Where the River Runs Black (1986)

June 23, 2024 12:48 PM

An orphaned boy (Alessandro Rabelo) who was raised in the Amazon jungle by his mysterious mother (Divana Brandão), is brought back to civilization by a priest (Charles Durning) who knows his father (Peter Horton). Also stars Ajay Naidu, Castulo Guerra, Conchata Ferrell, Dana Delany.

Currently streaming free on Tubi, and via various pay sites.

posted by 2N2222 (2 comments total)

This is a movie I caught partly back in the 80s on cable somewhere, and didn't know the name. All queries for years after only brought up John Boorman's "Emerald Forest", which shares some similar era and themes, but was definitely not the movie I remembered.

I really admire the dream-like, almost mystical, feel this movie sometimes has. Coupled with a badass 10 year old out for revenge, I'm not sure how to categorize this movie. Some parts have a deliberately slow, meditative pace. And manages to ramp up at times to action and tension. Despite the sometimes mature themes and violence, it feels like a kids movie in some ways. I would have had no problem showing this to my kids. For American audiences of the time (and still), there are a few faces that will probably be familiar, but the standout is Alessandro Rabelo, who seems to have only this movie credited to his name. Quite a nice performance, very expressive eyes for a part that has few lines.
posted by 2N2222 at 6:13 PM on June 23

I actually saw this movie in the theater when it came out. It was my first time learning about river dolphins.

I rarely notice soundtracks, but ISTR that this movie's soundtrack stuck with me.
posted by Archer25 at 6:38 PM on June 23