Arctic Tale Movie
Storyline
TAGLINES
A real adventure in the coolest place on earth
From the people who brought you March of the Penguins
This documentary chronicles the lives of two youngsters in one of the coldest places on Earth. Watch as Seela the walrus and Nanu the polar bear grow from newborns to teenagers and what it takes to survive in an environment that's rapidly shrinking thanks to climate change.
| Queen Latifah | Narrator |
| Ke'ala Valencia | Kid in End Credits |
| Adam Ravetch |
6.80 out of 10 (890 votes)
Visitor Reviews
Must-see climate change film for young and old (spoiler at the end)
posted on 22 Aug 2009I wasn't going to comment on this film, but seeing the negative reactions of so many on this site, I couldn't let them have the say.Yes, this is not a true documentary, and it shouldn't have been presented as such. It's a melodramatic, overly so at some points. It is not as high-quality as some people would like, or demand. But it saddens my heart that that's what they care about, because in their overzealous want for entertainment, they forget the problem they produce.What's more crass than blaming the bears and walruses for becoming extinct? Never before in the history of Earth has one species destroyed, and continues to destroy the habitats of almost all major animals in the world, except those that have been domesticated or useful in some way. Volcanoes and asteroids may have led to the extinction of huge numbers of species at regular intervals; one group - the dinosaurs - may have dominated the world and probably made certain animals extinct. But it was a natural world. New species arise where others fall.When we have melted - judging from the negativity here, it's a matter of when - the frozen poles, we not only have destroyed mighty species like polar bears to the history book, we'll have made sure that nothing but much smaller and less unique ones will fill their place. Evolution doesn't take decades to produce replacement. It needs hundreds of thousands, millions of years, and with human depopulation of the natural world, nothing will have the chance to do so.This film should have made skeptics think twice and change their ways. That it fails to do so in so many cases shows what humans are capable of, not in compassion, or generosity, but in greed, self-importance, and apathy.*spoiler* The walrus that gave its life for a "kid" walrus probably would have done better were it as "intelligent."
Predator and prey
posted on 05 Aug 2009One of the great trends in the entertainment industry of the past decade is the increase of high-quality, feature-length, family-friendly documentaries that are both entertaining and educational at the same time. Shows like "Winged Migration", "March of the Penguins" and "Blue Planet" are bringing the world to people's homes even as mankind intrudes more and more into the natural world. One of the latest productions is Arctic Tale, a Paramount Pictures production that examines the life of a female polar bear, Nanu, and a female walrus, Seela over the course of three years. The movie begins with Nanu's first appearance from her mother's ice den, and then switches to Seela's first swim in the arctic waters. As the movie progresses, the viewer sees each undergo trials and tribulations such as looking for food, watching out for predators, and learning how to survive from family. The lives of both cross at several points during the movie, but both make it to the end, as both become mothers in turn. The movie is narrated by Queen Latifah, who must be working hard to expand her resume. The photography in this movie is great, and the extra features show how some of the footage was obtained. All in all, an entertaining documentary.
Annoying
posted on 01 Aug 2009My 4 year old son loves polar bears but he was quickly bored by this film. I didn't even make it to the end of the film with the so-called propaganda so I can't comment on that but if it was anything as embarassing and pandering as the rest of the film, I can understand the complaints. I like Queen Latifah, but the phrases they had her say made me cringe. The usual serious nature-special narration was interspersed with phrases that are desperately trying to sound hip but will be hopelessly outdated in a few years, like "When your mother's a polar bear, you best be going," the walruses are "all up in each other's business," and "that's just how they roll;" regarding the walrus whiskers: "That's right, those sweet 'staches aren't just for style." The worst is when "it's time for a game of pull my flipper" and you get walrus farting sounds. If this were made in the 1960s, you'd have the narrator talking about the "far out" bears and "groovy" walruses dealing with starvation which is a total "bummer."
By the way, I couldn't care less that the story is a composite and not a "true" documentary - I just wanted a good story. Despite some beautiful visuals, I can't recommend this to anyone.
Eye opening!
posted on 30 Jul 2009It is my hopes that everyone takes serious the eroding of the polar ice caps and what the global warming trend has to do with it. My daughters children will never get to witness ice packs or polar bears or any Artic wildlife if this remains unchecked. Great movie to bring this to light!
