Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #11793 in VHS
• Released on: 1998-03-17
• Rating: NR (Not Rated)
• Formats: Color, NTSC
• Original language: English
• Number of tapes: 1
• Running time: 90 minutes

Amazon.com
You can learn a lot in 20 years--just ask Jane Goodall. She spent much of her life with the chimpanzees of Gombe in Tanzania and changed the way we see these bright, playful animals. Filmmaker Hugo von Lawick followed her progress and shares the fruits of his labor in People of the Forest, an epic look at birth, life, and death in the jungle. The individual personalities of the chimps stand out so clearly it's sometimes a strain to remember these creatures aren't human, and their struggles with other tribes, predators, and the forces of nature are alternately thrilling and heartbreaking. The photography is lush--with 20 years of footage to pick through, it should be--and Donald Sutherland's narration is clear and unobtrusive. People of the Forest lends a strong sense of empathy to the viewers and leaves us with greater respect for our closest cousins. --Rob Lightner

Customer Reviews

Great review for a touching in-depth video
For any one interested in an accurate depiction of primates in the wild; no people in this video! An honest look at the lives and interactions of a Chimp family through the generations. A touching, dramatic and sad story, narrated by Donald Sutherland. All shot, directed, and put together by the husband of the famed Jane Goodall. A must for conservationists, lovers of apes, and for those who doubt the common ancestory of the human race.

Absolutley captivating of your heart
I,ve yet to see a video about any type of animal life outside of the human race that could capture my attention and my heart the way this one did.In so many cases you feel the joy,the sadness and sometimes the silliness the chimps endure in the lives that they live.You're made to feel that you could bring one of them into your home and have no language or lifestyle barrier between you.If you ever need convincing that we are all alike in one way or another-animal or human-this is the movie to see.

This film will grab your heart and not let go!
This film about generations of chimps was incredibly amazing. You become to know and feel what these most human like creatures are thinking. After seeing it four years ago I still think about the film often. A must see!!