MARCH OF THE PENGUINS.

[Unknown User]

Posted: 6/28/05 at 11:49am

In the midst of all the over-hyped, created to the lowest common denominator, Hollywood summer blockbuster space-filler re-hash is a limited US release of the French documentary MARCH OF THE PENGUINS. This is an eighty minute traditional nature film created in co-operation with National Geographic. The narration for the US release has been redone by Morgan Freeman.

It is filled with breathtaking scenery, and an unprecedented glimpse into the lives of Earth’s remotest species, the Emperor Penguin. Following along through the course of a full year in their life-cycle, it provides an opportunity to be present in a place where very few of us will ever get to be in person.

Of particular meaning is the sharing of the breeding process – Emperor males are more involved in the bringing of life than almost any other species – and the communal sense of protection and support in their forbidding environment.

Initially, it is only playing at four theatres nationwide (two each in NY and LA,) but will then be expanded into limited release in other major cities. This past weekend, playing on only four screens, it managed to come in 28th on the weekend boxoffice charts with a per-screen average over $34,000 (for contrast, the number one movie, BATMAN, had a per screen average of a little over $7000.) The audiences have been comprised of every age and background, and have embraced and warmly applauded this film.

So, if you happen to have it available as an option, I’d recommend considering it as an alternative. It could be a fabulous reminder that we are not the center of reality, and perhaps don’t have a handle on what it means to live together in peace.

[melissa errico fan]

Posted: 6/28/05 at 11:52am

I was JUST about to start a thread about this breathtaking film. I was it over the weekend and was left utterly speechless. So, so beautiful.

[Unknown User]

Posted: 6/28/05 at 12:45pm

Also, something people often wonder during this type of film is, "How in the world did they get those shots?" That is especially true in this, when you are often so intimate with these beautiful creatures. For an answer, stick around for the credits, during which is footage of the film team at work. You can see first-hand how they are able to interact completely with the penguins. This is something that has been noted by humans since we first set foot on Antarctica. Because of the remoteness and lack of dangerous history with us, they have no fear or inhibitions around us at all.

[SonofMammaMiaSam]

Posted: 6/28/05 at 12:49pm

But is Kristin in it? LOL

I cannot wait for this film to be released to more screens. I miss the days when these kinds of movies were shown in theaters. Since my first adult job was with National Geographic, all of their product has real meaning for me.

[Unknown User]

Posted: 6/28/05 at 1:00pm

Scheduled release dates and places:

July 1 - Boston, Dallas, San Francisco, Seattle, Washington, DC.

July 8 - Atlanta, Baltimore, Chicago, Denver, Detroit, Houston, Kansas City, Minneapolis, Moterey, Philadelphia, Phoenix, Portland, Sacramento, San Diego, St. Louis.

July 15 - Albany, Albuquerque, Cincinnati, Cleveland, Columbus, Indianapolis, Louisville, Miami, Milwaukee, New Haven, Orlando, Pittsburgh, Providence, Santa Barbara.

July 22 - Austin, Buffalo, Charleston, Charlotte, Dayton, Des Moines, Honolulu, Madison, Memphis, Nashville, New Orleans, Norfolk, Omaha, Raleigh/Durham, Reno, Richmond, Syracuse, Tampa Bay, Tucson, Tulsa, West Palm Beach.

[SonofMammaMiaSam]

Posted: 6/28/05 at 1:11pm

Thanks D! Glad it's coming to Philly soon.

[Unknown User]

Posted: 6/28/05 at 1:14pm

SOMMS - I can't claim any objectivity (Shira can attest to my penguin obsession but I really think it's beautifully done. Everyone in the theatres I've seen it in so far has loved it!

[shira467]

Posted: 7/1/05 at 1:16am

I have to say, I just saw it. And it's simply fantastic. I never thought I'd be so intrigued by penguins, and be truly invested in them, as characters almost.

I was rooting for them all the way to survive!

And of course, I asked DG if he would buy me a penguin. They're simply adorable!

[shlamdiddly]

Posted: 7/1/05 at 1:22am

I want to see it. I was in NY last week and we pasted on o fthe theaters playing. I wanted to stop but we didn't have time

[Unknown User]

Posted: 7/1/05 at 1:26am

OK, not necessarily something I would go see. Still, I value your judgements so I will try.

But 80 mins of penguins marching?

[shira467]

Posted: 7/1/05 at 1:27am

Jose, I thought the same thing.

But the narration is good, and it's really a story of survival.

[Unknown User]

Posted: 7/1/05 at 1:32am

The moment I find one that might enjoy hanging out in Manhattan, he's yours, Shira Dahling. In the meantime, there's a pair of gay Chinstrap Penguins at the Central Park Zoo named Roy and Silo you should stop by and see. And no, I'm not kidding

[liotte]

Posted: 7/1/05 at 1:34am

Any idea where in NYC it's playing? Sounds interesting...

[Unknown User]

Posted: 7/1/05 at 1:39am

It's playing in NYC, but I don't know exactly where as of now.

Certainly a way to beat the heat; seeing those penguins on ice.

[MargoChanning]

Posted: 7/1/05 at 2:29am

I just left a couple of friends who saw it last night at the Angelika and were totally blown away by it (they both said that they were in tears several times throughout). I'll have to make a point of going this week.

Updated On: 7/1/05 at 02:29 AM

[Bluemoon]

Posted: 7/1/05 at 7:22am

Seeing it DC this weekend. The Washington Post had a wonderful piece yesterday about the making of the film. It would not have caught my eye otherwise.

[nmartin]

Posted: 7/1/05 at 8:06am

Penguins: The Official Mascots of BWW.

[amasis]

Posted: 7/1/05 at 8:58am

It has gotten some good press coverage, but reading this thread has really made me want to see it. I hope at some point it gets released where I live.

The Trailer Updated On: 7/1/05 at 08:58 AM

[Unknown User]

Posted: 7/1/05 at 9:01am

Amasis - the cities I posted earlier in the thread are the only ones announced, so far.

[amasis]

Posted: 7/1/05 at 9:20am

Thanks, DG. I'm actually overseas, so for now I'm out of luck...

[melissa errico fan]

Posted: 7/1/05 at 10:05am

Liotte, it's at the Angelika and the Lincoln Plaza (where I saw it). It may have expanded to more theatre by now, though.

[gettinhep]

Posted: 7/1/05 at 10:06am

Penguins Must Sing.

[shira467]

Posted: 7/1/05 at 1:53pm

DG, I'll be sure to check 'em out when I move back!

[Unknown User]

Posted: 7/1/05 at 2:18pm

This is a new children's book that's been released concerning Roy and Silo, and their adopted child Tango

[shira467]

Posted: 7/1/05 at 4:04pm

Awwwwwww...more baby penguins!