Watch Chimpanzee

Chimpanzee is a heartwarming nature documentary directed by Alastair Fothergill and Mark Linfield. Narrated by Tim Allen, the film is centered around the life of Oscar, a young chimpanzee living in the African rainforest. The documentary begins by introducing the lush rainforest environment, a place teeming with life where chimpanzees roam free. We see different groups of chimps, each with their own unique personality and behavior. One of these groups is led by a dominant male named Freddie, who has a group of females and youngsters under his protection.

Oscar is a curious and playful young chimp who is part of Freddie's group. We see him as he learns how to climb trees, search for food, and spend time with his family. Oscar is especially close to his mother, Isha, who protects him from harm and teaches him how to survive in the wild.

However, their peaceful existence is disrupted when a rival chimpanzee group led by Scar invades their territory. The two groups battle for dominance, with Freddie and his group coming out on top. During the chaos of the fight, Oscar becomes separated from his mother and is left to fend for himself.

The film then follows Oscar's journey as he struggles to survive on his own in the rainforest. He has to learn how to find food and shelter, and protect himself from predators like leopards and snakes. We see him interact with other members of his group and form new alliances, including a surprising bond with a male chimp named Freddy.

As the film progresses, we see the close relationship between chimps and their environment. We observe how they use tools, communicate with each other, and adapt to changes in their surroundings. There are also several moments of humor and levity, like when Oscar and his friends discover a termite nest and proceed to feast on the insects.

The cinematography is stunning, with beautiful shots of the African rainforest and its inhabitants. The film crew spent over three years filming the chimpanzees, capturing intimate moments like a mother grooming her baby and a group of males playing together. The score, composed by Nicholas Hooper, adds to the emotional resonance of the documentary.

Throughout the film, we see how chimpanzees exhibit complex social behaviors and emotions. They form strong bonds with each other, comfort each other when upset, and even engage in acts of altruism. The film raises important questions about the ethics of chimpanzee research and captivity, and the need to protect these intelligent and endangered animals.

In conclusion, Chimpanzee is a stunningly beautiful and emotionally moving nature documentary that offers a rare glimpse into the lives of these amazing creatures. With its incredible footage, engaging storytelling, and important message about conservation, it is a film that will touch the hearts of viewers of all ages.

Chimpanzee is a 2012 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 18 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.1 and a MetaScore of 57.