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Rating:  -
I first saw this film as a child, and remember being thrilled by the scenes. It was a delight to see it again after some 40 years. But there is more to this film than meets the eye. Other reviewers have extensively discussed the adventure aspects of this film, and I will instead focus on some deeper issues raised.
Captain Nemo said that he lived alone on the island because he had become disillusioned with humanity. He especially opposed war, and, in previous years, had used his invention of the submarine to sink battleships. One of the Union soldiers stranded on the island pointed out Nemo's inconsistency: Nemo opposed violence, yet used violence to promote his goals! The Union soldier also pointed out that he himself was using violence to promote a worthy cause--the freeing of the slaves in the American Civil War.
Nemo said that he changed his mind about living alone forever as a result of the determined struggles of the castaways in attempting to survive. That is what motivated Nemo to help the castaways surreptitiously by such things as dragging one of the nearly-drowned soldiers to shore and building a fire for him, shooting the giant chicken, sinking the attacking pirate ship at a critical time, etc.
Nemo also came to believe that war was caused by human want. This is what motivated him to make these giant versions of creatures such as the crab, chicken, and bee. These giant creatures would provide an inexhaustible supply of food for all humans, and there would be no more need for war.
Nemo was creative, and said that he was a man of reason, not faith. Yet at a critical time, Nemo became resigned to death because of the unexpectedly-early erupting volcano. Ironically, he had to be prodded by the castaways to not give up and to adopt one of their ideas. They used the balloon to raise the sunken pirate ship for the escape. The castaways make it, but will Nemo? I will not spoil the ending by revealing it.
Rating:  -
Jules Verne is one of my favorite classic science fiction writers so Verne based movies are on my must-see list. In Japan Mysterious Island is not that well-known Verne stories just as Around The World In Eighty Days, 20,000 Leagues Under The Sea or Adrift In The Pacific. So this 1961 movie gives me a great clue because I haven't yet read the original novel.
The story in this movie seems to blend elements of various classic adventure stories such as Defoe's "Robinson Cruisoe", Swift's "Gulliver's Travels", as well as Verne novels such as "Around The World...", "20,000 leauges..." and "Adrift In The Pacific". Special effects in this movie reminds me of "Boy I Shrank The Kids". It seems not like that the creature got bigger but humans shrank before the creatures. Special effects seems outdated viewing from CG-accustommed modernists. Yet the film is vivid because of the splendid acting particularly Captain Nemo. Cartoon like adventures galore.
Verdict: Despite its outdated F/X the movie delivers
Rating: 89 out of 100
Recommended for: Wide range of classic Sci-fi movies fans.
Rating: -
A must have film for all Harryhausen fans. Good storyline,plenty of beasts, a little romance and great action.
Rating: -
This is a good adaptation of Jules Verne's novel. I saw this film when I was a kid and thus watching again reminded me of fond memories. This would be a good family film. It is a tale of survival with good visual effects (one should condition the era of production).
Rating: -
I originally saw this movie when I was 10 years old and I loved it. It sparked me to read the Jules Verne classic. Even though the movie and book have very little in common, I recommend both. This movie is a special effects dream. It is true they might appear a little dated now when compared to computer generated effects today, but remember that this was made in 1961. The story moves along well and quickly. The acting is competent. This is not Gone With the Wind, but it is fun entertainment.
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