Doesn't Come Close To March Of The Penguins
posted on 21 Jul 2009Global Warming is a real threat. The majority of scientists across the globe agree on this (there is a small dissenting group but nothing compared to those that believe in the theory). And wildlife filmmakers Adam Ravetch and Sarah Robertson believed there were ways to prove it. So they embarked on a fifteen year odyssey to film the lives of two creatures: Nanu the polar bear and Seela the Walrus.The arctic is where these two live, and the arctic is the battleground most climatologists point to whenever they are asked for proof of global warming theory. It is important to let our children know that this area is in danger—as are its animals—thanks to the changes in global climate. And children are who this G-rated film is directed at.There's the cuddly polar bear scene when Nanu is born with her "brother", and the protective nature of walruses as they fret over their young. And there's the bathroom humor of the walruses as they eat clams and then expel flatulence in roaring surround sound.But there's also some things that might frighten the very young. Nanu and her ilk are meat eaters; in fact, they love walrus and seal meat. Some bloody carcasses are seen on several occasions, so parents who haven't discussed life-cycles with their young ones should beware. The fact that the movie-makers didn't give Nanu's "brother" and Seela's "auntie" a name should also give you pause (crewman 19!).To help aid in the marketing of this film, you'll often hear "From the people that brought you MARCH OF THE PENGUINS..." but don't be fooled. Neither director nor the writers involved here were affiliated with March of the Penguins. Both films were aided with production dollars by National Geographic Films but that's about it.Although March of the Penguins held more astonishing film footage, this film can boast some exquisite shots of its own. Following polar bears around as they swim in the open ocean and watching walruses suckle their newborns was something I found phenomenally well filmed. The vanishing ice flows are also pointedly shown as months into what should have been the arctic winter turns into open seas instead of frozen waters.Queen Latifah (HAIRSPRAY) does a great job narrating. Never over-the-top, her tone was perfect for the settings. Always.But I think Morgan Freeman did a bit better job during March of the Penguins. All-in-all, it's a superior documentary that stands head and shoulders above this one. But that shouldn't shame Arctic Tale at all. It's a decent documentary.Just decent.
Ice, Ice Babies!
posted on 16 Jul 2009 I wasn't aware of this film until I saw it recently at a local video store. Seeing that the folks behind "March of the Penquins" were also producing this one, I decided to give it a go and I enjoyed it, though not quite as much as the aforementioned film.
The story follows two newborn animals native to the arctic ice: Nanu, a polar bear cub and Seelah, a walrus calf. Through amazing filming (taking fifteen years to bring this film to life) we follow these two animals from the beginning of their life to adulthood. Nanu, born with a twin brother, follows her mother out of their winter den to wander a nomadic life over the ice. There are constant challenges for these beautiful predators who must find something to eat after spending months under the snow. Besides the possiblity of starving (polar bears are only successful in 1 out of 20 tries to capture prey) there is also the danger of the larger, more powerful male polar bears. Nanu's mother avoids her male counterparts at all costs, knowing the dangers they pose to her vulnerable cubs.
Seelah, the walrus calf, also faces danger from----yes, polar bears. But thankfully for her, she has a caring mother and a protective aunt who watch over her with careful eyes. I loved seeing how tender Seelah's mother was with her, cradling her in her flippers in a seemingly human way. It was interesting, also, to find out that these animals go on a hunt for three days and their main diet consists of clams.
While the story of the two animals and their determination to live in one of the most inhospitable environments on earth is the focus of this movie, the filmakers also make the point of climate change and its effect on this frigid part of the world. While some reviewers might not agree with introducing this politically devisive issue, it is apparent that climate change affects the animals at the top of the world and beyond as well. I think its a good thing to include this message of environmental awareness so that young viewers can be educated to the importance of it in our world and how it will affect its inhabitants---both the four and two legged kind. There is nothing wrong with a child enjoying a film, learning about wildlife in faraway places and also being taught about issues that will effect themselves as well as generations to come.
I think this is a good film for children to see although some might be a bit upset about the cruel realities of nature. A couple of deaths involving both Nanu and Seelah are sad but realistic aspects of these creatures lives. Queen Latifah does a good job narrating the story as it unfolds and the cinematography is beautiful and daring. While I won't say this film is as good as its predecessor, "March of the Penquins", it is still worth watching and adding to your dvd collection. Recommended for all ages!
homeschooling mom who loves to learn
posted on 18 Jun 2009This movie was fantastic for our whole family. I DON'T feel as though their was a political message to this movie like others posted, I feel as though they were being truly honest about the state of the arctic and the trouble animals are having. We cannot hide these things from our children and educating them in an honest way(like this movie) will only help future generations! Great job national geographic:)
Saddening and cruel
posted on 06 Jun 2009I do not in any way whatsoever subscribe to the filming of young bear cubs dying when the producers and film crew could have done something about it,and please dont give me that "well we cant interfere with nature" crap because just by doing what you're doing you already are.
