Up From The Ape

About This Movie

So, 'Up From The Ape' is a fascinating dive into humanity’s past, pivoting around Robert Ardrey's ideas about our violent tendencies. It’s stark and thought-provoking, with a tone that feels almost like a cautionary tale. The pacing is methodical, allowing the viewer to digest the weighty themes of evolution and the dark side of our nature. The visuals are quite striking for a documentary of its time, using practical effects to illustrate key points. While the performances are mostly narrative-driven, the voiceover has a compelling delivery that keeps you engaged throughout. It's an interesting piece for anyone keen on the anthropology of violence and human behavior.

This film isn't on many collectors' radars, which adds to its charm. Originally released on VHS, it’s become somewhat elusive since it was never widely distributed on DVD or streaming platforms. It’s not something you bump into often, so finding a good quality copy might take some time. The themes it tackles still resonate, and it’s a curious capsule of 70s documentary filmmaking, blending science and philosophy in a way that’s distinctive for the era.