The scenery is spectacular and you could watch it for this alone . Everything else is a bit ordinary . I didn't like the characters much . Hopkins didn't gel in this part and he was accompanied by some other useless whinny and unconvincing characters . There are too many plot holes and clichés , e.g. I thought they were out of matches ? How did they knock up some bear skin coats overnight ? Still a reasonable adventure though .

The Edge (1997): Dir: Lee Tamahori / Cast: Anthony Hopkins, Alec Baldwin, Elle MacPherson, L.Q. Jones, Harold Perrineau: Exhilarating thriller about the extremes the mind may be driven too if pushed to the limits of sanity. Wealthy Anthony Hopkins joins associates in the snowy mountains. Alec Baldwin plays a photographer who subjects Hopkins wife before they search down a native. After the plane crashes they are hunted by a bear. Directed by Lee Tamahori who previously made Once Were Warriors and Mulholland Falls. He successfully brings out suspense based upon nature. Hopkins plays off intelligence with grace and is able to provide simple solutions to major problems. Baldwin is the opposite and totally relies on others. The real villain of the film is the bear, which is massive and results in a couple of truly terrifying scenes, one of which will resolve the plot problem. The film does have its problems and they are mainly stirred from the misuse of supporting roles. Elle MacPherson as Hopkins's wife is seen as this captivating beauty but the role is a prop not a personality. L.Q. Jones plays a cameraman but ultimately he is is basically there to become fast food for bear. This is a well made film fill of great scenery and an antagonist nightmare of nature. Otherwise the film is about survival in both the physical and mental state. Score: 9 / 10

This is a pretty good movie. I hadn't seen it in a few years but had always remembered it and wasn't disappointed in my re-watch. It's a fast paced thriller about a multi billionaire (Anthony Hopkins) who joins his much younger model wife on a remote shoot in Alaska. During a scouting trip, along with photographer (Alec Baldwin) and the doomed black guy (poor Harold Perrineau) their plane crashes, leaving them stranded in the wilderness.Armed only with a pocket knife, and Charles' vast array of useless knowledge the trio attempt to make it back to civilization. This ends up being way more than a survival movie though as Hopkins struggles with his own insecurities, and the possibility of his wife's infidelity with the cocky and jealous photographer. Oh and did I mention the bear, yeah there's a huge grizzly bear stalking them and (Bart the bear) is awesome.Alec Baldwin really impressed me in this, he was just excellent, a complete ass, showing such range throughout and Hopkins gets super annoying with his constant knowledge and spouting off of factoids, but these are not faults of the movie, the characters are just really well done. Great ending here too. 11/27/14

I first saw this movie in 97 when it first came out.I had barely heard of Baldwin,Hopkins or Perrineau.It turned out to be one of those movies I sat on the "edge" of my seat and was stunned by the ending.I sat there,mouth agape.I found I had a deep respect for all three actors.This movie,in every discernible way,is a masterpiece.The cinematography is breathtaking.The musical score is one of the most beautiful themes I have ever heard.The plot is smooth and the acting superb.I had heard of Baldwin but had not thought he was a great actor until seeing The Edge.Hopkins has made some great movies but this one..well it my personal favorite.The subtleties are numerous,the suspense captivating and the message is profound.The bear is without a doubt frightening and primal.This movie evoked emotions in me that were also primal.And the ending? It is the best ending to any movie I have ever seen.Perhaps you might have to appreciate the complexities of human nature as well as the action sequences in The Edge to get the most out of the viewing experience.It truly is the best of both worlds.