Mysterious Island

Mysterious Island (also called Jules Verne's Mysterious Island) is a 2005 television film made for Hallmark Channel that is very loosely based on Jules Verne's 1875 novel of the same name (L'Île mystérieuse). It was filmed in Thailand and directed by Russell Mulcahy. Plot summary During the Civil War, six survivors escape from a prison camp in Richmond, Virginia by hot air balloon and find themselves on an uncharted island in the Pacific: leading the group is Cyrus Smith. Far from any kind of known civilization, the island is inhabited by pirates, giant insects and animals, even the mad genius Captain Nemo. After being rescued from drowning by Nemo's crewman, Smith is separated from his group, which is decimated when one of them is eaten by a giant mantis. Later, Helen discovers a gold medallion with a map on it. Meanwhile, Smith convinces Nemo to track and rescue the other survivors, unaware that pirate Captain Bob Harvey is coming to the island, looking for a lost treasure said to be hidden there. The survivors talk with Nemo about his role in the Indian rebellion. He reveals that his wife and daughter were killed by the British to try to find his location. That was the moment he lost faith on humanity. Nemo reveals that he plans to perfect the ultimate weapon, capable of destroying an entire city. With it, he will threaten the entire world into embracing peace. He offers Smith the chance to work with him. However, Smith rejects the offer, feeling that the weapon would be too powerful for anyone to have. This makes Nemo exile the survivors. While wandering the island, they are attacked by giant beetles, but manage to escape by jumping into a river. Following the river to the ocean, they find an old port and boat. The boat turns out to be rotten and useless. They are subsequently attacked by a giant scorpion, but manage to kill it.