Watch Cry of the Innocent

Cry of the Innocent is a crime thriller movie released in 1980, directed by Michael Ray Rhodes and written by Richard Rothstein. The movie stars Rod Taylor, Joanna Pettet, and Nigel Davenport. The storyline of Cry of the Innocent revolves around an international poaching ring that uses helicopters to hunt and capture African elephants. The ring, led by Charles Rone (played by Nigel Davenport), brutally kills anyone who dares to come in their way. Brave photojournalist and animal rights activist, Sharon (played by Joanna Pettet), becomes a thorn in their side when she captures photographic evidence of the poachers' brutal activities. She approaches Marcus (played by Rod Taylor), a Vietnam veteran and skilled helicopter pilot, to help her in her quest to expose the poaching ring.

Initially reluctant, Marcus agrees when he learns that his old war buddy is killed by the poachers. The duo embarks on a dangerous mission that takes them to different parts of Africa, including the deserts of Botswana and the jungles of Kenya. As they get closer to exposing the poachers' heinous acts, Marcus and Sharon face numerous challenges, including threatening messages, assassination attempts, and the poachers' determination to silence their voices.

Throughout the movie, Cry of the Innocent creates a sense of unease through its portrayal of the cruelty of elephant poaching, the violence of the poachers, and the risks Marcus and Sharon take in their quest for justice. The film is also exceptionally well-crafted, with many scenes shot in Africa's natural beauty, set against a hauntingly beautiful score.

Cry of the Innocent's portrayal of the illegal ivory trade and its brutal impact on wildlife is intriguing. The poachers in this movie are depicted as ruthless killers, with no regard for the elephant's life, their environment, or humankind. It is an alarming reminder of our planet's ecological crisis and the importance of protecting endangered species from the threat of extinction.

Furthermore, there is a clear feminist streak running through the movie. Sharon, the female lead, is portrayed as a strong, determined woman. She is a match for Marcus, the male lead, in courage and resourcefulness. There is no romantic subplot between them, which is refreshing for a movie of this genre.

Rod Taylor and Joanna Pettet both deliver solid performances in Cry of the Innocent. Taylor portrays Marcus as a quintessential hero, complete with past traumas from his service in the Vietnam War that he battles throughout the film. Pettet's portrayal of Sharon is equally strong and balances well with Taylor's character. Nigel Davenport also delivers an outstanding performance as the ruthless leader of the poaching ring.

Cry of the Innocent is a decent film for its time, highlighting the urgent need for protecting endangered species and the importance of environmental conservation. Despite its predictable plot, the film stands out for its beautiful cinematography, haunting score, and convincing performances by the main cast. However, it might feel slow-paced to some viewers, while others may find it thrilling. Overall, Cry of the Innocent is a must-watch for anyone interested in animal rights activism and conservation, and for those passionate about action-regarding crises that impact the environment.

Cry of the Innocent is a 1980 action movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 33 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 5.1.