70
On a production level, film is a marvel, as fabulous Cameroon locations have been seamlessly blended with studio recreations of jungle settings.
What are people saying?
What are critics saying?
63
Greystoke has its many pleasures, and despite its bobtailing at the hands of the bottom-line-watchers, it has the sweep of epic. [30 Mar 1984, p.D1]
50
Christian Science Monitor by David Sterritt
As directed by Hugh Hudson, the movie isn't workaday for a second, with its epic scale and awesome vistas and all. Instead of enhancing the story, though, the niggling details and dignified touches just slow things down. [12 Apr 1984, p.33]
60
Washington Post by Gary Arnold
Innovative, lavish and lacking. [30 Mar 1984, p.D1]
40
It picks up in the last hour, though this is a very minor compensation in an otherwise long and listless film.
90
Greystoke is entertaining, intelligent, even touching in its broad-scale treatment of a story that has always provided common ground for children and grown-ups. The main problem with this movie is that it's too short. [26 Mar 1984, p.74]
50
Washington Post by Rita Kempley
Despite all the talent, form triumphs over substance. Director Hugh (Chariots of Fire) Hudson clutches, and climactic scenes miss their mark. Greystoke is curious entertainment, less satisfying than Planet of the Apes, which begs the same question: noble savage or naked ape? [30 Mar 1984, p.21]
90
The New York Times by Vincent Canby
Greystoke is one of the most thoroughly enjoyable films of its kind I've ever seen.