March of the Penguins
There has been many column inches dedicated to the subject of falling birth-rates in Europe over the last few months, it seems these days we are too selfish to face the sacrifices required to breed, so this film comes as a timely reminder that in the natural world there are creatures that are prepared to endure incredible hardship in order to grant the continuation of their genes. Enough to make you wonder who exactly is the lesser species because what these penguins lack in engineering they make up for in sheer determination, but before you accuse me of poor comparison I should point out that this film is entirely an exercise in anthropomorphism as the silky voiced narration of Morgan Freeman waxes lyrical on the love that these penguins have for each other and their young its hard not to be moved by his sentimental, although debatable point. Its a beautifully crafted film with excellent photography and a moving score which can appeal to just about anyone.
French diplomacy at work. In the extras section we are treated to a behind the scenes version of events which amongst other things includes a scene of the film-makers wolfing down a hot meal only yards away from a large group of male penguins who haven’t eaten for four months. Bet they were cursing the bloody French.
Update (23/05/06 14:38) : French Advertisement with a hilarious take on The March of the Emperor [Penguins]?
I watched the movie on video a while ago and loved it moderately. Although I was moved by some passages, I found myself a little bit irritated at the end, probably because I felt I was unduly moved. I didn’t like the extreme anthropomorphism in it. We always hint on some anthropomorphism in our obervations of animals and relations with them but it was deliberate anthromorphism in the movie.
In my opinion, it is much more fun to do the reverse, try to adopt the animal’s point of view and with little knowledge we can do it. I always do it with our dog. In that respect, the movie about the migrating brids ‘Le peuple migrateur’ was much more interesting. The film makes you closer to the animal’s point of view, litterally and figuratively, by operating a camera at the level of the migrating birds. I just loved this one.
The caption for the crew is real fun.
And yes, having children is a lot of sacrifice. If you are not prepared for it better not doing it. Contrary to the Penguins, we humans have a choice and having children can be considered as sacrifice on our part while the penguins don’t have a choice, they follow the rules of nature and I am enclined not to attribute to their behaviour this highly human attribute. Having had children (two), away from my parents and from my huband’s parents, raising them alone, I would say that it is worth the sacrifice, but I would not condemn anyone who decides otherwise.
Hi Sophia,
Agreed regarding the sentimental anthropomorphism of the movie but I think we managed to ignore it and concentrate on the photography on this occasion. As a nature film it was a gratuitous feel-good road-trip which while making it poor in educational value it makes for moderately good entertainment. On the DVD it was worth watching the behind the scenes segment for its more realistic focus on the hazards of the natural world but might make small children sob uncontrollably.
This film did trigger quite a lengthy debate with friends on the nature of animal consciousness which reached no firm conclusion. My scientific background is in the physical sciences and I am more inclined to argue that there is still little real understanding of genetics and brain function; thus I think it unwise to be too firm in one’s conviction either way for the time being.
My wife particularly loved this movie, I think because in the metaphorical sense we are currently making a journey across the ice-flows ourselves.
Wolfie,
My heartfelt congratulations for you and your wife. Happy years are awaiting you.
Best,
Sophia
Thank you very much Sophia, however its a little too soon yet for congratulations but as they say; “watch this space…”
I loved this film - simply on the basis that I had no idea how they lived survived etc the photography was beautiful - it was fascinating. Morgan Freeman did lull you into a blissful bonding with the little buggers!