Storyline

Richard Burton (Patrick Bergin) and John Hanning Speke (Iain Glen) are explorers determined to find the source of the Nile somewhere in central Africa. Together, they run afoul of native peoples, inclement weather and no end of personal injury before reaching what could be the discovery they'd hoped for. When they get back to England, however, the two have a falling out. Speke insists he has discovered the Nile's source, while Burton thinks the evidence insufficient.

Plot Keywords

explorer, wife, tribal leader, publisher, doctor, manservant, tense, gutsy, moving, striking, powerful, africa, desert, village, london, lake, wilderness, exploration, friendship, historical events, travel, unlikely allies, moral dilemma, quest, rivalry, discovery, 1850s

Short Review

Who would have picked Bob Rafelson as the heir to David Lean? But there it is: an epic, historical adventure of the sort you thought they didn't make anymore.

Trailer

Streaming Service

1. Amazon Video : Rent from $1.99, Or $0.00 with a Prime membership