Planet of the Apes

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Tomek D @SzybkiSeans Oct 13, 2026 I expected Planet of the Apes to be dated sci-fi with Charlton Heston and actors in rubber masks. How wrong I was! What impressed me most was how patiently the film builds its mystery. It lets us discover this strange world alongside Taylor, without rushing to explain everything. But the most fascinating character is Dr. Zaius. Zaius isn't a typical villain. He doesn't want to conquer the world. He wants to prevent anyone from changing it. He knows the truth about humanity's past and deliberately hides it, convinced that ignorance will protect ape society. And that's what makes him so compelling. His fears aren't entirely unjustified. Humans really did destroy their own civilization. The problem is that Zaius believes he alone should decide what others are allowed to know. Some metaphors are heavy-handed, but the storytelling remains remarkably effective. And that legendary ending? Brilliant. Sometimes the truth is dangerous. Especially to those who control it. See more Paul S @PManRager Oct 9, 2026 This movie feels way ahead of its time, and I loved every minute of it. With an incredible story and intense moments, this can definitely be seen as a defining movie of its era. I definitely recommend this for sci-fi and thriller fans! See more Ron N @RT37828645 Oct 4, 2026 Probably one of the best films I have ever seen in my life, it has many parallels between religion and scientific discoveries, but it also brought great advances in makeup and special effects at that time, a true classic of cinema. Posted on letterboxd 12/12/2024. @JamesMcGill. See more bruce F @bruce999 Aug 16, 2026 interesting drama of astronauts landing on a planet in the future. a must see film, filled with suspense, action, drama. See more diogo13 T @Tua_mera Jul 10, 2026 Despite being an excellent work, the film suffers from the same malady that has affected other classics. The franchise's maturation - culminating in War for the Planet of the Apes 2017 - makes this original feature seem weak by comparison. See more Chris S @Janomi Jun 14, 2026 The original Planet of the Apes remains one of the most influential science fiction films ever made. Directed by Franklin J. Schaffner, the film succeeds because of a premise that is every bit as fascinating today as it was nearly sixty years ago. Beneath the adventure story is a thoughtful examination of racism, religion, class structures, and humanity's tendency to repeat its mistakes. The film explores these ideas without lecturing the audience, allowing the themes to emerge naturally through the world and its characters. Charlton Heston delivers an iconic lead performance, while Roddy McDowall brings warmth and intelligence to Cornelius. The makeup effects were impressive considering the era, helping sell an ambitious world on a limited budget. Some pacing issues and dated production elements occasionally show their age, but the film's legendary ending and enduring ideas more than compensate. Few science fiction movies have left such a lasting mark on popular culture. See more Read all reviews

Planet of the Apes

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