Dawn of the Planet of the Apes Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

Apes learn to ride horses and use machine guns to reclaim San Francisco because humans need electricity to watch old iPad photos.

🍿 Dawn of the Planet of the Apes: Detailed Plot Synopsis

The Ape Colony and Human Survivors

Ten years after the Simian Flu decimated humanity, Caesar leads a thriving ape colony near San Francisco. The apes have built a society and live peacefully, unaware of the remaining human survivors. Meanwhile, a group of humans, immune to the virus, struggle to survive in the ruins of the city, facing dwindling resources.

First Contact and Fragile Truce

A chance encounter in the forest between apes and humans sparks conflict. Malcolm, a human leader, seeks permission from Caesar to repair a dam within ape territory to restore power to the city. Caesar, believing in the possibility of peace, agrees, but distrust and prejudice linger on both sides.

Koba’s Betrayal and the Descent into War

Koba, a scarred bonobo harboring deep hatred for humans due to past abuse, secretly sabotages the fragile truce. He frames the humans for an attack on Caesar, inciting the apes to wage war. Koba’s actions plunge both communities into chaos and violence, jeopardizing any chance of coexistence.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Caesar (Andy Serkis): The intelligent chimpanzee leader who strives for peace between apes and humans but faces internal and external conflicts.
• Koba (Toby Kebbell): A scarred and embittered bonobo who harbors a deep hatred for humans and instigates a war.
• Malcolm (Jason Clarke): A human survivor who seeks to restore power to his community and establish peace with the apes.
• Dreyfus (Gary Oldman): The hardened leader of the human survivors who distrusts the apes and prioritizes human survival.
• Ellie (Keri Russell): A compassionate doctor and Malcolm’s wife, who aids Caesar’s ailing wife and supports the possibility of peace.
• Blue Eyes (Nick Thurston): Caesar’s son, who initially questions his father’s leadership but ultimately learns the value of peace and loyalty.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Caesar: “Apes together strong.” – A foundational principle for the ape society, emphasizing unity and cooperation, said in various forms throughout the film.
• Caesar: “Ape not kill ape.” – A core moral law in the ape society, highlighting the importance of non-violence among apes.
• Koba: “Apes stupid! Humans kill apes!” – Expressing Koba’s deep-seated hatred and distrust of humans, based on his past experiences of human cruelty.
• Caesar: “You are not ape.” – Said by Caesar to Koba before he lets him fall, signifying that Koba’s actions have made him an enemy of all apes.
• Caesar: “War has… already begun.” – Caesar’s somber realization that despite their best efforts, peace is no longer possible, acknowledging the inevitability of conflict.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $170,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $208,545,589
• Worldwide Gross: $710,644,566

💥 Dawn of the Planet of the Apes Reviews

Personal Review

I absolutely loved this movie! The ape performances were incredible; I was genuinely moved by Caesar’s struggle to maintain peace. The scene where Koba betrays Caesar was heartbreaking. I remember leaving the theater completely engrossed in the story and thinking about the themes of prejudice and war. Definitely a must-see for any fan of the series.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of science fiction and post-apocalyptic films”
  • “Viewers interested in complex moral dilemmas”
  • “Those who appreciate impressive visual effects and motion capture performances”
  • “People who enjoy stories about societal conflict and leadership”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Intense violence and battle sequences”
  • “Disturbing imagery of animal abuse (implied flashbacks)”
  • “Mature themes of prejudice, betrayal, and war”
  • “Some frightening scenes”

Professional Reviews

• Rotten Tomatoes: “Dawn of the Planet of the Apes not only delivers thrilling special effects, but also a surprisingly thoughtful and resonant story. With compelling characters and impressive visual effects, ‘Dawn’ is a summer blockbuster with substance.
• IMDb: “Dawn showcases stunning CGI and motion capture, especially Andy Serkis as Caesar. The film intelligently explores themes of prejudice and communication breakdown, making it more than just an action flick. A powerful and thought-provoking experience.
• The Guardian: “Matt Reeves delivers a thrilling and emotionally resonant sequel. The ape performances are phenomenal, bringing depth and nuance to their characters. This is blockbuster filmmaking at its finest, blending spectacle with genuine heart.

