Arctic Tale

Buy This Item Arctic Tale by Paramount  Available from Amazon  $15.99  on 9-22-2008     Set in the vast snow kingdom at the top of the world, Arctic Tale is a real life adventure from the people who brought you March Of The Penguins. Join narrator Queen Latifah as she follows two very different arctic creatures, Nanu, the polar bear cub and Seela, the walrus pup, through exciting and harrowing struggles for survival. Armed only with their natural instincts and mothers’ guidance, these inspiring animals face countless trials and challenges in a beautiful icebound world that is rapidly melting beneath them. Reader Reviews I wasn't aware of this film until I saw it recently at a local video store. Seeing that the folks behind "March of the Penquins" were also producing this one, I decided to give it a go and I enjoyed it, though not quite as much as the aforementioned film. The story follows two newborn animals native to the arctic ice: Nanu, a polar bear cub and Seelah, a walrus calf. Through amazing filming (taking fifteen years to bring this film to life) we follow these two animals from the beginning of their life to adulthood. Nanu, born with a twin brother, follows her mother out of their winter den to wander a nomadic life over the ice. There are constant challenges for these beautiful predators who must find something to eat after spending months under the snow. Besides the possiblity of starving (polar bears are only successful in 1 out of 20 tries to capture prey) there is also the danger of the larger, more powerful male polar bears. Nanu's mother avoids her male counterparts at all costs, knowing the dangers they pose to her vulnerable cubs. Seelah, the walrus calf, also faces danger from----yes, polar bears. But thankfully for her, she has a caring mother and a protective aunt who watch over her with careful eyes. I loved seeing how tender Seelah's mother was with her, cradling her in her flippers in a seemingly human way. It was interesting, also, to find out that these animals go on a hunt for three days and their main diet consists of clams. While the story of the two animals and their determination to live in one of the most inhospitable environments on earth is the focus of this movie, the filmakers also make the point of climate change and its effect on this frigid part of the world. While some reviewers might not agree with introducing this politically devisive issue, it is apparent that climate change affects the animals at the top of the world and beyond as well. I think its a good thing to include this message of environmental awareness so that young viewers can be educated to the importance of it in our world and how it will affect its inhabitants---both the four and two legged kind. There is nothing wrong with a child enjoying a film, learning about wildlife in faraway places and also being taught about issues that will effect themselves as well as generations to come. I think this is a good film for children to see although some might be a bit upset about the cruel realities of nature. A couple of deaths involving both Nanu and Seelah are sad but realistic aspects of these creatures lives. Queen Latifah does a good job narrating the story as it unfolds and the cinematography is beautiful and daring. While I won't say this film is as good as its predecessor, "March of the Penquins", it is still worth watching and adding to your dvd collection. Recommended for all ages!

Arctic Tale Available from Amazon Price: $15.99 Updated on 9-22-2008.

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