Class Response: "An Arctic Tale"

The documentary, "An Arctic Tale", narrated by Queen Latifah, tells the story of two arctic animals, Nanu the polar bear and Seela the seal. This movie documents the lifestyle of these two native arctic animals and how they must adapt to the ever-changing climate of their home and the world.
The movie starts with newborn polar bear cubs,Nanu and her brother, who both emerge from their home (a cave) with their mother. They soon go on to learn how to hunt and survive in their pristine yet dangerous new home.
We move on to meet Seela, a newborn walrus calf. Seela is protected by her mother and her "Auntie", who is most probably another female walrus in the herd. Since walruses do not give birth very often, Seela is the crown jewel of the whole herd.
As time passes, Seela and Nanu learn the hardships of living in such a unforgiving environment. At one years old, Nanu sees her brother die to starvation and Seela almost dies from an attack from a male polar bear. But, Nanu and Seela continue to grow and learn just as they have to.
Soon, Nanu and Seela realize that the climate is changing. This was most obviously stated when sudden food shortages appeared. Driven by the forces of starvation and disparity, Nanu and her mother are forced to separate a year earlier than natural.
Now, Nanu has to find a way to survive with out the needed guidance of her mother, and Seela must learn how to cope with the ever lasting adventures to find food, and a non-melting home.
As time passes, Seela and Nanu's paths cross on a desolate "last-resort" island called Rock Island. This is the only place where Seela and her family can find shelter and the only place Nanu may find food. Unfortunately, Rock Island is occupied by a grown male polar bear- a natural enemy to both Seela and Nanu. When the male polar bear is finally disturbed by the walrus heard, Seela's loving "Auntie" must sacrifice herself to save her heard. Nanu must forget everything she has learned to befriend the male bear, for he is the last chance for food.
"Arctic Tale" ends closes with the "cycle completed". Nanu soon mates with the male polar bear on the island and gives birth to two cubs and Seela, mates with a male walrus, giving birth to a female calf.
This movie cleverly portrays life in the Arctic as well as preserving the message of the dangers of climate change. This heart-felt story is so thought provoking that the next time you go to turn on your air conditioner, you think of Seela and Nanu. (You then turn to open your window =]). This movie helps the population truly understand what this "climate crisis" is, and how we can stop it.

For more information on the climate crisis visit: AlGore.com WeCanSolveIt.org ClimateCrisis.net

For more information about the movie: arctictalemovie.com