June 22 is World Rainforest Day! In 2020, the rainforest are in trouble, so it’s a perfect time to recognize these vitally important Earth locales.
Here are a couple ways:
First, check out the World Rainforest Day website: Link (and please note that AHFW is not affiliated with the site.)
Secondly, check out a fitting Werner Herzog double feature with his classics “Aguirre, the Wrath of God” (1972) and “Fitzcarraldo” (1982).
Both historical movies are based in the Amazon, and Mr. Herzog loves a big challenge, so these pictures were actually filmed in South American jungles. “Aguirre” and “Fitzcarraldo” also star Klaus Kinski in the lead, who famously fought with Werner on set, and of course, he plays a bit of madman in each case.
“Aguirre, the Wrath of God” (1972) – It’s the 16th century and Don Lope de Aguirre (Kinski) and his countless crew march through the Andes mountains and into the jungles in search of the mysterious El Dorado. Naturally, Aguirre and company run into trouble in a muddy, ugly and sometimes brutal journey that will make you swear off camping until 2025…at least.
“Fitzcarraldo” (1982) – Brian Sweeney Fitzgerald (Kinski) – whose name is incorrectly pronounced Fitzcarraldo – is a big dreamer. He’s bound and determined to build an opera house, but that’s a lot easier said than done. Fitzcarraldo’s attempt to pull his ship over a mountain is the biggest, must-see highlight of Herzog’s fascinating 158-minute character study.
“Aguirre, the Wrath of God” and “Fitzcarraldo” are available to stream for free on Amazon Prime (for Prime members).
Image credits: Filmverlag der Autoren; Trailer credits: Kinetoskop and BFITrailers
