Quest for Fire
La Guerre du feu
“A Science Fantasy Adventure”
Synopsis
In the prehistoric world, a Cro-Magnon tribe depends on an ever-burning source of fire, which eventually extinguishes. Lacking the knowledge to start a new fire, the tribe sends three warriors on a quest for more. With the tribe's future at stake, the warriors make their way across a treacherous landscape full of hostile tribes and monstrous beasts. On their journey, they encounter Ika, a woman who has the knowledge they seek.
Trailers, Teasers & Extra Featurettes
Official promotional previews, behind-the-scenes footage, and exclusive clips.
Quest for Fire (1981) - Trailer
Type: Trailer • Published 2013-01-24
Top Cast
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Everett McGill
Naoh
Ron Perlman
Amoukar
Nicholas Kadi
Gaw
Rae Dawn Chong
Ika
Gary Schwartz
Rouka - tribu Ulam
Naseer El-Kadi
Nam - tribu Ulam
Franck-Olivier Bonnet
Aghoo - tribu Ulam
Jean-Michel Kindt
Lakar - tribu Ulam
Kurt Schiegl
Faum - tribu Ulam
Brian Gillin
Modoc - tribu Ulam
Terry Fitt
Hourk - tribu Ulam
Bibi Caspari
Gammla - tribu Ulam
Peter Elliott
Mikr - tribu Ulam
Michelle Leduc
Matr - tribu Ulam
Robert Lavoie
Tsor - tribu Ulam
Christian Benard
Umbre - tribu Ulam
Tarlok Sing Seva
Tavawa - tribu Ivaka
Lolamal Kapisisi
La faiseur de feu - tribu Ivaka
Release History & Theatrical Window
February 11, 1982
Wide Cinema Exhibition
September 10, 2008
Physical Home Media
Financials & Box Office Performance
Production Budget
$12M
Filming & production cost
Worldwide Gross
$55.3M
Total global ticket sales
Box Office Return
4.61x
+$43.3M net gain
Theatrical Status
Mega Hit
Box office tier
Key Information & Fast Facts
- Director
- Jean-Jacques Annaud
- Screenplay & Story
- Gérard Brach
- Original Score
- Philippe Sarde
- Original Title
- La Guerre du feu
- Country of Origin
- Canada, France
- Spoken Languages
- No Language
- Runtime
- 1h 40m
- Production Budget
- $12M
- Worldwide Gross
- $55.3M
- Production Studios
- Belstar Productions, Stéphan Films, International Cinema Corporation (ICC), Ciné Trail, Famous Players, Royal Bank of Canada, Gruskoff Film Organization
Creative Leadership & Key Crew
Jean-Jacques Annaud
Gérard Brach
Philippe Sarde
Claude Agostini
Yves Langlois
Denis Héroux, John Kemeny
Department Leadership Roster
Yves Langlois
Editor
John Hay
Costume Design
Jean-Jacques Annaud
Director
Gérard Brach
Writer
Penny Rose
Costume Design
Brian Morris
Production Design
Claude Agostini
Director of Photography
Guy J. Comtois
Production Design
Denis Héroux
Producer
Philippe Sarde
Original Music Composer
John Kemeny
Producer
Age Classification & Content Advisories
Official viewer rating standards and content warnings across international classification boards.
R: Restricted — Under 17 requires accompanying parent or adult guardian.
International Certification Matrix
FSK 12 — Restricted to viewers aged 12 and older.
Suitable only for 15 years and over.
Restricted — Under 17 requires accompanying parent or adult guardian.
Production Stills & Gallery
Official cinematic photography and background stills for Quest for Fire.
Featured In Curated Collections
Editorial lists, community rankings, and cinematic collections featuring Quest for Fire.
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Prime Video - Fantasy Movies
Curated list of Fantasy on Prime Video (US). Updated frequently. Last updated October 14, 2026.
Prime Video - Adventure Movies
Curated list of Adventure on Prime Video (US). Updated frequently. Last updated October 14, 2026.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Quest for Fire
Quick factual answers about cast, synopsis, director, box office, and release information.
What is Quest for Fire about?
In the prehistoric world, a Cro-Magnon tribe depends on an ever-burning source of fire, which eventually extinguishes. Lacking the knowledge to start a new fire, the tribe sends three warriors on a quest for more. With the tribe's future at stake, the warriors make their way across a treacherous landscape full of hostile tribes and monstrous beasts. On their journey, they encounter Ika, a woman who has the knowledge they seek.
Who directed Quest for Fire?
Quest for Fire was directed by Jean-Jacques Annaud.
Who stars in Quest for Fire?
The principal cast of Quest for Fire includes Everett McGill, Ron Perlman, Nicholas Kadi, Rae Dawn Chong, Gary Schwartz.
When was Quest for Fire released and how long is it?
Quest for Fire was released in 1981 with a total runtime of 1h 40m.
What was the box office and production budget of Quest for Fire?
Quest for Fire had a reported production budget of $12M and grossed $55.3M at the worldwide box office (4.61 return on budget, classified as a blockbuster success).
Who composed the musical score for Quest for Fire?
The original motion picture soundtrack for Quest for Fire was composed by Philippe Sarde.
What is the age rating and content advisory for Quest for Fire?
Quest for Fire holds official age classifications: DE: 12 (FSK 12 — Restricted to viewers aged 12 and older.); FR: TP; GB: 15 (Suitable only for 15 years and over.); US: R (Restricted — Under 17 requires accompanying parent or adult guardian.).