud hates her. I find them very important aspects of the story. But they held some accuracy at least. It wasn't completely all there, but it wasn't a bad movie, overall.
AD
