May contain spoilers.
When I first saw the trailer for this I thought it looked good, but could they really build it out to the length of a feature? Well, following all of the good word that was building up around it, I decided I would have to see it for myself. So I did.
After seeing the movie, I have decided that it was definitely worth my time. It is a wonderful tale, personifying the perpetually tuxedoed birds. Told in a way that gives dramatic structure, it will get you involved makes you feel connected in some way.
The documentary tells the story of the journey taken by the Emperor Penguin to it's mating grounds, which can be up to 70 miles from where the journey begins. We follow the procession as the march in formation across the icy plains. They then search for a mate and the next stage begins. A family unit is formed, a bond is made. The mother and father work together to protect their egg. The story goes through all of the stages of separation, reunion, growth. All in a manner that is completely engrossing.
We get to track them through the ups and downs, the joy and the tragedy. The new family has many trials during the mating period. One problem is the deadly cold weather, which drives them together, there is the danger inherent in the transfer of the egg from mother to father, there is the young penguin who cannot survive the cold on it's own. Then there are the predators, those seeking to feast on penguin flesh, young and old. But there is the joy of watching the determination exhibited on the journey, the excitement of the newborn birds, the maturing process they go through. It is a wonderful story.
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Article comments
1 - Aaman
Too many spoilers!:)
My favorite animals movie of all time has got to be "Beautiful People". This sounds good too
2 - Chris Beaumont
Sorry! I added a warning. I found it hard to write this any other way....
3 - BROOKStuff
YOUR WONDERFUL AND VIVID REVIEW OF THIS MOVIE MADE ME WANT TO GRAB THE KIDS AND GO SEE A MOVIE. THATS SOMETHING I HAVENT FELT LIKE DOING IN QUITE SOME TIME.MY COMPLIMENTS TO MR BEAUMONT FOR HIS POWERFULLY VISUAL WRITING STYLE.
4 - Chris Beaumont
Thank you very much Brook. I hope you get to go and see the film!
5 - NancyGail
Most of the movies out right now just do not appear to be worth the time and effort. However, this seems to work. There is also a new documentary coming out about a grizzly.
6 - Triniman
I'll definitely check this out, but I'm not sure if I'll rent it or see it on the big screen. Would it lose a lot of visual impact as a rental?
7 - Chris Beaumont
Probably not. I have heard people say that they would have enjoyed it as a telvised film. There still isn't anything quite like seeing a film on the big screen, plus the audience experience, as a whole, heightens the enjoyment.