Amazonia

Brazil's vast Amazon rainforest is one of the most bio-diverse places on Earth, boasting millions of species of insects, reptiles, fish, and rarities such as the giant anaconda, plated armadillo, and anteaters. Filmmaker Thierry Ragobert's documentary-like Amazonia presents a fictionalized account of a city-dwelling capuchin monkey named Sai who survives a jungle plane crash, and must learn to adapt and survive in a sometimes hostile environment. Narrated by Martin Sheen, the story follows Sai's trip downriver and on land, looking for food and shelter while trying to avoid predators like the caiman crocodile, the harpy eagle, and the jungle's ultimate predator, the elusive jaguar. Sai eventually discovers a colony of capuchins, although they prove reluctant to accept him. Sai finally finds a companion, earns grudging acceptance from the other monkeys, and starts a new life—transitioning from the civilized world back to his natural habitat. Amazonia uses Sai's story to teach environmental lessons while also following the traditional Disney pattern of ascribing human emotions to animals. Recommended. (S. Rees)