Virunga
By Renee Schonfeld,
Common Sense Media Reviewer
Common Sense Media Reviewers
Outstanding but shattering docu set in war-torn Congo.
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Virunga
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Based on 2 parent reviews
Excellent Documentary about War Threatening Park in Congo Which Harbors Endangered Gorillas
What's the Story?
After a brief review of more than a century of colonialism, rebellion, and violence in the Eastern Congo, VIRUNGA presents the here and now. Orlando von Einsiedel and his crew were in the process of filming the efforts of valiant activists as they tried to protect the endangered gorillas, environment, and villagers of Virunga National Park when the area came under attack from rebel/mercenary forces intent on taking possession of the park in a quest to overthrow the national government, as well as SOCO, a British oil-exploration company which, it seems, will stop at nothing to gain access to what may be profitable oil reserves in the park's Lake Edward. The film follows Andrew Bauma, caretaker of a refuge for orphaned gorillas (their parents killed by poachers); Rodrigue Katembo, a park ranger/warden; Melanie Gouby, a French journalist; and Emmanuel de Merode, director of the park (a Belgian prince who has made these efforts his life's work) as they risk everything to hold off the invasions and save Virunga.
Is It Any Good?
The violent and corrupt morass of Congo is at the heart of this outstanding film. What was planned as documentation becomes actual war footage. The filmmakers become inadvertent heroes themselves as they risk all to film and report the tragedy and heroism taking place before their eyes. Exceptional editing, photography, in-depth interviews, and music contribute to the viewers' understanding of these events. Sequences intercutting the telegenic gorillas with their caregiver; the hurried preparations for the onslaught; and then the war itself are powerful and heartbreaking. The facts are undisputable as reported in this important film. Virunga is not to be missed by those who appreciate terrific filmmaking as a way to dispense critical information.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can discuss the multiple purposes of making a movie like Virunga. Did Virunga inspire you to learn more about the subject matter?
What qualities do the heroes of this film have in common? How can those characteristics apply to your life now or the life you'd like to lead?
Why is it valuable for people around the world to be aware of events like those shown in this movie? Even if you can't do anything to change or "fix" the specific problems, how does this awareness affect or motivate you?
How does Virunga promote courage, compassion, and empathy? Why are these important character strengths?
Movie Details
- On DVD or streaming: November 7, 2014
- Director: Orlando von Einsiedel
- Studio: Netflix
- Genre: Documentary
- Topics: History , Wild Animals
- Character Strengths: Compassion , Courage , Empathy
- Run time: 97 minutes
- MPAA rating: NR
- Award: Common Sense Selection
- Last updated: February 17, 2023
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