The Bear movie review

Fiction that breaths on the realms of real is a rare work of art. ‘The Bear’ (L’ours) is one such cinematic experience. A moment ago you are seething with worldly chores and the next you are taken for a ride— a ride into the wild!  This dream like awakening is as surreal as it is real.  To put to words what ‘The Bear’ transfers to the celluloid is a posing task. It enthrals you to the edge of your seat and evokes emotions that you never knew were hibernating deep within you.

The subtle undertone which rides through the course of its essay is improbable to miss. For all the right reasons, the movie was endorsed by both the American Humane Association and the World Wildlife Fund.

What is The Bear (1988) about?

The Bear is based on James Oliver Curwood’s novel The Grizzly King (1916) and tracks the journey of an orphan bear cub (the momma bear’s death paints poignancy all over the screen) who follows an adult male grizzly as they try to escape human hunters. “The Bear” is more than just a nature documentary; it’s a story of resilience and survival. As the orphaned cub struggles to make its way in the world, viewers are drawn into its fight for life. The film’s portrayal of the animal kingdom is both realistic and unflinching, showcasing the challenges and dangers that wild animals face every day.

See also, Books written from a dog’s POV

A unique perspective on wildlife

“The Bear” stands out from other wildlife films by avoiding the use of anthropomorphic elements or cliche storylines. The film allows viewers to experience the world through the eyes of the bear cub, offering a unique and intimate perspective on the natural world.

Right from the opening sequence that shows the cub playing with the mother bear to the innocent dreams that the bear envisions…there is the smell of jungle all through it and try as hard as you can, it’s unmistakably present in the movie.

The Bear stirs hullabaloo in the world of Wildlife films which often fall into the trap of being labeled as the one for minors with their often predictive story lines. This isn’t your typical animal movie wherein you’d have funny antics from the dogs, the talking cats and the likes. It shows wildlife as life in wild is.

So you do have your adrenaline rush moments wherein the cub gets chased by a cougar (The director used animatronic bears for filming several of the fighting scenes), the innocence personified pain that surges through you during the orphaned cub’s dream sequences of chasing bees…

The film’s tagline—”The greatest thrill is not to kill but to let live” echoes the sentiment of the hunter/author who turned conservationist.

Breathtaking cinematography and an enchanting score

The film’s cinematography is truly breathtaking. Director Jean-Jacques Annaud utilizes stunning visuals to capture the untamed beauty and raw power of nature. From the vast landscapes of the Alaskan wilderness to the intimate close-ups of the bears themselves, the film’s visuals are a sight to behold. The film’s score is equally impressive, with a haunting and evocative soundtrack that perfectly complements the visuals and heightens the emotional impact of the story.

While there have been other films that have explored the lives of bears, such as “The Revenant” and “Brother Bear,” “The Bear” takes a different approach. The film focuses solely on the bear’s perspective, without resorting to human narration or dramatization. This unique approach allows viewers to connect with the animal on a deeper level and gain a greater appreciation for the challenges and instincts that drive its behavior.

“The Bear” is a must-see film for anyone who loves nature documentaries or films about animal survival. The film’s stunning visuals, powerful score, and emotional story will leave a lasting impression on viewers. Highly recommended, do watch it!

The Bear (1988): FAQs

Is The Bear based on a true story?

No. It is adapted from James Oliver Curwood’s 1916 novel The Grizzly King. Curwood was a hunter who turned conservationist, and that change of heart drives the film’s mercy-over-killing message.

Were real bears used in the film?

Yes. A trained Kodiak named Bart the Bear played the adult bear, alongside a young cub for the orphan. Animatronic and mechanical bears were used only for the dangerous fight and stunt scenes.

Is The Bear suitable for kids?

It is rated PG, but it is not a soft children’s film. The mother bear dies early, there is a tense cougar chase and hunting peril, and a brief mating scene. It suits older children with a parent nearby; younger kids may find parts intense.

Is The Bear a sad movie?

It has heartbreaking moments, starting with the cub being orphaned, but it builds to a hopeful, life-affirming ending, summed up by its tagline: “The greatest thrill is not to kill but to let live.”

Who directed The Bear?

Jean-Jacques Annaud, who later made Seven Years in Tibet and the tiger drama Two Brothers. The Bear (L’Ours) was a French production released in 1988.

See also: The best animal-themed movies