Return to the Blue Lagoon

Return to the Blue Lagoon is a 1991 American romantic adventure drama film directed by William A. Graham and stars young actors Brian Krause and Milla Jovovich, with Lisa Pelikan making a significant appearance. The film is a sequel to the 1980 film The Blue Lagoon, which is based on the 1908 novel The Blue Lagoons by Henry De Vere Stacpoole.

The movie continues where its predecessor left off, following the fate of a young boy and infant girl stranded on a lush, tropical island following a shipwreck. As a sequel, it takes up the themes of survival, discovery, and the remarkable power of human adaptability in unusual conditions. To put it in context, the lead characters, Richard and Lilli, are cast adrift from the civilized world, a situation that obliges them to grapple with the issues of survival, maturity, and the milestones of an evolving relationship in the absence of societal dictates.

The story begins with Owen, a sailor played by Pelikan, narrating the tale of the shipwreck that leaves him responsible for Richard (son of the characters from the original Blue Lagoon movie) and infant Lilli. These two young survivors grow on an uninhabited south pacific island, untouched by the modern world— a place bursting with nature's effulgence, replete with cascading waterfalls, an abundance of wildlife, and pristine beaches.

The performance by Brian Krause as Richard straddle youth and maturity in seamless progression. Richard’s character evolves as he has to take on the role of the protector for the younger Lilli, adding an extra layer to the complexities of his character.

In a remarkable role that showcases her talent, Milla Jovovich plays Lilli, displaying the character's journey from a naive young girl to a woman bravely confronting the challenges of survival. Her character evolution highlights the duality of vulnerability and strength, rooted in the raw realities of life on the island.

Lisa Pelikan adds maturity to the ensemble with her role as the sailor. Although her appearance is relatively brief, she delivers a significant contribution, setting the tone for the young protégés to carry forward the legacy of survival in this tropical paradise.

Nature, bountiful and harsh, plays a crucial character dictating the circumstances that shape the developing narrative of Richard and Lilli's survival. The cinematographic rendering of this character sets a visually rich backdrop against which the duo's maturing personalities and relationships evolve.

Although rooted in survival, the narrative explores several other complex themes such as coming of age, the human connection with the natural world, the inherent innocence of youth, and the discovery of emotions like love and jealousy. The narrative also explores the universality of human emotions and social constructs, despite the absence of established societal norms or external influences.

Moreover, one of the movie's essential aspects is its dive into the binary opposites of civilization and natural habitat. It challenges the viewers to question the 'given,’ raising thought-provoking questions about civilization, its loss, and the true essence of being human. It’s an exploration of humanity striated of social interactions and expectations.

Return to the Blue Lagoon packs compelling performances, beautiful cinematography capturing the stunning South Pacific, an enchanting romance, and a heartfelt story of survival against all odds. It is a delightful movie that incites an emotional response, drawing us into the narrative and subtly highlighting the inherent connection between humans and nature. The film's themes and scenes still impress viewers decades after its release, making this journey an enduring and captivating cinematic experience.