Backdrop preview Caribe backdrop
Caribe

Caribe (1987)

Prepare to get tangled in the jungles of Belize when an arms smuggler loses her partner in a deadly shootout and finds herself on the run in the tropics of Central America. Helen is an amateur, making her money as an illegal arms trader to Central American terrorists. And as she runs for her life after the deal goes bad, she has no choice but to trusts Jeff, a British Intelligence Agent - it's a life and death chase, where passion and loyalty are easily confused...

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Directed by Michael Kennedy

Cast

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Crew

Director
  • Michael Kennedy
Writer
  • Paul Donovan
Producer
  • Nicolas Stiliadis

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Thematic Analysis

As a dramatic work, Caribe examines complex human relationships and emotional struggles against the backdrop of a period setting that reflects societal issues of its time. The character development particularly stands out, offering viewers a chance to reflect on their own life journeys.

Director Michael Kennedy brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to character development and emotional depth creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.

Released in 1987, the film exists within a cultural context that now offers viewers historical perspective on the social issues of that era. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.

Did You Know?

  • The production of Caribe took approximately 4 months from pre-production to final cut.
  • The final cut of the film runs for 87 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 146 minutes long.
  • The film contains approximately 1152 individual shots.
  • Several scenes were filmed in multiple locations to capture the perfect setting.
  • Some visual effects sequences took up to 10 months to complete.

Historical Context

  • In 1987, when this film was released:
  • Personal computers were beginning to transform homes and workplaces.
  • The Cold War was entering its final phase.
  • Independent cinema was growing in influence, challenging the dominance of major studios.

How This Film Stands Out

While Caribe shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.

Unlike Dragonfly, which focuses more on action than character development, Caribe subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.

While films like Jumanji and Quills explore similar territory, Caribe stands apart through its deeper exploration of its central themes and more complex characterization.

This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its bold artistic choices and willingness to challenge viewer expectations, making it a valuable addition to its genre.

Details

  • Release Date: December 24, 1987
  • Runtime: 1h 27m

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