Perched at the crossroads of charming and extraterrestrial, with its extended tongue flickering and its paws held tentatively, the pangolin is an intriguing creature that one must witness to appreciate fully. Despite receiving mixed reviews regarding their overall quality, Netflix’s exclusive movies do offer some captivating content.
Pangolin: Kulu\’s Journey
serves as delightful evidence that the streaming giant remains capable of producing outstanding content. This story follows a young pangolin who was saved from poachers, illustrating an inspiring narrative.
documentary combines stunning visuals
, a crucial message, and, naturally, a valuable main character
to share a compelling tale of camaraderie, recovery, and affection.
What Does the Netflix Documentary \’Pangolin: Kulu\’s Journey\’ Explore?
Directed by
Pippa Ehrlich
(recognized for co-directing the Academy Award-winning 2020 documentary)
My Octopus Teacher
),
Pangolin: Kulu’s Journey
is an equally
captivating tale of the connection formed between a
man and an unlikely animal
. Early on in the documentary,
Kulu’s Journey
It answers your most urgent query, which surely is: What exactly is a pangolin? This animal, heavily traded across the globe due to demand for its scales used in traditional medicines, is a distinctive, anteater-esque being endowed with tough plates, a long snout, and quite a character.
When volunteer pangolin walker
Gareth Thomas
takes on the challenge of rehabilitating Kulu, a young pangolin saved from poachers, embarking on an extensive journey to ready him for life back in the South African wilderness. From the start, this little creature emerges as a captivating focal point, and through his recovery process, we encounter a lively, mischievous, yet obstinate pangolin who wins hearts almost instantly when he swiftly devours an entire ant colony. Throughout the film, Gareth opens up about personal experiences from his past and reveals how these shaped his dedication to protecting wildlife. As bonds gradually develop between Gareth and Kulu, viewers witness firsthand the profound connection formed during their time together.
Their bond not only saves the pangolin but also aids in healing Gareth.
As we follow Kulu\’s journey towards freedom, we also gain insight into the intricate ecological systems that sustain life. This encourages us to reflect on how our actions affect the natural world.
\”Pangolin: Kulu\’s Journey\” boasts breathtaking visuals and an impactful soundtrack.
Set against the expansive landscapes of South Africa,
Pangolin: Kulu\’s Journey
is brimming with stunning landscapes. It features breathtaking sunsets and captures gorgeous wildlife, as well as dramatic close-ups that transform ants and termites into imposing, regal beings. Although these visuals stand out on their own, the cinematography by
Warren Smart
,
Steven Dover
, and Gareth Thomas himself makes us feel totally immersed in the South African wilderness. Kulu is, of course, at the center of the movie, and the camera paints him lovingly as the charming being he is as he slowly learns to trust Gareth. As we watch the pangolin forage for food, look for shelter, and play in the shower of a water bottle, we, along with Gareth, get to fall in love with Kulu\’s endearing personality.
The story is also made more enthralling with a score by
Anne Nikitin
Combined with singing from
Zolani Mahola
and African instrumentation by
Sky Dladla
, the
music that underscores
Kulu\’s Journey
gets everything just right
. An impish saunter transforms into an entertaining pursuit scene with the
aided by an enchanting soundtrack
, and instances of wonder, suspense, and emotional depth are heightened through Nikitin’s contributions. The musical score also complements the film\’s lighter side, turning whimsical and spirited during scenes where Kulu lets his guard down with Gareth. At points when the soundtrack doesn’t enhance the movie’s magical ambiance, ambient wilderness noises take over, effectively maintaining focus on nature throughout the documentary.
\’The Story of Pangolin: Kulu\’s Journey\’ Conveys Vital Lessons About Love and Conservation
In addition to merely chronicling the conservation initiatives aimed at protecting endangered pangolins,
Kulu\’s Journey
Additionally explores various critical aspects of environmentalism.
Dr. Caswell Munyai
emphasizes the significance of environmental preservation, sharing intriguing details about the intricate hierarchies within natural systems and how global warming can destabilize these fragile environments. Contributions from additional wildlife conservations and pangolin specialists add more depth to the understanding of initiatives aimed at safeguarding these creatures and their living spaces. By watching this film, viewers will not only gain awareness about pangolins but also acquire a richer comprehension of ant roles, ecological food webs, along with the impacts of both climatic shifts and illegal wildlife trade. Despite
Kulu\’s Journey
Pippa Ehrlich could have simply focused on the endearing aspects of the pangolin and capitalized on their cuteness, but her dedication to educating us about the possible cascading consequences of human negligence stands out.
helps to amplify the documentary’s impact even further
.
However, the
beating heart of
Kulu\’s Journey
Is there a relationship between Gareth and Kulu?
, and Gareth’s boundless compassion for his small companion is truly heartwarming. As he gets ready to release his friend back into nature, their bond resembles that of a parent watching over as their offspring heads off to university (assuming such an institution posed a genuine risk of being preyed upon by hyenas). The story highlights the extraordinary connection between Kulu and Gareth, showcasing their atypical camaraderie.
Pangolin: Kulu\’s Journey
evolves into more than merely an intriguing natural history film; it transforms into a touching narrative about human compassion and the significance of engaging with our surroundings. Despite the precarious future faced by the pangolin, this Netflix production brings vital attention to a lesser-known species, underscoring how much remains unknown about our planet and its myriad life forms.
Pangolin: Kulu\’s Journey
will be accessible for streaming on Netflix starting April 21st.