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Parents' Guide to

Amazon Adventure 3D

By Sandie Angulo Chen, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 7+

Inpsiring, educational biopic about a remarkable naturalist.

Movie NR 2017 45 minutes
Amazon Adventure 3D Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this movie.

  • Amazon Adventure 3D Movie: Scene #1
  • Amazon Adventure 3D Movie: Scene #2
  • Amazon Adventure 3D Movie: Scene #3
  • Amazon Adventure 3D Movie: Scene #4

Community Reviews

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age 7+

Based on 2 parent reviews

Binge W.
Binge W. Parent of 10-year-old
July 30, 2018
age 8+

Rated TV-Y7

Great educational film was well-made. Had some violence and peril the main character was in peril sometimes in the jungle but nothing too crazy.

This title has:

Great messages
Great role models
Janis W.
Janis W. Adult
June 23, 2017
age 5+

Gorgeous history of Amazon discovery

This is as much a biopic of Evolutionary Biologist Dr Henry Bates as a beautiful tour of the Amazon. It's heavily focused on the discoveries of variations of species of butterflies, and how this effected Darwin's theories. Our 5 year old was enchanted by the bugs and animals, and our 9 year old loved the adventure. SPOILER: One slightly scary bit as a big wave hits his boat. One sad bit as he gets too ill with malaria, and has to return to England. I think it would be fine for a 4 year old, if they have the attention span for it. (Though probably wait for video unless you need to beat the heat)

This title has:

Great messages
Great role models
See all 2 parent reviews

What's the Story?

AMAZON ADVENTURE 3D is a 45-minute biopic about 19th-century naturalist Henry Walter Bates (Calum Finlay), a much-younger and lesser-known contemporary of Charles Darwin. Produced by SK Films in collaboration with organizations focused on science education, the film was shot by two teams: one that focused on exploring the Amazon's biodiversity through nature cinematography, and one that focused on the narrative storytelling about Bates. Born into a family of literate, middle-class stocking makers in Leicester, England, Bates develops an early passion for the natural world -- particularly insects and butterflies. As a young man, he teams up with fellow naturalist Alfred Wallace (Ed Birch) to ask a wealthy London patron to fund their journey to the Amazon in exchange for regular shipments of pecimens. While on their journey, Bates and Wallace decide to split up to explore more. Eventually Wallace moves on to East Asia, but Bates remains in the Amazon and continues to do his research, fixated on the idea of mimcry/disguise in the natural world as proof that species evolve to survive.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say: (2 ):
Kids say: Not yet rated

An educational, inspiring tale of naturalist Henry Bates' determination, grit, and awesome exploration of the Amazon, this film is worth catching at a museum or learning institution. At first, it's a bit odd to see a dramatic retelling of a scientist's life rather than a straight documentary featuring a bunch of academics and scientists discussing the importance of Bates' contribution to the study of evolution and natural selection. But by focusing on Bates' life, Amazon Adventure 3D humanizes him and shows just how vital scientific research was -- and continues to be -- for the sake of progress, knowledge, and understanding the world around us.

Finlay plays Bates as a man of integrity, discipline, and kindness. He genuinely loves the Amazon and is, at least in the film, close to his guide -- an indigenous Brazilian man named Tando (Bege Muniz), who's responsible for keeping Bates alive. The natural photography was all shot on location in the Amazon, and the result is visually stunning -- viewers will see animals that can disguise themselves as leaves, bark, and rocks, as well as those that can imitate predators (when they're actually prey). It's just as fascinating in the 21st century as it was in the 19th.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about the role models in Amazon Adventure 3D. What makes them role models? How accurately do you think they're portrayed here?

  • What do Bates' triumphs and tragedies in the Amazon reveal about the nature of scientific research? How does Bates use perseverance and curiosity in his work? Why are those important character strengths?

  • What did you learn about the Amazon, mimicry, and the importance of Bates' work? Does the movie make you want to visit the Amazon? Or learn more about Bates?

Movie Details

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