it was just so interesting! i didn't expect to like it that much, or to be entertained that much. but the cinematography, and narration by morgan freeman was super!! it was interesting, comedic, and sympathetic, and more all at once.

Not sure why the Penguin movie is such a huge hit. Its nothing that hasn't been seen on Natl. Geo. specials repeatedly. I was quite disappointed. It is cute -- especially once the little ones arrive on the scene, but nothing new. Also, I did not think the cinematography was nearly good enough to be so highly acclaimed. Although the conditions are harsh and any filming is a miracle, I have seen better quality films on this same subject.

Maybe there was nothing new, but I've never seen a National Geographic show on the big screen. To me that makes all the difference. I don't think I'd enjoy the Penquin movie at home on a DVD on my TV half so much.

There was some discussion about this movie last week within another thread -- but I think on the Europe board. As I said then, the one thing that did disappoint me was that I was left with so many questions. While they kept repeating it was 70 miles to that spot from the water, they never really made clear how long that journey takes each time. And although they mentioned 3 months the fathers take care of the egg and the chick, there really wasn't a good indication how long the mother's were actually gone -- each way and how long feeding.

And while they made a point about some mothers not returning or some returning to not find their chick, I was curious if there is any "adopting" between those orphaned chicks and mothers who lost theirs. They did show a mother trying to steal a chick, so it seemed likely a mother might "adopt" a motherless one.

But I still thought it was an amazing film.

Patrick: I loved your review (LOL) and while I thought it was an amazing and wonderful movie I had many of the same questions as you. I wanted more info. Is that the ONLY place they breed? How many are there? Has the population remained stable? Guess I'll have to Google it.

I really enjoyed March of the Penguins. We went on a Saturday and the theater was full of kids with their parents. I only heard one child cry during the entire film and he was less than 2 years old so that didn't surprise me. Everybody else seemed riveted to the screen. The little boy near me, who looked to be 7, was really into it.

I thought it was handled well without too much cutesy stuff or gore. I think that to show the reality of the harsh environment, you have to include the issue of the fact that penguins face predators. They didn't linger on it, however.

I'm just thrilled that a well-made small budget film that appeals to a wide audience was a hit at the box office. Very refreshing alternative to yet another sequel or a sex-drenched movie.

By the way, for those of you who were curious, the bird of prey they show in the film was a petrel, the mascot of my husband's small liberal arts alma mater, Oglethorpe University.

They made the point that the 70 mile trip was to a place where the ice pack is a little thicker and therefore when the summer melt comes, the trip back to the sea for the chicks is not as far.
I took it to be that there were 3 month periods for the males and the females. That would be a "season".
I was reviewing it on another board and someone asked if it was sad--she said she would cry. I at first said I didn't cry in it but then added that I almost did. My grandson wanted M&M's and they cost $3.75.

I went to see this movie with my husband, who is a biologist. His impression: "Is this all they can show about Antarctica????"

My main impression: well done, good quality movie FOR CHILDREN. I don't recommend it for adults only.

I have a co-worker who loves this movie. When she heard what I'd said about it, she didn't talk to me for a week :)

Faina, I think your co-worker over-reacted. I would have only stopped talking to you for a few hours. :)

I absolutely loved the movie. Was my favorite movie of the summer:) I would actually consider a cruise to Antartica if hubby would allow. You can learn so much about life just by watching these animals in nature. The penguins feel about parenthood stronger that even humans, perhaps.

My kids and I loved it. My husband probably would have been bored. It was so nice to have a good movie to take the kids to this summer!

Hi
We are just back from seeing the movie.
I really really liked it. My husband said there were no surprises, since we have seen things like this over the years on tv ...but it was done very nicely and we both enjoyed it.
I admire the filmmakers, I liked the end when they showed the camera man with the Penguins..
It was touching, and amazing and I just wish that the man behind me had not had to put his feet (in socks) on the back of the seat next to my head.

Scarlett, you would have had my permission (not that you need it) to thump Sock Dude's stinky feet with your fan. Yuck!

To Faina's husband. The title is the giveaway--it's about penquins.
Friends who have been to Antarctica were absolutely amazed.

As long as it doesn't rain this weekend, we are going to see this at the nearby drive-in theater.