We bring to your attention best films about animals, which included a wide variety of films - from documentaries and environmental propaganda to family cinema. Films from 2000-2017 were included in the hit parade. with the highest rating on the Kinopoisk website.
10. Black fin (2013)
Usually animal films are ideal for family viewing, but not all of them are designed for children's eyes. The top film of animals opens with a picture with a somewhat unexpected plot - it is dedicated to the history of the Canadian killer whale Tillicum, which in two years committed two killings of people. Director Gabriela Kauperwaitite is trying to understand the reasons for the tragedy. Cinema is a kind of parallel to many films in defense of animals. If the latter are focused on the suffering of animals, then Gabriela shows that in many ways human control over wildlife is just an illusion.
9. Meerkats (2007)
“Cinema of growing up” with an animal hero is not just a documentary about small African animals, but almost a real feature film. It demonstrates the growth of a cub and its transformation into a wise leader of the tribe. Sometimes it seems that our smaller brothers just play on camera.
8. Vesyegonsky wolf (2004)
The confrontation between man and the wolf (here he is the hereditary hunter Egor and the she-wolf leader) is a well-known story. Can a person change his attitude towards nature? Can faceless nature find individuality and see a person? Village life, full-scale shooting, no green screen and computer tricks. True, sometimes it’s too symbolic, but what kind of Russian cinema without trying to grasp the immense?
7. Birds (2001)
Another wonderful and, in addition, innovative documentary about animals in the list of best films. For the first time, birds were shot close during the flight. This required the development of special ultralight aircraft. The film crew made a real feat, following the paths of bird migration from the Arctic cold through forests, swamps and fields to hot deserts. By the way, during the filming of the film, not a single animal was injured - the film crew regularly rescued birds in a difficult position.
6. Ashes and snow (2005)
The result of the life journey of the American photographer Gregory Colbert, who decided to make a film about the unity of man and the animal world and spent 13 years on this. Filmed in light brown tones, the film is rather a meditative reflection on stunningly beautiful frames, the main theme of which is the possibility of harmony between humans and animals. True, an unprepared mind for meditation 63 minutes of the film can immerse in a healthy sound sleep.
5. Life (2011)
In fifth place is a film with the large name “Life”, shot by directors Michael Ganton and Marta Holmes. From the very beginning, the viewer is immersed in the element of life, the world of wildlife, where every living creature, from insects to giants, lives its own cycle from birth, search for food, habitat, partner, raising children to death. The film contains stunningly beautiful footage shot all over the planet Earth, from the North Pole to Australia.
4. Oceans (2009)
Although three quarters of the Earth's surface is covered with water, what is happening in its depths still remains largely a mystery. The French film “Oceans”, directed by the director Jacques Perrin, is dedicated to the hidden life of marine animals (his other work, “Birds,” is on the seventh line in the selection). For three and a half years, in 54 different places in the world, surveys were taken of the marine life that was closed to humans. This movie can be safely recommended for almost any category of viewers. Some will not be indifferent to large-scale shootings, others - the life of animals, and still others will receive aesthetic pleasure from the sight unfolding in front of them. By the way, the film can be watched for free online at Kinopoisk.
3. Hachiko: the most faithful friend (2008)
This glorious and sincere film can be watched even with a small child to cry together in front of the screen. It is based on a real story - the life of the Japanese dog Hachiko, who even after the owner’s death regularly came to wait for him at the railway station for nine years. If the main role was played by Richard Gere, then the four-legged friend in different years of her life is played by three dogs.
2. Russia - the kingdom of tigers, bears and volcanoes (2011)
The film is full of love for Russia, although it was shot by German directors. From the Caucasus to Kamchatka, the wild nature of Russia is shown in all its charming splendor. The skill of the operators allows the viewer to see rare wild animals in their natural habitat almost at arm's length. The charm of the film adds a beautiful soundtrack.
1. Earthlings (2005)
The first number among the best documentaries about animals is the film "Earthlings" directed by Sean Monson. The film is heavy, scary, and categorically not suitable for family viewing. Filming with a hidden camera more than clearly shows how humanity relates to living creatures that inhabit planet Earth with them, if they have the misfortune of being useful to people in something - from food production, laboratory research to breeding thoroughbred companion animals.
