OK for kids 5+
Sweet, inspiring tale of two wildlife fairy godmothers.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that this brief (40 minutes) IMAX documentary is a safe choice for younger kids because there aren't any upsetting scenes of predatory violence or deaths, both of which are common in comparable, longer films about the animal kingdom. There are, however, some references to the reasons that animals were orphaned (mostly due to poachers, since predators don't typically leave young animals alive). The two female experts followed in the documentary are wonderful role models, particularly to kids interested in zoology and nature, because they've dedicated their lives to researching and rescuing animals, as well as preserving their natural habitats.
- Families can talk about the appeal of wildlife documentaries. Why are they so popular? What makes the lives of animals so compelling to us?
- What does the movie teach about keeping elephants and orangutans safe from poachers and habitat loss? How can viewers get involved?
The good stuff
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Educational value: Kids will learn a great deal about the two species followed in the documentary -- elephants and orangutans. The film teaches kids about the complexities of raising and caring for babies that belong in the wild. There are some references to the importance of habitat preservation and discussion of a few of the reasons that the animals are being left motherless.
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Messages: The movies makes the case that people should care about the future and welfare of orphaned wild animals like elephants and orangutans. Galdikas and Sheldrick both show how a life of passion and dedication to conservation can save hundreds and thousands of animals. Although the movie doesn't focus on how humans are responsible for the endangerment of the animals, it does stress that everyone can -- and should-- help rescue efforts around the world.
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Role models: Dame Sheldrick and Dr. Galdikas are both exemplary women who have devoted their careers -- and their lives -- to conservation and wildlife preservation efforts. Using their expertise and their passion for elephants and orangutans, each has been able to make a huge difference by saving animals and then releasing them back to their native environments.
What to watch for
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Violence and scariness: The narration references how the baby elephants and orangutans were orphaned -- mostly because of poachers and habitat loss. A few times an animal baby has an injury -- like a chewed up ear or a missing tail -- that's mentioned and explained (i.e., hyena attack).
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Sexy stuff: Not an issue
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Language: Not an issue
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Consumerism: Not an issue
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Drinking, drugs and smoking: Not an issue
Fan Reviews provided by
5
Awesome 3D by pzuppo
As a G-rated movie for the younger set, this movie (documentary) was perfect. It was short enough to keep the attention of the younger set and the content and concepts were aimed toward children. Although, many adults are like children, so seeing the documentary could behoove them as well.
The concept is to socially educate us city slickers that preserving all species on the earth is important. For the children, there was repetition of how the baby elephants and the baby orangutans were just like human children in that they require constant care and love to grow up to be successful. All of the animal babies were orphaned due to human intervention (the bad guys). Through this type of media viewing, the younger set will presumably grow up with this concept being almost innate.
We need many more documentaries such as this for our children to watch in lieu of watching something without meaning.
5
Born to be Wild by dexter13
If you are an animal or nature lover but don't care for much of the violent content inherent in many of these films, this is the movie for you. It's an amazing true story about 2 women and their families who have devoted their lives to saving orphaned animals and returning them to the wild to live out their lives. It's inspiring, beautiful to watch and an amazing experience.
4
Born to Be Wild 3D by lotsoffd
This was an interesting movie with very nice 3D effects. My 6 year old girl and 4 year old boy were able to sit through the movie with no issues and enjoyed it as well.
5
Born to be Wild by shells_thoughts
Very enjoyable and wonderful photography! A bit shorter than I would have liked but loved it! Great for all ages.
5
Born to be Wild a refreshing change! by bluemoonceramics
I was looking forward to viewing this movie after hearing an interview on NPR with Dame Sheldrick. I saw this at the Imax with my husband and grandchildren, ages 9 & 11. What a wonderful family movie that proves the point that all it takes is one determined person to make a positive change in our world.
We loved the story and had a great conversation about it on the drive home. Gorgeous filmwork, great narrators and an inspiration too!
4
Born To Be Wild 3D by jposca
Great movie for the whole family. The 3D effects are awesome and will have your kids reaching out to try and touch the animals.