By Maria Esteves – March 14, 2017
Dedicated to the Loving Memory of My Father Getulio Esteves (1927-2016).
THE LOST CITY OF Z is a compelling true story based on the three voyages of a British explorer Lieutenant Colonel Percy Fawcett (Charlie Hunnam) during 1906-1954, who journeyed to find a city between Bolivia and Brazil, in the uncharted Amazonian jungle, the oldest civilization known to mankind. Raised from humble beginnings, the first voyage, allowed Percy to redeem his family name and was welcomed in the inner circle.
In 1912, faced with betrayal and death from crew members, Percy’s second voyage to find the city he called the glory of “Zed” failed.
“Ah, but a man’s reach should exceed his grasp, or what’s a heaven for?” – Robert Browning
In December 3, 1924, funded by United States Journalists, Percy courageously declares a third voyage with his son Jack (Tom Holland) to find the lost city of Z (Zed, Zen, Zion) in the uncharted Amazonia!
“So much to life is a mystery.” – Percy Fawcett
Fawcett’s exploration, a two-year journey up the river Rio Verde in a sailing barge was home to the explorers until they reached their discovery. Shall we journey at the river that flows to the city of Z? Yes, we’ll journey at the river, the beautiful river, that flows to the city of Z. Soon we’ll reach the city of Z, our voyage will seize, our hearts will be at peace. At the river, the beautiful river that flows to the city of Z!
THE LOST CITY OF Z, directed by James Gray | based on David Grann’s nonfiction book | Amazon Studios | U.S.A. | 2016 | 140 min | Reviewed at 54th New York Film Festival | In select U.S. theaters April 14, 2017.