At a time when documentaries are gaining progressive interest and are seeing wider exposure and release into mainstream multiplexes, it has been an opportune strategy to unveil this latest informative excursion into theaters, where it has surprisingly surpassed even some of the summer's bigger, albeit, stale ambitions which have ended up failing to impress.
Hollywood actor Morgan Freeman narrates this natural wonder as seen throughout the frigid exploits of French director, Luc Jacquet.
The film chronicles the incredible annual journey of the Emperor penguins as they leave their habitat and travel across endless miles in order to assemble at their designated breeding ground.
From there, we see them attempting to locate a mate, and going through the process of "consummating" their union.
Amazingly, their courtship methods are not so unlike our own, and in many respects, they are reminiscent of humans, often resembling a wealthy society gathering at a formal event.
Once the conception has been completed, the penguins must cooperate together in sharing responsibilities and protecting each other from both the unforgiving elements of the endless winter season and from wild predators alike.
In awaiting the birth of their offspring, the penguins must overcome starvation, separation, and harsh climactic conditions, and unfortunately, many of them don't survive long enough to greet their young ones into the world.
Once the eggs are completely formed and begin to hatch, it becomes a whole new method of survival as the proud and doting parents must oversee the protection and well-being of their newborn chicks.
The display of community and family bonds is incredible, as are the expressions of attachment, grief, determination, and altogether sense of instinct.
The cinematography is flawless in the way it presents the sprawling, lifeless, white landscape of winter as a background to the black masses of striving and vital creatures. It is a stark contrast between nature's unavoidable tragedies and its welcomed miracles. The accompanying musical score also underlines the atmosphere quite nicely.
In our civilization of greed and emphasis on material luxuries, we could really learn a lesson about selflessness, sacrifice and placing priority on more fundamental aspects of living, through this inspirational film.
Hollywood actor Morgan Freeman narrates this natural wonder as seen throughout the frigid exploits of French director, Luc Jacquet.
The film chronicles the incredible annual journey of the Emperor penguins as they leave their habitat and travel across endless miles in order to assemble at their designated breeding ground.
From there, we see them attempting to locate a mate, and going through the process of "consummating" their union.
Amazingly, their courtship methods are not so unlike our own, and in many respects, they are reminiscent of humans, often resembling a wealthy society gathering at a formal event.
Once the conception has been completed, the penguins must cooperate together in sharing responsibilities and protecting each other from both the unforgiving elements of the endless winter season and from wild predators alike.
In awaiting the birth of their offspring, the penguins must overcome starvation, separation, and harsh climactic conditions, and unfortunately, many of them don't survive long enough to greet their young ones into the world.
Once the eggs are completely formed and begin to hatch, it becomes a whole new method of survival as the proud and doting parents must oversee the protection and well-being of their newborn chicks.
The display of community and family bonds is incredible, as are the expressions of attachment, grief, determination, and altogether sense of instinct.
The cinematography is flawless in the way it presents the sprawling, lifeless, white landscape of winter as a background to the black masses of striving and vital creatures. It is a stark contrast between nature's unavoidable tragedies and its welcomed miracles. The accompanying musical score also underlines the atmosphere quite nicely.
In our civilization of greed and emphasis on material luxuries, we could really learn a lesson about selflessness, sacrifice and placing priority on more fundamental aspects of living, through this inspirational film.