Gorillas in the Mist (1988) - Michael Apted 

It seems whites can't win in Africa. Either you have an Africa is a shithole and it needs the help of rich white Europeans mentality prevalent in the films of the 30's and modern day, or you get the 80's African film. Which briefly comments on the social issues yet bores you to tears with scenic photography and more whites learning to "love this strange new country". Gorillas in the Mist falls into the latter category. It briefly flirts with the shithole method and there is a civil war, but largely we're kept away from it to focus more on gorillas. There is an obligatory love story which seems painfully forced but helps break the monotony of hearing Weaver talk to herself. Of course Africans themselves are once again depicted as sexless aids to whites who are easily spooked and very superstitious. There wasn't much to hate in this film but god it was just boring. 130 minutes and not even that many gorillas. Sigourney Weaver was well cast and seems to do a good job in her role but the character itself leaves something to be desired. Her strong willed iron constitution gets melodramatic at times and I almost preferred the moments of weakness she was prone to. Michael Apted was certainly a gifted documentarian and this film doesn't feel like much more than an overly long national geographic special. 

*Gorillas in the Mist was nominated for best actress (Weaver), best adapted screenplay, best editing, best score, and best sound.