Watch Tarka the Otter

Tarka the Otter is a 1979 British film directed by David Cobham and based on the novel by Henry Williamson. The movie is a beautiful and moving story of the life of a wild otter and his adventures in the English countryside. Set in Devon, the film follows the life journey of Tarka from his birth to his adulthood, as he navigates the dangers and challenges of the natural world.

Tarka is a playful and curious young otter, born in a holt near a river, with his mother as his only companion. As he grows older, he learns to forage for food and fend for himself. His adventures take him through the rolling hills of Devon, the lush green meadows, and the challenging rapids of the River Taw.

The movie captures the beauty of the English countryside with its lush landscapes, shimmering streams and rolling hills. It is a visual treat with stunning shots of the wild otter in his natural habitat. The film also features some excellent cinematography, particularly during the river scenes as Tarka navigates the choppy currents in search of food.

One of the film's greatest strengths is the way it portrays the incredibly close bond between Tarka and his mother. They share everything, from food to warmth, and it is evident that they depend completely on each other. However, their idyllic life is soon shattered by the arrival of a male otter who brutally attacks Tarka's mother. This event sets Tarka on a journey of survival and revenge.

The film is not just about Tarka's struggle for survival, but also about the many other creatures he encounters along the way, including rabbits, foxes, and badgers. Tarka has to learn to adapt to his surroundings and use all his skills to outwit his predators and stay alive.

The movie features some excellent performances from the actors, particularly Peter Bennett who plays Tarka with great sensitivity and physicality. He makes us feel every moment of Tarka's life journey and his struggle for survival. Edward Underdown and Brenda Cavendish are also excellent in their roles as Tarka's loving mother and the cruel male otter who causes her demise.

The film is also notable for its outstanding score by Johnny Pearson, which captures the mood and atmosphere of the movie perfectly. The music adds an additional layer of emotion to the already poignant story of Tarka's life.

While Tarka the Otter is undoubtedly a powerful and moving film, it is not without its flaws. The pacing can be slow at times, and the dialogue is sparse, relying mainly on voice-over narration to tell the story. However, this sparse approach is ultimately what gives the film its emotional depth and power.

In conclusion, Tarka the Otter is a beautifully made and touching film that portrays the life journey of a wild otter in a sensitive and realistic way. It is a testament to the beauty and fragility of the natural world and a reminder of the importance of cherishing and preserving our planet's precious wildlife. Whether you are an animal lover or simply looking for a moving and thought-provoking movie, Tarka the Otter is a film not to be missed.

Tarka the Otter is a 1979 kids & family movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 27 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.7.