Common Sense Media Review
By Kat Halstead
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Thoughtful nature docu is full of curiosity and heart.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 8+?
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Where to Watch
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A Gorilla Story: Told by David Attenborough
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
In A GORILLA STORY: TOLD BY DAVID ATTENBOROUGH, the famous naturalist revisits a group of mountain gorillas he first met in 1978. He tracks the progress of the group, which descended from young gorilla, Pablo, who he bonded with on his original visit. Pablo went on to be a dominant silverback and the documentary shows how his descendants are still thriving today.
Is It Any Good?
There are plenty of nature documentaries to choose from, but what Attenborough uniquely brings to the table is a sense of personal connection, reverence, and respect toward the subjects he studies. In A Gorilla Story: Told by Attenborough, he describes the "intelligence and awareness" in a gorilla's eyes, and reflects on his own "wonder and fear." He wonders whether humans might have missed something important when it comes to gorillas. There's meaning and mutual understanding here that goes far beyond "presenter" mode. For Attenborough, being in nature, studying various creatures, and campaigning for the environment seem to bring with them an innate sense of freedom and purpose. As ever, the quality of footage is impressive, with spectacular close-ups of the gorillas that make it hard not to read the expressions on their faces. The relationships that play out can't help but pull at the heartstrings, and there's a constant reminder of the close connection humans share with their fellow primates. Perhaps everyone could learn a little from Attenborough's empathy, patience, and respect, and his strong sense of the importance of nature beyond the human world.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how gorillas are portrayed in A Gorilla Story: Told by David Attenborough. Did you learn anything new about them? How does the documentary help to empathize with them and understand the way they behave?
Why are nature documentaries important? How do they help us to understand about nature beyond our own experience? What messages do you think this documentary is sending?
How does this movie compare to other nature documentaries you've seen? Do movies like this change your opinion or outlook in any way? Why or why not?
How does Attenborough show curiosity and empathy? Why are these important character strengths?
Movie Details
- On DVD or streaming : April 17, 2026
- Cast : David Attenborough
- Directors : James Reed , Callum Webster
- Studio : Netflix
- Genre : Documentary
- Topics : Activism ( Animal rights ) , Animals ( Wild Animals )
- Character Strengths : Curiosity , Empathy
- Run time : 90 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- Award : Common Sense Selection
- Last updated : April 20, 2026
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