Prehistory is a fascinating time, although there is so much we don’t know. It is amazing to think that our distant ancestors had to survive in the harsh environment of deadly animals and unforgiven elements, with almost no tools to help them.
The era is fertile ground for storytelling, although not many good films focus on early humans. Redditors have gathered on r/movies, the largest movie subreddit, to discuss what movies to watch.
10 “10,000 BC” (2008)
A young hunter named D’Leh (Stephen Straight) intends to save the kidnapped Evolet (Camille Belle), traversing treacherous landscapes and battling fearsome creatures along the way. However, while some of the scenes are interesting, most Reddit users agreed that Roland EmmerichX 10,000 BC - one of the weakest films about ancient people.
User Adultghosttours called it the “Cavemen Movie History Channel”. “I could not get past how the furry mammoth stumbled over a spear. Was it even possible? I just couldn’t stop thinking about it,” Reddit user rolabond said.
9 “Looking for Fire” (1981)
The action takes place at a time when people relied on fire not only for warmth and cooking, but also for protection from predators. Looking for fire tells the story of three tribes who embark on a perilous journey to find a new source of fire after their own is accidentally extinguished. Along the way, they encounter other tribes, learn about new tools and weapons, and face numerous deadly challenges.
“Looking for fire absolutely at the top of your list to see. Ron Perlman, Everett McGillAnd Ray Don Chong (Tommy Chongdaughter!) everything is fine. Obviously, there is very little dialogue, and none of it is clear to us, but the story is conveyed through body language, grunts, and other basic means. The musical score does the hard work too. I can’t think of any other feature film that could tell a story without dialogue the way this movie does,” Reddit user astroNerf said.
8 ‘Alpha’ (2018)
Alpha focuses on a young hunter named Keda (Cody Smith-McPhee), who is separated from his tribe after a tragic accident and must rely on his survival skills and the help of a lone wolf to find his way home. The film stands out for its cinematography, impressive scenery and authentic performance.
User reflexivehammer called it “an underrated great movie”. “Bonus points for Alpha because it’s also a movie about prehistoric dogs! I love this movie! said Reddit user DManimousPrime.
7 ‘Iceman’ (1984)
In this sci-fi drama, a team of explorers discover a beautifully preserved prehistoric man in the frozen tundra of Alaska and try to bring him back to life with the help of advanced technology. A man named “Charlie” enters a world that is both mesmerizing and terrifying, and he struggles to understand the new environment and the people who inhabit it.
“[The film] requires you to believe that someone frozen for 30,000 years can be thawed and brought back to life, but Ice Man is a very thoughtful story about what it could look like,” user JockoHomophone said.
6 “Clan of the Cave Bear” (1986)
Perhaps the most famous movie about cavemen, cave bear clan tells the story of a young girl named Ayla (Daryl Hannah), who is separated from her family and adopted by a group of Neanderthals. It’s not realistic or particularly deep, but if you can ignore its flaws, it offers a decent adventure story.
Several Reddit users were fans of the film. “[Clan of the Cave Bear is not] runs the risk of winning an Oscar, but it might assuage your itch,” said Reddit user amoshart.
5 “Out of the Cradle” (2018)
From the cradle a documentary about early hominins based on the latest paleontological research. He tries to paint as realistic a picture as possible of what life would be like for protohumans.
It’s worth watching just for the CGI scenes (supported by Square Enix) showing hominids hunting prehistoric animals, and sometimes taking turns hunting. u/8bitSkin called it “cinematic” and “absolutely amazing”.
4 “Primitive” (2019-)
Created by famous animator Gendy TartakovskyThis series revolves around a caveman named Spear and his unlikely connection to a ferocious and intelligent dinosaur named Fang. It’s certainly not realistic, but it’s worth seeing the great animation and bravura storytelling.
“While the world it takes place in is heavily based on fantasy (anachronistic timelines, some fantasy elements), its tone, especially the first season, is incredibly gritty and focused on the struggle for survival of prehistoric man,” a user said. RebiMo. “Great series worth the art alone,” agreed Reddit user juwyro.
3 ‘Iceman’ (2017)
2017 Ice Man - no relation to the 1984 film - inspired by a real-life mummy of a prehistoric man discovered on the border between Austria and Italy in the 1990s. His body was naturally preserved in a glacier and he was believed to have lived between 3350 and 3105 BC. With the help of the film, the filmmakers try to imagine what this person’s life would be like.
“A very straightforward, realistic, non-dramatic film. Not everyone will like it, but maybe this is exactly what the OP is looking for, ”said Reddit user MopvivII. “This takes place in the days leading up to his death, so obviously a lot is made up. All dialogue is in the ancient language they spoke at the time in that location (or as close as they could get it), without subtitles. but you always know what’s going on,” user cheyne-stoker said.
2 ‘2001: A Space Odyssey’ (1968)
This might seem like an odd choice since it’s sci-fi, but several Redditors have praised the opening scene. 2001, which depicts a group of prehistoric hominids. Although it is just over 10 minutes long, it provides more food for thought than most other full-length films about early humans. In particular, it ends with one of the most iconic matchstick cuts in film history, making a connection between the first ape instrument and a human spacecraft millions of years later.
“I’ve always liked the backstory parts. 2001: Space Odyssey— said user WhitmansBeard. — I always thought that the first 20 minutes gave a good idea of what [the prehistoric era] it will be similar,” agreed Redditor FinnbarMcBride.
1 “Cave of Forgotten Dreams” (2010)
Cave of Forgotten Dreams this is a documentary directed by Werner Herzog about the Chauvet cave in the south of France, where the world’s oldest cave paintings are located. The film delves into the history and significance of the cave and its artwork, exploring how it has shaped our understanding of human history and creativity. Herzog’s use of 3D technology provides an immersive experience, making the paintings come to life before the viewer’s eyes.
“Cave of Forgotten Dreams this is an incredible documentary. I listen to the soundtrack regularly. I wish there were more films that took backstory as a serious topic,” a Reddit user said. It might take some of the itching you have,” an astroNerf user said.
Source: Collider
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