Search - Saving a Species: Gorillas on the Brink (Full) on DVD

Portman serving the world

David Roberts | Baghdad | 08/28/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Thought I tend to watch documentaries more then anything else (at least in preference), I'll admit to staying on this film as opposed to skipping past it because of Portman. She strikes me as genuine.

The film does what is supposed to. It shows that these animals seem to have qualities that mimic our own. It shows they are suffering like many of our own. It shows that it doesn't take many people to really make a difference in the world.

These gorilla's are in essence becoming Refugees.

4 stars for the film + 1 star for the host

/s refugeeX"

A lot of Natalie, A little Gorilla

Bethany B | 08/04/2009

(4 out of 5 stars)

"I thought Gorillas on the Brink was well-produced with beautiful shots of Africa and good information on the things that people are doing to save the gorillas. Natalie Portman is an interesting, sincere host. If you like her as an actress, you will probably like this DVD.

The only reason that I give it 4* instead of 5* is that I wish there was more footage of the actual gorillas. There are a significant number of segments where Natalie is interviewing/having conversations with conservationists and experts, but there isn't a gorilla in sight. Since this isn't shot in a zoo, you have to remember that the camera-people are trying to get shots of the gorillas in their natural habitat, and sometimes it is hard to get close enough to get that perfect shot. That said, there is an especially interesting segment where Natalie, Jack Hanna, and Natalie's mother are standing and observing a group of gorillas (in very close proximity). Great shots and also great tension during this segment!

If you are interested in gorillas, this DVD provides plenty of information and perspectives, and it will give you some memorable footage of them, but it isn't jam-packed."