Like most all of the Disneynature films the cinematography is impeccable and amazing. True to life, the upcoming documentary Polar Bear takes place at the Artic North Pole. What makes Disney animal biopic films so mesmerizing however, is the story told by the narrator and here it involves their most visited subject, the family.
Twin cubs, one a boy and one a girl, are born to a mother polar bear high in a mountain cave. As they leave their birth home the two cubs start to find out what life on the ice is all about. Through the first year it’s learning how to fish and to be cautious with their cold icy surroundings. As the years pass and the cubs grow older the film turns more to surviving involving the need for food, shelter and defending each other from the threats of death.
The best way for the youngest to enjoy the film is with their parent. Helping the tykes to understand why the lives of the two cubs that grow into teens and then adults, are what the cycle of life is all about. Maybe will never have to face a harsh climate like the Artic, but still the importance of family, understanding and even safety is always needed no matter where one lives. I like the film for the messages they give to families about our world and the way the subject matter gets presented.
Polar Bear has been rated PG for some thematic elements. It does include sadness in loss of life, danger on the ice and some animal violence. Available on Disney+ starting April 22.
Additional Film Information:
Narrator: Catherine Keener
Directed By: Alastair Fothergill and Jeff Wilson
Genre: Documentary
MPAA Rating: PG for some thematic elements
Running Time: 1 hr. 23 min.
Opening Date: April 22, 2022
Distributed by: Disney+
Released in: Disney+
Writer, critic, film editor John Delia, Sr. has been on all sides of the movie business from publications to film making. He has worked as a film critic with ACED Magazine for more than 20 years and other publications for a total of 40 years. He earned a Bachelor’s degree in communications from the University of Florida. John is a member of the Southeastern Film Critics Association and Critics Association of Central Florida Send John a message at jdelia@acedmagazine.com
