Movies Reviews

Born to be Wild 3D IMAX – Movie Review

By Anne Brodie Apr 8, 2011, 14:38 GMT

This film documents orphaned orangutans and elephants and the extraordinary people who rescue and raise them—saving endangered species one life at a time. Stunningly captured in IMAX 3D, Born to be Wild 3D is a heartwarming adventure transporting moviegoers into the lush rainforests of Borneo with world-renowned primatologist Dr. Biruté Mary Galdikas, and across the rugged Kenyan savannah with celebrated elephant authority Dame Daphne M. Sheldrick, as they and their ...more

Morgan Freeman narrates this superior documentary about two heroic women whose life’s work is the care and safety of abandoned wild animals.   It’s just 40 minutes in length but packs an artistic, emotional and educational punch and lingers in the memory.  

It is beautifully shot using the latest high tech gear, and it tells an inspirational story that brings a little loving light into the world.

It’s the first film to shoot scenes in 12 4k digital IMAX cameras bringing the animals into extra sharp, realistic focus and allowing the filmmakers to shoot in positions and lighting  that were previously impossible.

Born to Be Wild 3D opens theatrically in platforms around the world and will have long runs at science and learning centers where IMAX nature programs are normally seen. 

This is the first time such a film has had simultaneous releases in commercial and educational venues.

We meet Daphne Sheldrick who cares for orphaned elephants in Kenya with a circle of dedicated locals, volunteer workers and family members. 

Sheldrick is physically dwarfed by the magnificent older elephants but they enjoy close affectionate bonds and seem to do what she says.  Her dedication is breathtaking; she has a heart as big as her charges.

And then it’s off to Borneo and Canadian primatologist Birute Galdikasof who launched the Orangutan Research and Conservation Project, in Borneo's Tanjung Puting National Park in 1971.  She and local caregivers raise orphans and release them as they grow older and has come to a deep understanding and connection with them. 

It’s challenging work because they are solitary creatures and less adept at socializing therefore less available for scientific study.  But she has managed not only to build a huge forest home for orphans but to create a local industry based on love and nature.

Both women are getting on in years and we wonder what is to become of their shelters and the abundant love they’ve given to their charges.  It seems likely that family members will continue their work although it’s not stated.  Here’s hoping someone will.

The film gives us a better view inside the wild animal kingdom than we’ve seen before. The pristine look is brilliant.  A baby orang’s head and can nearly feel the bristly looking hair and tough skinned nose; that’s the beauty of 3D IMAX and the flexibility of the state-of-the-art equipment. It’s as though he is a foot away from us.

Also the filmmakers decided not to show the often brutal scenes that appear in nature documentaries. There are no animals tearing each other apart – the worst we see is the mess the orangs make in Birute’s hut and the thieving baby who steals noodles right out of her bowl. 

There is wisdom in the choice – I tend not to watch nature docos because I want to avoid such scenes.  There’s plenty of time later.

Kudos to the team behind this powerful, love filled story, from the filmmakers and animals to the brave, loving women who protect them. Born to Be Wild is an absolute must see.

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Documentary
Written by Drew Fellman
Directed by David Lickley
Opens April 8
Runtime: 40 minutes
MPAA: all audiences
Country: US
Language: English