During class today there was a presentation about March of the Penguins and it kind of sparked my interest so when I came back to my dorm, I decided to download it. I remember when it came out in theaters and a group from my graduating class went on a trip to see it and write about it. Seeing as I was not in that class and I did not feel like spending money on a documentary I would rather watch on the discover channel, I never had the chance to see it. I do love penguins, however, so at last I have seen it. I am not exactly good when it comes to analyzing documentaries and this one did not seem to have much to talk about other than Morgan Freeman’s deep set voice. The images were fantastic and the camera work amazing. Morgan Freeman’s voice overlapping the incredible images of these penguins on their adventure across the ice to their mating ground fit perfectly. I found one scene particularly emotional when the penguins found their mate. It was actually very sweet and Morgan Freeman really added to it. The film seemed to have a lot of personification when it came to the penguins. The narration pointed out how the penguins loved each other and in that scene I mentioned previously, the camera focused in on two penguins rubbing their beaks together. In another scene, a couple eggs dropped and cracked and the film made it seem as if the penguins were sad and mourned over the loss. I have no doubt that perhaps these penguins indeed to feel loss, but I also think that the way the documentary is made over does this. I believe the penguins are acting more in instinct that mourning, and do not know their egg is destroyed right away. When the male penguins put their differences aside during the hard winter, the documentary’s narration again talks about how the male penguins unite and join together. But again I think this is more out of instinct. The male penguins probably lose their sex drive when the females return to the sea, and therefore are less aggressive and move closer for body warmth only out of their basic need for survival. Another thing that seems to be personified is when Morgan Freeman talks about the thievery that goes on. The film mentions how some eggs are stolen away, and although this is true, the film makes it seem like its out of jealousy and rivalry when it is more plausible to assume the penguins are mistaken and pick up the wrong egg out of instinct. Most likely their hormones are only giving them the signal to protect “an” egg, not “their” egg. So after reviewing this film I have decided that although this film is magnificently done, I feel as if the over exaggeration of the emotions of the penguins is offsetting. For what the film was trying to accomplish, making a film that most will enjoy for its emotional quality, it was a success.