Review of March of the Penguins (2005) by Timothy S — 17 Apr 2012

"March of the Penguins" remains one of the most successful documentaries of all time, and one of the biggest surprise hits of the year. Frankly, it's easy to see why this simple yet compelling film started America's cinematic love affair with the flightless birds of the film's title.

This is a thoroughly engrossing film that is cute enough to appeal to kids as well as their parents. It balances the fluffy cuteness with the harsh reality of the animal's existence so perfectly tat it works as both as a piece of entertainment and as an informative educational tool as well. That's the closest explanation to the film's enduring box office appeal that you're likely to get.

You could ask for a better narrator than actor Morgan Freeman who's almost made a career out of voice-over work. The film is beautifully shot by director Luc Jacquet, and while the penguin's fight for survival in this harsh environment is amazing, perhaps the film's most compelling moments come during the closing credits. That's when we get to see all of the difficulties the filmmakers went through making the movie. It has paid off for them with a hit film and an Oscar, but you have to wonder how much they sacrificed to get there.

Some of the footage is really amazing, once again showing why this is a worthwhile film for people of all ages. "March of the Penguins" is a miracle of a movie in more ways than one, a nature documentary with no actors that will win over your heart. It will make you smile and your kids will love it too.