Powell describes in vivid detail how he became a member in good standing of a family of apes. Rather than descending to a primal level, he describes growing to a loftier level, eschewing material goods and comforts, human greed, jealousy and other base emotions. Life in the mist with the gorillas is more perfect. Except when man intrudes and more than messes up everything. The duel of wills between Powell and Caulder is in the center ring here.
Emotions run high here, though nothing is contrived or manipulative.
Gooding is a surprisingly appropriate choice for Powell's nemesis, since he perfectly plays a professional who puts on a show of being tough even when he's a whisker away from fleeing in terror. Nor is it a brutal battle of physical power. Instead, it's a confrontation on the most primal level between two huge and uncompromising wills. Rated R for some intense violent behavior.