Don't bother renting this movie!
posted on 03 Jun 2009Don't bother renting this movie.National Geographic and Paramount start out filming the cutest little polar bear since Knut.They add silly narrative.Then things take a turn for the worse.They stick in some guff about global warming.Why didn't bloody National Geographic fly in some steaks for the polar bears? Don't they sell enough of their magazines? Doesn't bloody Paramount have some spare change to helicopter in some goodies for the cute little bears? Why did they let'em die?
Fun and touching
posted on 12 May 2009I watched this film at the Seattle International Film Festival; it is a beautifully made documentary on life in the Arctic. The filmmakers followed the life of a Polar Bear cub and a Walrus as they learn about life from their mothers and have to deal with the catastrophic changes in the Arctic Weather caused by Global Warming. The film has a broad appeal, particularly amongst Children, who will find the movie funny, exciting, sad, and touching – quite a few people in the movie theater were sobbing by the end. This fits well with "March of the Penguins" in the way it "dramatizes" the footage and humanizes the wild animals, however it does this in a way that serves the story and helps people sympathize with the plight of the Arctic Wildlife.
More Global warming than heart warming
posted on 01 May 2009The film and narration were good, but the story was over-the-top with global warming rhetoric. Some things presented as fact are highly debatable and I felt that the producers were purposely exaggerating because we viewers are so dumb we need hyperbole to learn.
homeschooling mom who loves to learn
posted on 28 Feb 2009This movie was fantastic for our entire family. It did NOT have a political agenda, it was just stating what is actually happening in the arctic. I liked it and felt it helped to educate my children to the problems that are occurring. WE LOVE this movie and would recommend it to any family who wants something fun for the kids yet truthful and educational, the more we educate our children about how our planet is changing the better they will be to help it in their own generation.
Awsome
posted on 20 Nov 2008I like this film and after watcing I love it more. This's a masterpiece for the story of the nothern pole, where we may not go there in our lifetime. This's a ducumentary film which took many years. The cinematography is amazing. Photographers did really great job. This's not like TV predetor series at all, it has beautiful stories; polar bear and walrus mainly and other lives in Arctic. I learned their life in Arctic a lot which was very interesting. It shows the true life beautifully. And also we learn what happened to the northern pole.
Polar bears movement are fascinating; feeding, swimming, making a hole...etc.
Special features of director is also fun to watch.
I watch this together with my son. Since he is too young to watch it alone, so I talk with him.
Beautifully Made, But A Bit Manipulative
posted on 13 Nov 2008I say this movie is manipulative only because it seems to promise one thing and deliver another. I rented it because I thought my 4 year old daughter would enjoy what seemed to be the promise of one of those cutesy, kiddie-oriented movies featuring baby animals having fun adventures together. The truth is that she wasn't really enthralled by it, and while there are some baby animals in this (mostly a polar bear and a walrus) the "adventures" related really have more to do with the struggle of the animals to adapt to the changing ice conditions in the Arctic being caused by global warming. I have no problem with the message - I think the fight against global warming is extremely important. I just had a bit of a reaction against what I thought was the not entirely honest description of the movie's purpose.Having said that, as a nature movie I thought this was not bad (although it has more to say to adults than to 4 year olds.) Narrated by Queen Latifah, and made in co-operation with the National Geographic Society, it's has some things in common with the Antarctic adventure "March Of The Penguins" (although it's not as good). As you would expect from National Geographic, the photography is brilliant, and a wide variety of animals are featured (in addition to the polar bears and walruses, there are arctic foxes, beluga whales, orcas, narwhaals, terns and gulls and possibly a few I'm forgetting.) The message isn't subtle; it gets through very clearly - the Arctic is warming up! - and it's true that you do find yourself drawn into the animals' lives and rooting for them through their struggles. I appreciated that the film anded on a fairly positive note, as the arctic life cycle continued, with what had been the baby animals becoming mothers to new babies.Manipulation aside, the film is family-friendly and, as I noted, very well photographed, but in the end it didn't accomplish what I had hoped - which was to truly entertain a 4 year old.
Just an OK documentary
posted on 09 Nov 2008After watching this show, I would not recommend anyone to spent money to watch this on the big screen. I happened to have 5 free tickets to bring my kids to watch it. If you have not been reading news and do not know what is global warming doing to our planet, or where do polar bears live (besides the zoo), or how walruses look like, then perhaps this show will benefit you. Other than that, there was really no significantly new or interesting information that I gained from this documentary. The net result - an animal story about animals struggling to survive - non-dramatized. Not entirely bad, I did appreciate the skills and patience of the crew in producing this show. It was well done.By contrast, the "March of the Penguins" was a much more interesting and 'moving' documentary.
Great Footage, Horrible Narration & Writing
posted on 08 Nov 2008It's no secret the makers of Arctic Tale were aiming for a March of the Penguins repeat. Nor is it a secret that with Arctic Tale they missed the mark almost entirely. Granted it still stands as about 90 minutes of high definition nature footage that blows the mind at times, but the magic of March of the Penguins remains unmatched.
