Movie Review:

March of the Penguins

by Lynn B.

Every time you think your life is too hard or there is just too much challenging you, think about penguins, yes, penguins. Their struggles make your life seem like a piece of cake!

In March of the Penguins, at the bottom of the earth in Antarctica, the harshest place on earth weather-wise, Emperor penguins (those are the bigger ones) leave their secure ocean home and walk 70 miles over jagged ice and through gale force winds to reach their mating grounds to start a family. These little guys waddle, slide on their tummies, anything to get there. “There” is pretty bleak; a big valley slab of ice where the little critters mate and the females only stay long enough to lay one egg which they literally pass lovingly to their mate for him to sit on while, almost starved, they start the long 70 mile trek back!

It’s up to the dad to eat nothing while sitting on the egg for two months until they hatch. The environment is awfully cold for the chicks and they have to wait until mom comes back with a belly full of fish to feed them and give the dads a break so they can go for food. If a mom is killed by seals or falls along the way, the chick is doomed. A chick might also be picked off by predatory birds. If a mom’s chick dies, the mourning bird often tries to steal one from a neighbor. This cycle goes on and on. Totally amazing! The determination of these cute creatures is awesome, their bravery and their family love is an incredible example for all of us.

This magical circle-of-life film is beautifully shot by director Luc Jacquet and one other cameraman who had to brave the same icy winds and cracking ice of the stark but eye-popping location. Underwater footage of penguins trying to escape from predator seals is also amazing. In the English version (the French narration was quite different) Morgan Freeman’s voice guides us through the birds’ trials and triumphs. The loving ritual of picking and courting a mate is beautiful and the whole movie makes you want to celebrate life. You leave the theater wanting to go out and somehow make life easier for these cuddly little guys or at least stop complaining about your own challenges. Catch this one if you can. It’s open now in some markets, in July in others. Check for a showing near you.

 

This movie is rated G

Official Movie Web Site - March of the Penguins (Check out the trailer - it's totally cool!)

Pictures courtesy of and copyright Warner Independent Pictures