The Meerkats (2008)

An inspiring exploration of one family's resilience and fortitude shot using innovative and groundbreaking filming techniques.

Director:

James Honeyborne

Writers:

James Honeyborne (story), Alexander McCall Smith (narration)

Stars:

Paul Newman

1 win.

Cast

Credited cast:
Paul Newman	...	Teller (voice)

Storyline

An inspiring exploration of one family's resilience and fortitude shot using innovative and groundbreaking filming techniques.

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Plot Keywords:

meerkat

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Genres:

Documentary

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Certificate:

G

Details

Official Sites:

BBC Films Official site [Japan]

Country:

UK

Language:

English

Release Date:

7 August 2009 (UK)

Also Known As:

A Família Suricata

Filming Locations:

Kalahari Raptor Centre, Northern Cape, South Africa

Company Credits

Production Co:

BBC Films, BBC Natural History, Weinstein Company, The

Technical Specs

Runtime:

83 min

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

2.35 : 1

Did You Know?

Connections

Featured in Stern TV: Episode dated 5 November 2008 (2008)

User Reviews

better than March of the Penguins

This is a "must watch". Even if you aren't a nature film fan, this charming well made movie is worth the investment of time. It clocks in at a sprightly hour and a half, which flies past like an eagle chasing its prey.

I generally find Alexander McCall Smith's novels 9and the series made from them - No. 1 Ladies Detective Club) a bit too precious. No question though that he knows, and loves, South Africa.

His script for this mock documentary, narrated by Paul Newman in what seems to have been his final performance, teeters on the edge of cliché and sentimentality, but never topples over. The narrative line of personalizing the story of one young meerkat to tell the tale of the Kalahari, of dessert life, and the cycle of life, works effectively, and to my mind, makes this a superior and more accessible movie than March of the Penguins.

The excellent score sets a tone, and a pace, which matches the story perfectly, and gives a sense of place. No soaring Beethoven or Mahler here. Real sounds of Africa. Done by a young English folk singer. Amazing.

What blew me away most though was the cinematography and editing. I can't get over the shots that James Honeycombe and his crew captured in their six month mission, and condensed into a stunning visual.

Please, watch this movie.