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On July 25, Arctic Tale, a feature film produced by National Geographic Films and Paramount Vantage will open in theaters across North America. The wildlife documentary follows the lives of a bear cub Nanu and a walrus calf named Seela from the time of their birth, through their teenage years, until they too become parents. It is a movie filled with fun, laughter, suspense and stark reality. The husband and wife team of Adam Ravetch and Sarah Robertson, who are critically acclaimed wildlife cinematographers, directed this feature film.

While Arctic Tale is an entertaining film, it bears a more important message.  I was shocked to learn that some scientists are projecting by the year 2040 virtually all of the ice could be gone from the Arctic region. The filmmakers explore the implications for the wildlife, through the trials and tribulations of Nanu and Seela. Before going further, I should make clear that this is not a preachy film, and you are not going to be inundated with boring statistics or subjected to tools of political persuasion. The film simply demonstrates how the shrinking ice fields and general warming of the Arctic region has severely hampered the polar bears’ ability to hunt for food. The walrus depends on the ice floes as a place to live because it cannot survive in the frigid waters continuously.  What makes the message so effective is the filmmakers do not exercise editorial license and just let the story unfold as it is happening today.. 

The only real strong push to prompt action on an individual level occurs at the end of the movie. As the credits role, and with the soundtrack playing in the background various children give brief thirty-second suggestions on things we can all do including something as simple as washing our laundry with cold water or using a different type of light bulb. 

Yes, the film pulls at our heartstrings such as the scene where Nanu’s mother decides it is time to breakup the family a year earlier than normal so they both can have a better chance for survival, or the scene in which Seela almost drowns because the walrus herd cannot find an ice floe big enough for all of them. Good films, however do evoke a deep emotional response from us? I therefore say bravo to directors Ravetch and Robertson for evoking the kind of emotional response from viewers that hopefully will cause us to think more deeply, about what role we can play in being more environmentally responsible. 

There are humorous moments in this film when the walruses scratch one another’s back with the soundtrack playing “We Are Family.” The children in the theater seemed to get the giggles when the walruses were belching and passing gas. While some might consider this to be a little crass, especially if you are trying to teach your children manners, if you haven’t been on a playground lately then you might want to check out what some little kids find funny. These elements and others such as the maternal instincts of both Nanu and Seela’s mother contribute to the humanizing of the animal characters. Yes, I know that is an oxymoron but I think you catch my drift. 

The excellent and charming narration by Queen Latifah also helps create a portal through which we can enter into the lives of Nanu and Seela. 

The score for this film was created by British composer of note, Joby Talbot, whose other film credits this year include Penelope and Son of Rambow. Talbot has also written music for the Royal Ballet and France’s The Opera Garnier in Paris. In addition, Talbot has appeared at prestigious venues such as The Royal Albert Hall and Carnegie Hall.  He has maintained his standard of excellence for music with the score for Arctic Tale. 

The film is also educational on many levels, for instance I learned that a walrus from the time of birth has an aunt who or the next three years is dedicated to her care and protection. Another walrus from the herd acts in that capacity, assisting the calf’s mother. There are three particularly epic scenes involving Seela that draw attention to the role of her aunt. Nanu’s first encounter with a narwhal was not only her first experience but my first encounter as well. I had never before heard of these wonderful creatures. These mammals have one ten foot tusk projecting from their upper jaws, and are thought to be related to whales and dolphins. 

The only word of caution that I would offer is if you have a particularly sensitive or easily frightened younger child, you may want to view the film first before deciding if you wish your son or daughter to see it. I think all of the scenes are handled well and with sensitivity, but among other things, this is a film about predators and prey.

Starbucks Entertainment a division of the coffee giant has partnered with the producers to promote and market the film. While we applaud Starbucks’ climbing onboard, the question we would ask is, now what about those disposable coffee cups and plastic containers for your many food items? What plans do you have for those?

By Joe Montague, exclusive rights reserved

Joe Montague is an internationally published journalist / photographer and the publisher of Riveting Riffs, www.rivetingriffs.com . His ministry is dedicated to the memory of his late son Kent David Montague who went to heaven at the age of 18. All copyright and distribution rights remain the property of Joe Montague.