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A Slice of Life
by Francine Brokaw
Arctic Tale
This beautifully filmed movie tells the story of a baby polar bear named Nanu and a baby walrus named Seela, who both have to fight for survival in their arctic kingdom. The story of these two adorable little animals is told by Queen Latifah as she describes their lives from their first days on the planet through their important childhoods when their survival is critical.
Bob Dylan sang “The Times They Are a-Changin’” and that sentiment is crystal clear in the world of the frozen arctic where the animals are now facing very different lives than they did several years ago. The animals of the arctic are in a desperate race for survival as their hunting time is cut down by months due to the lack of ice. Nanu struggles to find food and Seela and her family struggle to find solid ice on which to rest. These “children of the arctic” are in the race for their survival and your heart will go out to them as you watch them play, learn, and almost die in their attempt to live.
The songs that accompany the scenes add some warmth and fun as audiences view the great beauty of the land and its residents, while also adding a sense of urgency and understanding about the plight of the residents of the region. Whether they have fur or flippers, these animals will capture your heart and your attention.
Besides being a beautiful film, it is also educational as audiences learn that a polar bear only succeeds once in every nineteen times trying to capture a seal for a meal. It’s not easy pickings up there, and with the changing climate things are getting even harder.
The film is a plea for help and understanding among humans in a desperate attempt to save the species. During the ending credits children talk to the kids in the audience and advise them how they and their families can help. Also, you’ll see how the cameramen filmed the spectacular scenes in this National Geographic film.
From the same folks that brought us March of the Penguins, Arctic Tale is another beautiful story of life in a different part of the world. Gather your kids this summer when it’s hot and head into the cool theater to experience the worlds of Nanu and Seela, two “children of the arctic” who you will never forget.
© 2007 Francine Brokaw
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