March Of The Penguins (DVD) Review
One of the more surprising films of 2005, and perhaps the most intriguing, was March Of The Penguins, a full-length feature film documentary cut in the same mold like a PBS National Geographic special. Directed by Luc Jacquet, the film had its origins in France, however the narrative theme is neither French, nor English, or that matter, reflective of any nation's cultural influence. Instead, March Of The Penguins is really a truly rare cinematic masterpiece that transcends borders, language, and culture. Its brilliant portrayal from the Emperor penguin in the natural habitat offers universal attract audiences everywhere by reinforcing the themes of love, companionship, life, and the find it difficult to overcome the hardships of the oftentimes cruel and unforgiving world.
The US version of March Of The Penguins is narrated by Morgan Freeman, an outstanding option for the role as his precise, yet folksy, voice serves to underscore the magnitude and the magic from the annual journey endured by these fascinating animals. The visuals of the film are powerful themselves, however i doubt the movie would've enjoyed the huge commercial success it did with no strength of Freeman's performance. In the opening scenes, Freeman introduces us towards the Emperor penguin and it is icy homeland of Antarctica. As winter approaches, penguins from all within the continent make an instinctive annual voyage across rugged and inhospitable terrain in search of the traditional Emperor penguin mating ground.
On the way, audiences learn every particular detail of the arduous task that awaits the Emperor penguins. With thousands gathered together, each must find a mate. Once the relationship continues to be consummated, a single egg is the product of the pairing. But the egg is fragile, susceptible to easy fracture and also the hazardous conditions of extremely low temperatures. As such, a mans penguin must protect the egg as the female returns to the ocean in search of food for herself and her yet to be born offspring. In the interim, high winds, driving snow, and freezing elements pound away in the swarm of male penguins because they desperately protect their respective eggs. Amazingly, the herd instinctively protects itself in the relentless cold by rotating those found on the outside into the middle and the other way around, so that the burden of the cold weather is shared equally by all.
Once winter subsides and the females return, the newly hatched baby penguins face the additional threat of predators. The males must make their very own journey to the ocean, and the budding toddler penguins should be initiated in to the ways of their world, all so the process may take full-circle and begin all over again the coming year...
One of the highest grossing theatrical documentaries ever released, March Of The Penguins is definitely an utterly fascinating film. In contrast to the usual mind-numbing action-packed blockbusters made by Hollywood (and demanded by people within the viewing public), March Of The Penguins is both educational and entertaining. You will find yourself perched on the fringe of your seat in anticipation as these rugged creatures engage with the harshest aspects of nature. You'll root for the heroes and boo the villains, but regardless of the lack of a contrived Hollywood plot, you will find yourself truly intrigued with this charming film - the story of struggle, the storyline of triumph, the storyline of life... March of the Penguins.