Common Sense Media Review
By Jose Solis
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Moving docu about the dangerous work of environmentalists.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 13+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
The Guardian of the Monarchs
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
Homero Gómez's work as an environmental activist protecting the natural habitat of the endangered monarch butterflies was so powerful that he came to be known as THE GUARDIAN OF THE MONARCHS, but in this powerful documentary, we learn how his mission to protect them led to his disappearance and violent death.
Is It Any Good?
It's quite rare to see a documentary about an environmental activist that will have a happy ending, and Emiliano Ruprah's chronicle of the life and death of Homero Gómez is no different. What makes The Guardian of the Monarchs so special is the way Ruprah uses poetry not only to pay tribute to Gómez's legacy and the incredible work he did for his community in Michoacán, but also how he shoots the voyage of the monarchs from Canada to Mexico.
In a manner similar to March of the Penguins, Ruprah explains the incredible perils and obstacles at stakes for these creatures as they undergo an annual migration. The aerial shots recreating their journey are stunning, but this poetry achieves its ultimate power in archival footage where we see a luminous Gómez enthralled by the thousands of tiny orange angels whose mere purpose seems to add beauty to the world. It's a stunningly moving work that might inspire a viewer or two to become an activist themselves.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how Homero shows integrity and courage by refusing to let others intimidate him and keep him from doing his work. What would you have done in his position?
What did you learn about the voyage of the monarch butterfly across North America? Would you like to visit their forest in Michoacán?
Were you surprised to learn that the work of environmental activists in Latin America is so dangerous? Where could you go to learn more?
Movie Details
- On DVD or streaming : May 9, 2024
- Cast : Homero Gómez
- Director : Emiliano Ruprah
- Inclusion Information : Indian/South Asian Movie Director(s) , Latino Movie Director(s)
- Studio : Netflix
- Genre : Documentary
- Character Strengths : Courage , Integrity
- Run time : 92 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- Last updated : July 26, 2024
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