“The Elephant Whisperers” - A movie review
"Discovering the Heartwarming Bond Between Humans and Elephants"
Amidst the ongoing climate crisis, humans continue to cling to a sense of superiority and fail to work alongside nature to combat this global issue. This sinister relationship with the environment sustains humanity, and humans' selfishness has caused significant damage. However, in the documentary short "The Elephant Whisperers" directed by Kartiki Gonsalves, we are introduced to two individuals, Bellie and Bomman, who defy this norm.
The Elephant Whisperers is a 41-minute-long documentary short directed by Kartiki Gonsalves that focuses on the relationship between two humans, Bellie and Bomman, and the two orphaned elephants, Raghu and Ammu, in the Theppakadu Elephant Camp in Tamil Nadu, India. The documentary highlights the beautiful bond between the elephants and the humans who care for them, providing an intimate glimpse into the daily routines, interactions, and experiences of caring for these majestic creatures.
Gonsalves masterfully captures the vast and beautiful landscape of the Theppakadu Elephant Camp, one of the oldest elephant camps in Asia, built around 140 years ago. The documentary begins by showcasing the stunning natural beauty of the area, from the hooting birds to tigers, and of course, the elephants. The film incorporates real-time footage of Raghu when he had wandered into human territory with his mother during a drought in his childhood, showcasing the elephants' playful nature.
One of the highlights of The Elephant Whisperers is the delicate and heartwarming bond shared between Bomman, Bellie, and the elephants. The documentary showcases Bomman cuddling the elephant and addressing Raghu as if he were a child, and Bellie feeding Raghu and expressing how elephants are similar to human babies with the amount of care and affection they require. We get to see the elephants tagging along with the couple as part of their wedding pictures, highlighting the love and warmth that Bomman and Bellie share with the elephants.
The documentary also sheds light on the indigenous community that Bomman and Bellie belong to, who depend on the land to sustain themselves but do not overuse the available resources. The film showcases how the elephants cared for by this community are decked up in colors and lined up for a special Ganesh puja, providing a glimpse into the culture and traditions of the indigenous community.
The documentary is accompanied by soft, meditative music that helps the viewers transcend into a world of peaceful coexistence. The Elephant Whisperers is a beautiful and heartwarming documentary that highlights the importance of coexisting with nature and cherishing the bonds that we share with the animals that surround us.
Conclusion
"The Elephant Whisperers" is a heartwarming and beautifully made documentary that explores the human-elephant bond and the impact of human activity on the natural world. The film's runtime is just long enough to charm viewers, and the soft, meditative music accompanies the narration, helping us transcend momentarily into a world of peaceful coexistence. If you have watched "Haathi Mere Saathi" as a child, this documentary can be your follow-up exercise in falling in love with the elephant language again. "The Elephant Whisperers" won the Best Documentary Short Subject award at the 94th Academy Awards, and it is available to watch on Netflix.
More Reviews to read before watching
https://vocal.media/criminal/the-consultant-a-season-1-review
https://vocal.media/horror/we-have-a-ghost-a-movie-review-k2130umo
https://vocal.media/motivation/creed-iii-a-movie-review
"The Elephant Whisperers":
Director and Writer: Kartiki Gonsalves
Cinematographer: Saumyananda Sahi
Editor: Kshitiz Sharma
Sound Designer: Anish John
Music: Prateek Gandhi
Executive Producers: Josy Paul, Ryan Thomas
Producers: Rajiv Mehrotra, Rukmini Banerji
Production Company: Public Service Broadcasting Trust, Rajiv Mehrotra
"The Elephant Whisperers" was produced by Public Service Broadcasting Trust and Rajiv Mehrotra, with Josy Paul and Ryan Thomas serving as executive producers. The film was directed and written by Kartiki Gonsalves, with Saumyananda Sahi as the cinematographer and Kshitiz Sharma as the editor. Anish John was responsible for sound design, while Prateek Gandhi composed the film's music.
Overall, the crew of "The Elephant Whisperers" brought their respective talents and expertise to create a beautifully shot and emotionally impactful documentary short.
About the Creator
Jeyakar Janarthanan
"Unleash the power of cinema with my thought-provoking reviews! From big-budget blockbusters to hidden indie gems, join me on a cinematic journey that offers a fresh perspective and enriches your movie-watching experience."
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