Film Reviews

March Of The Penguins

• Rating:
• Director: Luc Jacquet.
• Starring: A Lot of Emperor Penguins.
• Details: France, 80mins, U

In single file they march, blinded by blizzards and gale force winds, waddling ever on to a place with nothing but instinct to guide them.. March Of The Penguins chronicles the journey of the Emperor Penguins as they cross the harsh, unforgiving Antarctic in their thousands to breed. Upon arrival at their traditional breeding ground, a curious mating ritual takes place where, couple by couple, the entire troop is paired off into a monogamous courtship. Soon an egg appears and the mother passes the unborn child to the father so she can return to the sea to feed. With the mother gone, the fathers huddle together for warmth to see out the most inhospitable weather the planet can offer. While some eggs don't survive the long wait for the mother's return, those that do feed hungrily on the mother's bounty. Then, after two months, the baby penguins follow their parents to the sea and the whole cycle starts again. The narration by the velvet tones of Morgan Freeman's is a nice touch and provides March Of The Penguins with a warm, familiar setting despite the sub-zero temperatures on show. Director Luc Jacquet gives the documentary an epic feel; the shot where three long caravans of penguins are seen coming from a great distance to merge into one huge mass brings to mind one David Lean at his zenith. Simultaneously heart-breaking, heart-warming and informative, March Of The Penguins is a lesson in determination in the face of insurmountable obstacles. Unmissable.

Review by Gavin Burke