The film was great, let down by some weird type of Johnny Morris narration, to be honest I lasted 15 minutes before it became unbearable. I'm gobsmacked they went for that style.
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charlick18 April 2020
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amani-preston4 April 2020I just love this very moving family story. Elephant's Narrator brings this story to life beautifully and grabs your attention. Also, the cinematography is spectacular.
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ladynstreet4 April 2020The Duchess of Sussex was absolutely brilliant narrating the scenes in this movie. Her tone was just right and made the movie a fun learning experience. Her voice is quite engaging and suitable. This movie is suitable for both adults and kids
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jelena20174 April 2020The visuals were spectacular and the narrator's voice was so soothing and engaging.
Following the journey of little jomo and his family was like drinking a hot cocktail of different types of emotions. From sadness to laughter then fear. Definitely perfect to spread awareness about those magnificent creatures. -
Mliss495 April 2020The photography is excellent! I would have liked to hear Morgan Freeman as the narrative person. Megan's' voice is more for cartoons. It's to sing song for a documentary.
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mflanagan-174004 April 2020Engaging nature doc perfect for all ages. The story is captivating and well written. Music was excellent and helped the narrative. Narration was engaging, pitch perfect, and added to the story of these beautiful elephants.
Most of the negative reviews are from people who have something to say about Meghan, the narrator of this film. I would ask yourself if someone creates an account to try and shame the narrator of a nature doc meant for children, what does that say about them? -
The documentary's breathtaking images are its strongest point. With expansive panoramas, close-ups of the elephants, and stunning aerial images, the filmmakers portray the majesty of the Kalahari. Seeing the herd survive the hostile landscape-from dealing with dust storms to fighting for limited supplies-is both breathtaking and gripping.
The film, which is narrated by Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, takes a heartwarming tone, emphasizing the close ties and tenacity of the elephant family in the face of hardship. For families searching for a wildlife documentary that highlights the wonder and beauty of the animal kingdom, this makes it an excellent option.
On the other hand, those who are looking for a more in-depth look may find "Elephant" lacking. The majority of the film is focused on the herd's emotional journey and its visuals, with no technical explanation of elephant behavior or the particular hazards that they confront in the area. The conservation message is conveyed, but it's subtle and doesn't have the same depth or impact as other environmental films. -
gina-1124 April 2020I learned a great deal about the Kalahari elephant herd from this documentary. I was unaware of the 8 month annual migration to ensure ongoing access to food and water, the matriarchal leadership within the herd and had forgotten about the long gestation period for elephants. I was immersed the story of Gaia, Shani and Jomo's journey. The cinematography was gorgeous and captivating. The production was also excellent. The narration captured the right tone for a family oriented story. The seriousness, the playfulness and the triumphs were skillfully conveyed by the narrator's voice. I thoroughly enjoyed "Elephant." I encourage others to watch with their families and transport yourselves to the world of the Okavango River Delta in Botswana.
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annakarinostervall4 April 2020This is a great movie to wach with your family, it is engaging no matter how old you are! The production is amazing and we learned a lot about these beautiful animal. We will watch it again!
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wzc3274 April 2020What a wonderful story of Shani, her calf Jomo and the herd of Kalahari Elephants as they make their seasonal journeys. It is engaging, emotional, and a treat for the whole family.
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TheLittleSongbird16 November 2020Love Disney, have done ever since seeing 'Cinderella' at two or three years old. Love nature documentaries, especially the landmark ones of David Attenborough (i.e. 'Planet Earth', 'Blue Planet'). Love elephants, a love as lifelong as my love for Disney ever since seeing 'Dumbo' for the first time. So no pre-conceived bias. Was a bit nervous, seeing that it was narrated by Meghan Markle (don't despise her as much as most do), who has a voice that does not sound right for documentaries.
Really do have to agree with those that didn't care for 'Elephant', after watching it on Disney Plus, and do agree completely with the criticisms that have been summed up very well already (though am going to aim to be a little kinder). There are many fine documentaries that don't have Attenborough's name on them, but 'Elephant' is not one of them. As far as the DisneyNature documentaries go, this is among the weakest. It is actually one of the better looking ones, but audibly it is another story.
