10 Movies & Shows Like Red Island (2018)

Description: A harrowing journey into the heart of the jungle, depicting madness and obsession. The film's raw, documentary-like style immerses viewers in the unforgiving wilderness.

Fact: The production was notoriously difficult, with rumors of real danger and tension among the cast and crew. The film was shot entirely on location in the Peruvian Amazon.

Description: Centers on an ambitious and eccentric protagonist's quest to conquer the jungle, blending adventure with existential themes. The film's grandiose visuals mirror the protagonist's obsession.

Fact: The crew actually dragged a real steamship over a hill, as depicted in the film. This dangerous feat became legendary in filmmaking history.

Description: Explores the impact of European colonization on indigenous communities, focusing on religious and cultural conflicts. The lush cinematography captures the beauty and brutality of the jungle.

Fact: The film's soundtrack, composed by Ennio Morricone, is considered one of the greatest in cinema history. The waterfall scenes were shot at Iguazu Falls.

Description: A haunting exploration of alienation and existential dread in an exotic landscape. The film's sweeping desert visuals contrast with its intimate emotional turmoil.

Fact: The author of the novel, Paul Bowles, makes a cameo as the narrator. The film was shot in Morocco, Algeria, and Niger, capturing the vastness of the Sahara.

Description: A stark portrayal of missionary work among indigenous peoples, highlighting the clash of beliefs and the harsh realities of survival. The film's austere visuals reflect its somber tone.

Fact: The dialogue is in Algonquin, French, and Mohawk, with subtitles. It was one of the first films to depict indigenous languages authentically.

Description: A blend of adventure and environmental themes, set in the Amazon rainforest. The film balances action with a message about ecological preservation.

Fact: The production faced challenges due to the remote filming location in the Brazilian rainforest. The film's plot was inspired by real-life concerns about deforestation and biodiversity loss.

Description: A modern adventure that explores the allure and danger of untouched paradise, blending idyllic visuals with underlying tension. The film critiques the romanticization of exotic locales.

Fact: The production caused environmental damage to the filming location in Thailand, leading to legal disputes. The film's release boosted tourism to the area, despite its critical portrayal.

Description: A poetic retelling of early colonial encounters, emphasizing the beauty and tragedy of cultural exchange. The film's naturalistic visuals and ethereal tone create a meditative experience.

Fact: The script was rewritten daily during filming to reflect the actors' improvisations. The film used almost no artificial lighting, relying entirely on natural light.

Description: A visceral survival story set in a pre-Columbian jungle, emphasizing primal instincts and cultural collapse. The film's intense pacing and immersive cinematography create a relentless experience.

Fact: The dialogue is entirely in Yucatec Maya, a language not widely spoken today. The cast consisted mostly of indigenous actors with no prior acting experience.

Description: Shares themes of colonialism, cultural clash, and the mystical connection between humans and nature. The film's black-and-white cinematography enhances its dreamlike and introspective tone.

Fact: The film was shot in the Amazon rainforest, and many of the indigenous actors had never seen a movie before. It was Colombia's first Oscar-nominated film.