Audience Reactions

The realistic ape CGI and motion capture performances were outstanding.: Viewers praised the immersive visual effects and the emotional depth of the ape characters.

Koba’s role as the antagonist was both terrifying and sympathetic.: Many appreciated the complexity of the characters, with Koba being a standout as a compelling villain.

Overall Consensus: Dawn of the Planet of the Apes is a critically acclaimed sequel celebrated for its stunning visual effects, compelling characters, and thought-provoking themes, making it a standout in the blockbuster genre.

Awards

1. Critics’ Choice Movie Award (Best Visual Effects)- 2015

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “The film takes place in 2026, ten years after the events of Rise of the Planet of the Apes.”
• “Andy Serkis, Terry Notary, and Karin Konoval are the only actors that returned from Rise to play the characters Caesar, Rocket, and Maurice.”
• “Much of the motion capture was done on location, adding to the realism but also making the actors in motion capture suits extremely hot and smelly.”

🖥️ How to Watch Dawn of the Planet of the Apes?

Dawn of the Planet of the Apes is widely available for streaming and purchase. You can find it on platforms such as Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, and Vudu. Check your local listings for cable and satellite options. Physical copies on Blu-ray and DVD are also available through major retailers like Amazon and Best Buy. Consider purchasing through these links to support our content.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Dawn of the Planet of the Apes, you might like these similar films:

• War for the Planet of the Apes (2017): Direct sequel continuing the apes’ struggle for survival and dominance against the humans.
• Children of Men (2006): Explores themes of societal breakdown and the fight for survival in a dystopian future, although caused by different circumstances.
• The Road (2009): Portrays a bleak post-apocalyptic world where survival is the primary focus, highlighting the fragility of civilization.
• District 9 (2009): Features a segregated alien population facing discrimination and displacement, mirroring the apes’ struggle for equality and a place to call home.
• The Book of Eli (2010): Post-apocalyptic setting where survival is key. A lone hero must protect an important book.

🛒 Dawn of the Planet of the Apes Related Products

• Dawn of the Planet of the Apes (Blu-ray): Experience the film in stunning high-definition with bonus features and behind-the-scenes content.
• Planet of the Apes Movie Collection (9-Disc Blu-ray): Own the entire Planet of the Apes saga in one comprehensive collector’s edition with original and prequel films.
• Planet of the Apes: Last Frontier (PS4/Xbox One): A narrative adventure game set between Rise and Dawn, where players make tough choices impacting both humans and apes.
• Planet of the Apes Caesar Action Figure: Highly detailed action figure of Caesar with interchangeable hands and accessories. Perfect for display.

🎧 Soundtrack

Dawn of the Planet of the Apes features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “The Weight” – performed by The Band
• “Entering Apes Territory” – performed by Michael Giacchino
• “Apes’ Past” – performed by Michael Giacchino

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Turning Human Motion-Capture into Realistic Apes in Dawn of the Planet of the Apes | WIRED

Want a behind-the-scenes peek at how they made the apes look so real? From motion capture to high-speed cameras, this video reveals the technical wizardry behind Dawn of the Planet of the Apes. Even if you’re not a movie buff, you’ll find it fascinating!

VFX Artists React to Bad & Great CGi 134

Join VFX experts from Corridor Crew as they analyze the stunning CGI in the Planet of the Apes trilogy. From the apes’ facial expressions to their realistic movements, you’ll get an insider’s perspective on how these incredible visual effects were created.

Hidden Meaning in Dawn of the Planet of the Apes – Earthling Cinema

Prepare to have your mind blown! Wisecrack’s ‘Earthling Cinema’ deconstructs Dawn of the Planet of the Apes like you’ve never seen before. They uncover hidden meanings, explore themes, and present it all in a captivating format. Get ready for a fresh perspective on this beloved movie!

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