If you've seen any of the DisneyNature films over the last decade or so, then you know what to expect with this latest entry: One or more baby animals are followed for about a year as an actor or actress provides narration. Born in China doesn't stray too far from this formula, but does rise above some previous DisneyNature films. Instead of one young animal or family of animals, several different mother- baby pairs native to China are filmed over the course of a year. In addition, the interior of China provides an exceptionally scenic landscape that I expect few westerners (including myself) have seen before. John Krasinski provides fine narration and of course at times offers his own voice for the youngest of the animals. The film does address life and death in the animal kingdom but does so in a way that one doesn't question its G rating. My only complaints about the film are the narration's portrayal of the family relationships among the animals, as though they were simply live action versions of Disney's more familiar animated characters. Nor does the movie offer complete explanations for the animal behavior at times, leaving one to guess as to why certain creatures acted as they did. Overall, however, the visuals alone overcome any aspects of the narration that are lacking. Thus, Born in China is worth the 76 minutes for anyone interested in nature films.
Review of Born in China
