Born In China

A mother's instinct is undeniably strong.  It's the type of instinct that can't be  taught or manufactured. The type of instinct  that can save a life or put one in danger.

 

In celebration of Earth Day,  DisneyNature  releases  "Born In China."  This remarkable documentary is narrated by John Krasinski and takes audiences on a breathtaking journey into the wilds of China.

Directed by Chinese filmmaker Lu Chuan, produced by Disney’s Roy Conli and renowned nature filmmakers Brian Leith and Phil Chapman, "Born In China" shows an authentic side of nature in China that global audiences have never seen before,” says director Lu Chuan.   “These animals are metaphors.  They give birth, like we do and do their best to raise their cubs, like we do.  They succeed and they fail. Their drive to do what is best for their families resonates with all of us.”

Movies can evoke many emotions, inspire us, motivate us, and encourage us.  Therefore, it should come as no surprise that  Disney, a company that has mastered the art of storytelling,  created a film that'll  surely become a family favorite for kids and adults alike.

Featuring  stunning imagery and navigating through a vast terrain, from the frigid mountains to the heart of the bamboo forest, on the wings of a red-crowned crane the photography in this doc will leave you breathless.

 

“Born In China” follows the adventures of three animal families — the majestic panda, the savvy golden snub-nosed monkey, and the elusive snow leopard.  These beautiful creatures are followed and filmed during the Winter, Spring, and Fall seasons facing  harsh weather and scarcity of food.

Highlights of the  relationships between mom and cub, as well as,  family dynamics between the father and siblings are surprisingly not any different from your family or mine.   Monkeys have long been seen as figures of rebellion and mischief in Chinese folk tales and one of the most mischievous monkeys on this mountain is TaoTao.   This adorable two year-old has a huge personality.   I hollered when this mischievously adorable baby was up to no good with “The Lost Boys"...a gang of monkeys who have a set of rules all their own and on their own terms

And finally, meet Dawa a strong protective Mama who fights for her cubs to survive in extreme weather.   My heart ached when she was horribly injured and her fate seemed almost sealed with impending doom.

 

One of my favorite moments was watching how this little cutie was so fascinated, yet aware of the camera...ALWAYS!!!

 

At the end of the day,  I left the theatre wondering what fate would hold for these beautiful creatures?  My appreciation for wildlife and its preservation has been enhanced by the educational and inspirational aspects shared on the screen.  Animal lovers beware!!!  Your heart may never feel the same when Born in China (Rated G) steals your heart on April 21st.

Support World Wildlife Fund

During Born In China’s opening week (April 21-27, 2017) film proceeds will benefit the World Wildlife Fund (WWF). Based on opening-week attendance, DisneyNature, via the Disney Worldwide Conservation Fund, will make a contribution to the WWF to help protect wild pandas and snow leopards in China.

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Carla Renata

Fellow Movie Lovers...

Carla Renata aka The Curvy Film Critic is a graduate of Howard University and named one of 2018’s Underrepresented Critics of Color by the Los Angeles Times. Her reviews, articles and/or op-ed's have been featured at AAFCA.com, Ebony.com, NPR.org, her own site The Curvy Film Critic, ET Live! Maltin on Movies, Ebert.com, as well as Shadow and Act, EUR Web, FOX 11-LA and Variety. She has served as a moderator, host or gust film expert for MPTF’s Night Before the Oscars, Good Day LA, Fox 11-LA, Film Independent’s Spirit Awards backstage and hosted an evening of The Black Experience on Film for Turner Classic Movies sponsored by AAFCA.

Being a proud member of AAFCA (African American Film Critics Association), (OAFFC) The Online Association of Female Film Critics, (AWFJ) Alliance of Female Journalists, Tomato-meter approved critic on Rotten Tomatoes and a member of (CCA) Critics Choice Association.

The Curvy Critic with Carla Renata streams LIVE every Sunday 5pm PST via YouTube featuring reviews, news and interviews with talent in front and behind the camera.