Parents' Guide to

Jane

By Michael Ordona, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 8+

Engaging Goodall docu has a little violence, language.

Movie NR 2017 90 minutes
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What you will—and won't—find in this movie.

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age 7+

Based on 5 parent reviews

doctora
doctora Parent of 5-year-old
June 11, 2022
age 8+

the real stars? the chimpanzees

I was raised on National Geographic documentaries and I remember both liking them and finding them boring, just like carport Quinceañeras...and it is true of this documentary as well. It is beautifully shot and of course the real stars are the chimpanzees, especially the infants. Adorable, just adorable, and hearing the fate of one of the infants, now grown but still egregiously attached to his mother is heartbreaking. The film can feel intoxicating, with the shots of the Serengeti mixed in, it reminds me of why those National Geographic documentaries when I was a kid were so enticing.
caringreen
caringreen Adult
April 21, 2020
age 6+

Lovely

Lovely, gorgeous and heartfelt documentary. The 1960's never before seen footage included is a treasure and a visual treat. The story is about a woman named Jane who did not have any degrees or training, and was sent by her employer to Africa to study chimpanzees and their behavior. What she discovered about them is that they are not so far away from humans. They care about their family members & community, they play, fight and interact with other just like us. Very memorable and sweet characters. Not to be missed.

This title has:

Great messages
Great role models
See all 5 parent reviews

What's the Story?

JANE is an intimate documentary about the life and career of renowned primatologist, ethologist, and anthropologist Jane Goodall. Newly unearthed footage and exclusive interviews trace her journey from an untrained, animal-loving young woman in a field dominated by men to one of the most respected names of her time. Much of the film centers around her observation post in Gombe Stream National Park, Tanzania, Africa, as she struggles to win the trust of the local chimpanzees, and then uses unconventional methods to uncover key information about them and their similarities to humans.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say (5):
Kids say (4):

Previously unseen footage and exclusive interviews give this documentary a fresh, intimate feeling that will reward even veteran Jane Goodall fans. Jane offers absorbing insight into a living legend. Her story epitomizes perseverance, curiosity, and compassion. She started out as an untrained young woman in a scientific era that was completely dominated by men. But she turned her lack of formal schooling into the advantage of freedom: Her unconventional approach may well have unlocked key discoveries in primatology.

Philip Glass (Koyaanisqatsi) turns in a lush, very Philip Glass score that beautifully complements Jane's images -- many of which are rare, taken by Goodall's then husband, revered wildlife photographer and cinematographer Hugo van Lawick. Director Brett Morgen (Kurt Cobain: Montage of Heck) crafts a warm, flowing portrait of one of our time's leading women of science. There are moments of humor and emotion, triumph and loss. It's a fitting tribute to a remarkable person.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about what makes Jane Goodall a role model. How does she demonstrate perseverance, curiosity, and compassion? Why are those important character strengths?

  • What were Jane's major breakthroughs? Why were they significant (what do you think they meant)?

  • How is the work of scientists typically depicted in movies and on TV? How was Goodall's real experience different?

  • Some of the animal violence/death scenes may be upsetting, but they're also part of nature. How do kids feel about seeing some animals attack others?

Movie Details

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