Dawn of the Planet of the Apes is an American science fiction film directed by Matt Reeves and written by Mark Bomback, Rick Jaffa and Amanda Silver. It stars Andy Serkis, Jason Clarke, Gary Oldman, Keri Russell, Toby Kebbell, and Kodi Smit-McPhee. It is the sequel to the 2011 film Rise of the Planet of the Apes, which began 20th Century Fox’s reboot of the original Planet of the Apes series.
It is the eighth theatrical film in the franchise. The film was released in United States and Canada on July 11, 2014, and was met with critical acclaim, with critics praising its visual effects, story, direction, acting, and emotional depth. It was also a box office hit, having grossed over $697 million.
About the Story
As seen in the prologue, the ALZ-113 virus causes the collapse of human civilization following martial law, civil unrest and the economic collapse of every country in the world. Ten years later, Caesar leads and governs a new generation of apes in a community located in the Muir Woods. While walking through the forest, Caesar’s son Blue Eyes and Rocket’s son Ash encounter a human. The human, Carver, panics and shoots Ash, wounding him. Carver calls for the rest of his small party of armed survivors, led by a man named Malcolm, while Blue Eyes calls for the other apes. Caesar orders the humans to leave.
The remaining humans in San Francisco, genetically immune to the virus, are living in a guarded tower within the ruined city. Prompted by Koba, a scarred bonobo who holds a grudge against humans for his mistreatment, Caesar brings a large group of the apes to the city where he conveys the message that while the apes do not want war, they will fight to defend their home. He then demands that the humans stay in their territory and states the apes will stay in theirs, too.
Malcolm convinces his fellow leader Dreyfus to give him three days to reconcile with the apes to gain access to a hydroelectric dam in their territory, which could provide long-term power to the city. Dreyfus, distrustful of the apes, arms survivors using an abandoned armory. Malcolm then travels into the Ape Village but is captured by gorilla guards, who bring him to Caesar. After a tense discussion, Caesar allows Malcolm to work on the dam’s generator, provided they surrender their guns. As Malcolm, his wife Ellie, and son Alexander work, they bond with the apes. Mutual distrust of both sides gradually subsides but trust momentarily ends when Carver threatens Caesar’s sons with a concealed shotgun.
The sides reconcile as Ellie is allowed to treat Caesar’s ill wife Cornelia with antibiotics. Meanwhile, Koba discovers the armory and confronts Caesar, questioning his allegiance and taunting him over his “love” for humans. In response, Caesar heavily beats Koba, but since he does not kill other apes he chooses to forgive him. Koba then returns to the armory, steals an assault rifle and murders two human guards. He then secretly kills Carver, stealing his lighter and cap.
Dawn of the Planet of the Apes
Directed by: Matt Reeves
Starring: Andy Serkis, Jason Clarke, Gary Oldman, Keri Russell, Toby Kebbell, Kodi Smit-McPhee
Screenplay by: Mark Bomback
Production Design by: James Chinlund
Cinematography: Michael Seresin
Film Editing by: William Hoy, Stan Salfas
Costume Design by: Melissa Bruning
Set Decoration by: Amanda Moss Serino
Music by: Michael Giacchino
MPAA Rating: PG-13 for intense sequences of sci-fi violence and action, and brief strong language.
Studio: 20th Century Fox
Release Date: July 11, 2014
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