Watch Mondo Cane 2

Mondo Cane 2 is a 1963 documentary-style film directed by Gualtiero Jacopetti and Franco Prosperi. While the predecessor, Mondo Cane, explored various bizarre and shocking customs from around the world, Mondo Cane 2 delves deeper into the human condition, contemplating the inner workings of humanity. The film is structured as a series of vignettes, each one exploring a different aspect of human life. The film opens with a scene of a traditional wedding in Japan, followed by an interview with the bride and groom. The couple discuss their hopes and fears for the future, providing a personal connection to the incredible footage that follows.

One segment of the film follows the life cycle of a mosquito. From the hatching of eggs to the swarms that plague many parts of the world, the camera captures the insects in their natural habitat. This segment, like many others in the film, is accompanied by a musical score that creates an eerie atmosphere.

Another segment of the film takes us to a zoo, where we witness the mistreatment of animals by visitors. We witness abuse, including people poking and prodding animals with sticks and selfie sticks, and throwing objects at them. This sobering segment highlights the exploitation and cruelty that animals face in captivity.

A particularly controversial segment of the film examines the subject of reanimation. This section follows a scientist as he attempts to reanimate dead animals using methods of artificial respiration. The segment caused controversy upon the film's release, drawing criticism for its depiction of animal cruelty.

Mondo Cane 2 also explores religious and cultural rituals from around the world. We see a mass exorcism in Italy, a death feast in Bali, and a tribal dance in Papua New Guinea. These segments provide a glimpse into cultural practices that may seem shocking to Western audiences, but are commonplace in other parts of the world.

As with the first film, Mondo Cane 2 features a narrator (Peter Ustinov) who offers commentary on the footage as it plays. His commentary is often ironic and dry, speaking to the film's satirical undertones.

Ultimately, Mondo Cane 2 provides a thought-provoking exploration of the human experience, touching on topics such as mortality, religion, and our relationship with the natural world. Though controversial at the time of its release, the film remains a fascinating document of our shared humanity.

Mondo Cane 2 is a 1965 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 40 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 5.8.