Review of Virunga (2014) by Alex M — 20 Jul 2015

This was my pick to win at the Oscars this year for Best Documentary Feature (the Edward Snowden documentary Citizenfour ultimately took home the prize). However, if you have Netflix, I highly suggest you watch this documentary, as that is where I found it.

This is a heartbreaking look at Congo's Virunga National Park, home to a sanctuary for orphaned gorillas. This park has had to deal with almost every major conflict you can think of such as oil companies wanting to do business in the park, poachers wanting to kill the animals, and civil wars breaking out between different groups.

The dedication shown by the staff of this park is something that will move you greatly, for these people are willing to lose their lives if it means saving the animals they've formed a strong bond with. This documentary is a potent, moving reminder that while we often cause great harm to animals like gorillas, we are also the ones who can help save them. It's one of the most moving documentaries I've seen in a long time. 10/10.