Arctic Tale follows two separate animals through the harsh arctic wilderness. Nanu, a polar bear, starts her adventure under the protection of her mother with her brother by her side. Struggling to find food in an ever changing environment, the polar bear trio works hard tracking down seals, fish and whatever else they can find to sustain them. Meanwhile, Seela, a baby walrus, experiences similar plights as her family swims and waddles about looking for safe places to relax on land. Both Seela and Nanu experience a few hardships here and there but, and to be fair, the loss suffered by Seela may be the best part of the entire film.
If you thought March of the Penguins suffered from the occasional dry spell, Arctic Tale will bore you to tears. Unfortunately, in this case we can't blame the animals for living existences "too mundane" for filmed entertainment. If you think about it, March of the Penguins without a narrator would have been excruciatingly boring. Morgan Freeman saved March and Arctic Tale has no such savior. Instead, Arctic Tale has Queen Latifah. The very fact that Queen Latifah was chosen for a role first filled by Freeman demonstrates a seeming ignorance of the hierarchy of Hollywood nobility. Queen Latifah, despite her titular implication of royalty, is less than Morgan Freeman. Always has been, always will be. Casting her as the voice over comes as a near smack in the face to audiences expecting a high-quality narrated experience. I can just imagine the producers saying "She's got spunk! Her attitude will bring life to Arctic Tale!" Arctic Tale is already brimming with life. It's got the whole "life" thing down. It doesn't need an infusion of large, sassy woman voice to do that.
As a mild defense of Queen Latifah's meager talents, the script for the narration was miserable. Abandoning any semblance of informative dialogue, Arctic Tale just goes full out in the direction of "cute" and never looks back. Maybe they realized it, maybe they didn't - but in doing so Arctic Tale isolates the older audience by offering them little more than pretty pictures of nature. The footage they captured (which apparently took more than four years if you trust the extras on the disc) has brilliant moments but in no way does it hold its out without narration - and Latifah's performance ruins it.
Even with a better narrator (say Michael Caine, Glenn Close, Denzel Washington, hell even Big Bird) Arctic Tale had a lot to overcome. The "tale" shown here just never grips the audience all that tight. There are a few moments of emotion and a few of genuine tension, but the other 60 minutes is just Queen Latifah attempting to draw out drama that isn't all that interesting. The best moment of the film comes at the sacrifice of one of the walruses the film had been following and instead of fueling the "that's awesome" angle, we're bludgeoned into thinking "Awesome - I mean, heartbreaking. I feel for that blubbered-up sabretooth seal". Arctic Tale, with all of its environmental messages from children during the credits, makes no effort to hide its agenda. It's environmentally minded through and through and takes great pains to convert your children to their cause. That unto itself isn't a bad goal, but it'd be a shame to give the credit for such an achievement to such a poorly conceived film.
Blu-ray Extra Features:
It's actually funny how much better the "Making of Arctic Tale" is than the film itself. Sure, it dwells much more on the human factor and the toils of trying to get footage in the unforgiving environs of the north - but it's actually interesting. The filmmaker who devoted all his time to the endeavor is downright likeable and feels like a much saner version of Timothy Treadwell (see Grizzly Man if you haven't). Besides the trailer, the only other extra feature is "Are We There Yet? World Adventure: Polar Bear Spotting" which, like the other extra feature, surpasses the film in quality. It might not rely so much on the "aww, look at the cute polar bear" factor, but the kids who star have their act together and its presented in a way that's entertaining and blissfully short.
Arctic Tale pales in comparison to its penguin predecessor. Add to that problem the fact that once Nanu and Seela are grown they're not really all that cute anyways (not that walruses are ever really "cute"). In fact, unlike penguins, these are two animals that are neither cute nor all that friendly. Even Coca-Cola has the good sense to import CGI polar bears. The bottom line: Arctic Tale has value for its nature footage, but as a dramatic or narrative piece it suffers from poor narration and no real story.
Very nice but has slight problems
posted on 28 Aug 2009This was an extremely touching and moving movie. It displays the lives of two young creatures, a female polar bear and a female sea elephant. They are both born at approximately the same time and are raised in the same general area of the Arctic. (North Pole) The movie covers 8 years of their lives as they grow up and become mature adult animals. It covers how they were raised by their parents, how they learned to hunt and survive and ultimately, how they dealt with the changes global warming is causing to their environment. It's an extremely moving picture without making the animals TOO anthropomorphic. (like humans)I highly, highly recommend this movie. If you saw "march of the emperor penguins", then you should see this movie as well.