The film “The Blue Lagoon” (1980) is a classic that captivated audiences around the world with its combination of romance, adventure and stunning scenery. Set on a tropical island paradise, the plot revolves around two young people, Richard and Emmeline, who are stranded after a shipwreck and are forced to grow up and fall in love amidst the wilderness.
The story is based on the novel of the same name by Henry De Vere Stacpoole, and its visual representation, with crystal clear waters and lush flora, contributes to a dreamlike atmosphere that is as enchanting as it is evocative. This film is not only notable for its romantic narrative and stunning scenery, but also for its fascinating curiosities.
From the selection of filming locations to the transformation of the young actors into stars, “The Blue Lagoon” offers a deep dive into the magic of cinema and the creation of a timeless story.
1 – IT WASN’T THE FIRST VERSION OF THE STORY
Although the 1980 film is the best-known adaptation of Henry De Vere Stacpoole’s book, it is not the only one. In 1920, the story was taken to the stage, and in 1923, it received its first film version, a silent film directed by W. Bowden.
Decades later, in 1949, British filmmaker Frank Launder created a new adaptation, starring Jean Simmons and Donald Houston. This film was well received by both critics and audiences, becoming extremely popular and achieving one of the highest box office sales in the UK that year.
However, the 1980 film is still the closest to the original work.
2 – BROOKE SHIELDS WAS JUST 14
When she played Emmeline, Brooke Shields was just 14 years old. This posed several challenges for the film’s production team, who used stunt doubles during the nude scenes, and also for the costume designers, who had to glue the wig worn by the actress to her body, thus preventing her breasts from being exposed.
Shields’ casting in the film caused a lot of controversy, so much so that allegations of indecency quickly surfaced. Even after the film’s release in theaters, questions surrounding the actress’s age continued to arise.
Years later, Shields testified in an inquiry opened by the United States Congress to ask whether the stunt doubles used in the film were of legal age.
3 – CONTROVERSIAL ROLES
Although it catapulted Brooke Shields to stardom, the film was not the first to cause controversy due to the casting of the young actress. Two years earlier, in 1978, Shields starred in “Pretty Girl”, in which she plays a 12-year-old girl who is forced into prostitution by her own mother.
Before that, in 1976, the actress made her film debut in the horror film “Communion”, playing a 9-year-old girl murdered during her First Communion.
4 – ISLAND WITHOUT ROADS, RUNNING WATER, OR ELECTRICITY
Filming for “The Blue Lagoon” began on June 18, 1979, on the private island of Nanuya Levu in the Republic of Fiji. To capture the essence of the paradisiacal setting and the authenticity of the story, director Randal Kleiser decided that actors and crew would live as the characters in the film.
He chose an island with stunning scenery but without roads, running water, or electricity. Conditions were quite primitive, and everyone, including Brooke Shields and Christopher Atkins, had to set up and live in their own tents while equipment and supplies were stored in a small boat that transported the crew to the location.
Although the approach was unusual and challenging, after five months on the island, the filming was successfully completed.
5 – THE ISLAND BECAME A TOURIST SPOT
Nanuya Levu, the private island that served as the film’s setting, is now open to the public and can be visited by tourists. The island is currently home to the “Turtle Island Resort,” a luxury resort offering exclusive beaches to a limited number of guests.
However, to enjoy this experience, reservations must be made in advance and a considerable fee is required. In 2015, 35 years after the release of “The Blue Lagoon,” director Randal Kleiser and actor Christopher Atkins returned to the iconic beach from the film.
6 – DISCOVERING A NEW SPECIES
During the film’s release, John Gibbons, a herpetologist from the University of the South Pacific, noticed that the iguanas appearing in the story were unfamiliar to him. He soon realized that they were a completely new species, never before identified or documented by experts.
Gibbons quickly traveled to Nanuya Levu Island and discovered a new iguana species. In 1981, he published his findings in a scientific journal, naming the species Brachylophus vitiensis, known as the Fiji banded iguana.
7 – EMMELINE ALMOST PLAYED BY ANOTHER ACTRESS
Although Brooke Shields became the iconic Emmeline in the film, she was not the only actress considered for the role. Molly Ringwald, who later gained fame with films like “The Breakfast Club” (1985) and “Pretty in Pink” (1986), auditioned multiple times for the lead role.
At the time, Ringwald was just 11 years old and acted alongside Lou Diamond Phillips, who was auditioning for the role of Richard.
The pair performed several scenes together, which were included as bonus material on some DVD editions of the film.
8 – SEQUELS
Despite its ambiguous ending, the film received a sequel in 1991, titled “Return to the Blue Lagoon.” Starring Milla Jovovich and Brian Krause, the screenplay is based on the second book of the trilogy, “The Garden of God” (1923), and follows the story of Emmeline and Richard’s son, who, ironically, returns to the same island as his parents. However, the film quickly deviates from the original 1920s narrative and retells the story of the original work, focusing on the romance and discoveries of a young couple isolated on a tropical island.
In addition to the sequel, “The Blue Lagoon” also inspired an Indonesian version released in 1983, called Pengantin Pantai Biru. Furthermore, in 2012, the story received a modern update with “Blue Lagoon: The Awakening,” which aired directly on U.S. television and featured a special appearance by Christopher Atkins.
9 – FANS LOVED IT, CRITICS HATED IT
Despite charming audiences and becoming one of the highest-grossing films of the year, “The Blue Lagoon” faced negative reviews and controversy. Brooke Shields even received the Worst Actress award at the inaugural Golden Raspberry Awards in 1981.
Ironically, the same year, the film was nominated for an Oscar in the Best Cinematography category.
10 – BUDGET AND BOX OFFICE
The film cost $4.5 million to make and was a major success, earning $58 million at the global box office.
The film “The Blue Lagoon” is a classic that continues to fascinate and inspire since its release. With its beautiful cinematography and engaging plot, it captures the essence of innocence and discovery amidst lush nature.
The story of two young people isolated on a tropical island, growing up and falling in love, offers a unique perspective on emotional development and the complexities of human relationships.
The production not only highlights the natural beauty of exotic locations but also reflects on universal themes such as love, survival, and the search for identity. With memorable performances and a striking soundtrack, “The Blue Lagoon” remains a testament to the power of cinema to explore and express the depths of the human experience.
Through its curiosities and details, the film continues to captivate new generations, reaffirming its cultural relevance and impact.