Born in China is timed perfectly for Earth Day

Movie Title: 
Born in China

Grade:  A-

Rating:  G, 79 minutes  

In a Nutshell:  Disney Nature presents a beautiful look at some fascinating creatures born in China.  

Narrated by John Krasinski (The Office: The Complete Series) , this eco- documentary illustrates the circle of life and introduces the world to some stunning locations and animals that most people will never get a chance to see in real life.

I’ve been to China twice this past year and have fallen in love with its culture, topography, people, art, language, and food.  It is an amazing country and this film offers a deserving spotlight.  The film is full of “Awwww” moments.

Timed perfectly for Earth Day 2017, a portion of ticket sales will be donated to the World Wildlife Fund.

Uplifting theme: 

• Family
• The circle of life and death
• The beauty and duality of nature: freedom vs. security
• Each of us is a part of a much larger story.

Things I liked:

• John Krasinski offers a familiar, comfortable voice to walk us through the lives of the featured animals.  He does a great job, although the script could have been even better.
• The golden snub-nosed monkeys steal the show.  They’re gorgeous and hilarious, providing delightful monkey mischief.
• One thing Disney Nature does very well is introduce children to things they could never see in a zoo.
• The Tibetan antelope, called chiru, provides the film with some epic moments and cinematography.  My question: why don’t the males accompany the females on their birthing journey to protect them?
• A crane in China is a symbol of longevity and fortune.  It is believed that when a crane takes flight, it is carrying an animal’s soul to another world.  That theme and sentiment and used at the beginning and end of the movie. I love it when a film ties ends together.
• How do the photographers get those shots?????   It’s pretty incredible.
• You get to see gorgeous red pandas, black and white pandas, snow leopards, antelope, and monkeys.  All adorable.

Things I didn’t like:

• This version of Disney Nature doesn’t offer anything particular new to the nature story narrative.
• I wish we could have learned more about the animals, more facts and information.
• Humans project their feelings and descriptions on what’s going on with the animals.  Who knows if any of that is true.
• It’s very predictable.

Interesting lines:

• “China is a land of myth and mystery.” – John Krasinski
• “Each life is just one beat in the beautiful cyclical rhythm.” – John Krasinski

Tips for parents: 

• There are several scenes when animals and birds prey on other animals.  Some animals die.  Children need to learn about life and death, and this movie does not shy away from the brutal realities.
• Some fighting and bullying.
• No profanity.  Thank goodness, animals don’t swear.
• It’s not all happy and beautiful.  There are some sad moments.
• You see a mother give birth and later nurse babies.  Your kids may have questions…

Click here to pre-order a copy of  Disneynature: Born in China (With Bonus Content) for your family's home entertainment library.  

MOVIE REVIEW MOM

@trinaboice 

Monkey Kingdom provides Ecotainment and Disney charm

Movie:  Monkey Kingdom

G, 1 hour 25 minutes

Grade: A

In a Nutshell:  Disney Nature spent three years filming this lovely movie that documents pivotal moments in the life of Maya, a mother who will do anything to protect and raise her baby son Kip…it’s what mothers do.  This one just happens to be a monkey…a fiercely loyal macaque in Sri Lanka to be exact.

Perfectly timed for Earth Day, this story is heartwarming, true, and touching.  Be sure to stay seated during the final credits to see how the filmmakers actually got some of the amazing shots they did.  Three cheers for Mark Linfield, Alastair Fothergill and their fantastic cinematography crew.  

Uplifting Theme:

·         Don’t forget Earth Day is April 22!

·         Find joy in living.   

·         Love and protect your family and friends.  Be willing to pick bugs off them when necessary.

Things I liked:

·         Who doesn’t love monkeys?  Seriously, you’d have to be a real hater not to like this movie.

·         Tina Fey’s humorous narration connects us to these adorable creatures.

·         Will these monkey’s hairdo’s ever come in style?

·         Tey Fey asks “Did you know monkeys could swim?”  They can!  And it’s a joy to watch!  You can actually see them hold their breath under water.

·         The monkeys are completely adorable when they huddle up to sleep. So sweet.

·         The ancient ruins that become the monkey village called Castle Rock looks like it is right out of an Indiana Jones movie.

·         It was fascinating to watch the monkeys befriend a dog.

·         I thought it was perfect casting that nature provided a “bad” monkey who actually looked bad.

Things I didn’t like:

·         I often wondered how much of the crazy antics were staged.  I mean, it’s awfully convenient to have cameras suddenly inside a house that the monkeys discover and explore during a birthday party where food is set out all over the kitchen table and not a single human around.  Just sayin… It is a pretty cute scene though.

·         I thought it was interesting that male/female stereotypes exist in the monkey world.   Some of the females were caddy and mean, while the males play rough and tumble and want to be in charge.

Funny lines:

·         “No one will ever know we were here.  We are like ninjas.  Is this even food?  I don’t care.  Leave nothing behind!”  Tina Fey voices the monkeys’ thoughts as they steak birthday cake and food from a human’s house.

https://youtu.be/Qwh6_bMcGl4

Interesting lines:

·         “Maya, like most mothers,  probably wants to freeze this moment in time.  This is the perfect age.”  I think I said that every year while my kids were growing up.

·         “If nothing, Maya’s scrappy.  She has a Plan B.”   I’ve learned that all mothers need to have a Plan B.

·         “They’ll fall asleep with an unfamiliar feeling in their bellies…fullness.”

·         “Jack fruit isn’t just fruit.  It’s politics.”

Tips for Parents:   There was a dad sitting behind me in the theater who had to explain a few things to his little girl.  There are some sad and tense moments, but otherwise it is a “safe” movie for all ages.

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