Edge of the World

"This is a slow, at times plodding, even tormenting film. I type that because the main character is on an emotional journey to leave what he feels is his former life behind, starting one of true discovery. That being said, the location is beautifully filmed, and it is rare to see a cast of such diversity. I rated this movie four stars because I felt that Jonathan Rhys Meyers does a great job of playing a man in search of meaning in his life. This is a movie based on the true story of James Brooke, a British adventurer who actually became Rajah of Sarawak, a sovereign nation, or as we know it today, Malaysia, in the 1840s, before it was colonized by British rule. Jonathan Rhys Meyers plays the role of sir James, and it co-stars Dominic Monaghan who plays his close friend and military officer. Following an adventure to a Malay village, James falls in love with a local woman. He soon realizes that his real life can really begin in a place he now feels is home, but, of course, this comes with a lot of complications. Tribal heads oppose him, or view him as a threat to their order. There are some brutal and violent scenes depicting tribal warfare. As with most stories of this type, I don't really know how much the native people wanted his rule. In any case, James wanted to end piracy and head hunting in this country that he fell in love with. Stay tuned just after the credits to see a few historical notes regarding his life. It is very 👀 eye-opening."