The Ivory Ape Review: Story, Cast, Rating & Final Verdict
Last updated: May 16, 2026
Movie Overview: The Ivory Ape
| Movie | The Ivory Ape |
| Release Year | 1980 |
| Director | Tsugunobu Kotani |
| Genre | Action / Adventure / Drama / TV Movie |
| Runtime | 104 minutes (1h 44m) |
| Language | EN |
Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?
Is The Ivory Ape (1980) worth watching? According to our cinematic analysis, the film stands as a AVERAGE with a verified audience rating of 5.3/10. Whether you're looking for the box office collection, ending explained, or parents guide, our review covers everything you need to know about this Action.
Cast & Character Study
The performances in The Ivory Ape are led by Jack Palance . The supporting cast, including Steven Keats and Cindy Pickett , provides the necessary layers to the central narrative.
movieMx Verdict: Is it Worth Your Time?
What Works in the Movie
While The Ivory Ape does not fully realize its potential, it still contains moments that may appeal to viewers who enjoy Action films.
- Interesting concept or premise
- Some entertaining scenes
- Supporting cast delivers occasional highlights
What Doesn't Work
Despite its strengths, The Ivory Ape has a few issues that may affect the overall viewing experience, particularly in terms of pacing and narrative consistency.
- Uneven pacing in certain parts of the film
- Some predictable plot developments
- May not appeal to audiences outside the Action fanbase
Story & Plot Summary: The Ivory Ape
Quick Plot Summary: Released in 1980, The Ivory Ape is a Action, Adventure, Drama, TV Movie film directed by Tsugunobu Kotani, written by William Overgard. The narrative delivers highly intense sequences and pulse-pounding confrontations that keep viewers on the edge of their seats. It provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict involving Jack Palance as Marc Kazarian.
Ending Explained: The Ivory Ape
The Ivory Ape Ending Explained: An ivory ape escapes from a freighter and makes its way to Bermuda. Directed by Tsugunobu Kotani, this 1980 action film stars Jack Palance (Marc Kazarian), alongside Steven Keats as Baxter Mapes, Cindy Pickett as Lil Tyler, Céline Lomez as Valerie 'Val' Lamont. Rated 5.3/10, the conclusion has sparked discussion among viewers.
What Happens at the End of The Ivory Ape?
An ivory ape escapes from a freighter and makes its way to Bermuda. Two anthropologists want to save it, but the local authorities hire a big-game hunter to track it down and kill it.
Tsugunobu Kotani's narrative builds toward a resolution centered on Jack Palance (Marc Kazarian)'s journey. Two anthropologists want to save it, but the local authorities hire a big-game hunter to track it down and kill it.
How Does Jack Palance (Marc Kazarian)'s Story End?
- Jack Palance: Jack Palance's storyline wraps up in the final act, though some viewers have found the resolution more ambiguous than expected.
- Steven Keats (Baxter Mapes): Steven Keats's role in the climax proves pivotal to how the central conflict resolves.
- Cindy Pickett (Lil Tyler): Cindy Pickett's character undergoes a significant shift in the final act.
What Does the Ending of The Ivory Ape Mean?
The ending of The Ivory Ape brings the narrative to a close, though viewer reception has been mixed. The resolution of Jack Palance's story may not satisfy all audiences.
The Ivory Ape Real vs. Reel: Is it Based on a True Story?
Is The Ivory Ape Based on a True Story?
No, The Ivory Ape is a work of fiction. While the action, adventure, drama, tv movie film directed by Tsugunobu Kotani and starring Jack Palance may incorporate realistic themes, the characters and plot are original creations.
Who Should Watch The Ivory Ape?
Age Advisory: Rated Not Rated.
Consider Watching If:
- You're a completist for Action films
- You're curious despite mixed reviews
- You have low expectations and want casual entertainment
The Ivory Ape Parents Guide & Age Rating
1980 AdvisoryWondering about The Ivory Ape age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:
⏱️ Runtime & Duration
The total runtime of The Ivory Ape (1980) is 104 minutes (1h 44m). Directed by Tsugunobu Kotani, the film runs for 104 minutes in its complete theatrical version.
Verdict Summary
Analyzing the overall audience sentiment, verified rating of 5.3/10, and global performance metrics, The Ivory Ape is classified as a AVERAGE. It remains an essential part of the 1980 cinematic calendar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Ivory Ape worth watching?
The Ivory Ape is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Action movies. It has a verified rating of 5.3/10 and stands as a AVERAGE in our box office analysis.
Where can I find The Ivory Ape parents guide and age rating?
The official parents guide for The Ivory Ape identifies it as Not Rated. Our detailed advisory section above covers all content warnings for families.
What is the runtime of The Ivory Ape (1980)?
The runtime of The Ivory Ape (1980) is 104 minutes (approximately 1h 44m).
movieMx Verified
This review has been verified for accuracy and editorial quality by our senior cinematic analysts.
This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.
