Disneynature gives us another look into a world within our own. Monkey Kingdom is a wild display of the class system and troubles of one group of monkeys. We particularly follow Maya and watch her journey within the group and her joy in becoming a mother. These monkeys live in ancient ruins in South Asia. Think King Louie dancing around the ruins in The Jungle Book.
It never crossed my mind that animals had such complex and intricate communications and social skills. Monkeys really do. It’s stunning to watch an older monkey teach a baby and to see some consider themselves better than others. Humans may be at the top of the food chain but Disneynature enlightens us with these important stories that don’t revolve around our species. Funny lady narrator, Tina Fey, lightens the story when she needs to but also delivers it straight when it’s time to focus on these fascinating creatures. This film also follows the monkeys into civilization when they are temporarily misplaced from their home at Castle Rock. These scenes are crazy and fun. I was in awe watching them find their way in a human town.
While I really loved Disneynature’s Bears (Bears Review) I left Monkey Kingdom with a deeper understanding and respect for animals far beyond monkeys and nature as a whole. We are able to recognize and understand monkey communication efforts because they are so similar to our own. Just imagine how many other creatures are communicating on deep levels with intricate living systems that we can’t even comprehend. Monkey Kingdom changed my thoughts on animals forever.
See Monkey Kingdom opening week (April 17-23) and Disneynature will make a donation in your honor to Conservation International to help protect monkeys and other endangered species in their natural habitats. Learn more at http://nature.disney.com/monkey-kingdom.