'Elephant' does have good things and they are going to be begun with. Visually, it looks amazing and it is the production values that are by far the best thing about it. The scenery is enough to take the breath away, something that is obvious from the very beginning. That is enhanced by the photography, which is of cinematic quality and quite dazzling to watch.
The elephants themselves look majestic and are rootable. Jomo is utterly adorable and there were enough times where it was easy to invest in his antics. The first ten minutes are quite cute.
As aforementioned however, audibly 'Elephant' is another story. The music tries far too hard to be epic and too much of a film score, and it ends up being far too loud and over-orchestrated. Found 'Elephant' to be too over-dramatised, too sentimental and most of the moments intended to be playful came over as very cheesy and forced. Didn't feel an awful lot of emotion, any attempts didn't come over as sincere and is instead too cutesy.
Will agree with those that say that the narration fares worst. And it is not just Markle's far too over-eager, at times patronising and too Disney Singalong Song delivery. Actually still am very fond of most of the Disney Singalong Song videos but that approach was just wrong here, this needed a voice of authority, of soothing quality and gravitas like Morgan Freeman, James Earl Jones or Jeremy Irons for males and Glenn Close, Cate Blanchett or Meryl Streep for females that was trying too hard to appeal to younger audiences. But also the actual writing itself, which is very cookie-cutter, melodramatic, quite cheesy (especially the attempts to be playful and the breaking the fourth wall-like moments) and doesn't say anything illuminating or educational. Instead going for over-dramatic storytelling over facts, when there have been documentaries that have expertly balanced both. Some cute moments aside, there is a playing too safe feel here and there is not really ever a set piece that wows.
Concluding, disappointing. 4/10 -
Nala-nia754 April 2020Fell in love with this trib of elephants! Disney made this doc so refreshing and pleasant to watch. The narrator's voice reminded me of my childhood
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norahteadrinker4 April 2020The film was moving and well done and the icing was the narration by meghan markle
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slloyd-053773 April 2020This new Disney Nature documentary is really interesting. It has a great blend of education & entertainment. My family & I throughly enjoyed it.
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njaromando3 April 2020What a great story about earths largest mammals! A story of family, love, and survival, this documentary encompasses all aspects of wild animals and what they do to survive
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The narrator simply lacks the range of depth and tonality to truly compliment this cinematography. The filming was superb and the storytelling excellent. But it was let down by the underwhelming voiceover, which feels like it was chosen for who she is, rather than how skilled she is.
As for the tons of bogus 10 star reviews from her PR camp...that's quite laughable at once again attempting to control the narrative. -
cmwrye754 April 2020Meghan Markle did an excellent job narrating Elephant. It's a great way to spend a couple of hours with the kids. Watching Jojo and the rest of his family 8 month journey. Meghan makes you feel like your part of the herd, she's funny and entertaining.
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cdk6264 April 2020Captivating story and beautifully narrated. I love elephants and find their sense of family inspiring.
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tanyavmurray4 April 2020Wonderful documentary enjoyed by my entires family. Kids 18- 11. Beautiful cinematography and soothing narration.
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sannetje-632864 April 2020I loved watching it with the kids. It had them laughing as well as stressed out at some points😉 We watched it yesterday and they have been talking about baby Jomo al day. Personally for me as an adult also a great joy. I would love more of this, tommorow we are up for Dolphins.
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katewoodley20 April 2020The footage is beautiful - these are captivating animals, however you may want to put this film on mute. The narration is pure schmaltz, completely over the top and occasionally with emphasis in the wrong places.
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fmsr-555254 April 2020Meghan's narration was on point. Fun & engaging. Kid friendly. the soundtrack & the fotage were excellent too. Amazing work all around
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catmar_e4 April 2020Beautifully filmed story of an elephant herd on their annual journey to water and food across the Kalahari desert. It has all the elements of a good movie and the narration by the graceful Meghan Markle was spot on!
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Jamiedean4 April 2020Elephant is a light, emotional, informative, and enjoyable movie about the strong bonds of family. Meghan Markle's narration was amazingly well done. She has a beautiful voice that added charm and warmth to the story. I loved it and highly recommend the movie.