Flatteringly retouched portrait of zoologist and gorilla-rights activist Dian Fossey (a bit more warty in the last half-hour, as the movie begins to tabulate suspects for her unsolved murder). It's a "terrific role" for Sigourney Weaver (it gives her plenty of chance to stick out her chin and accentuate that fabulous jawline), and her moments at rest and at play with the gorillas themselves are hugely engaging. It follows naturally, however, that her moments of grief over them are excruciating -- and they're played ruthlessly for all they're worth. This isn't otherwise a strong enough movie to have earned the right to inflict such pain. With Bryan Brown; directed by Michael Apted. (1988) — Duncan Shepherd
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