Chimpanzee, Disney Nature’s newest nature documentary, follows the life of a baby chimpanzee, named Oscar, as it grows up in the Tai Forest on the Ivory Coast of Africa. It’s a lighthearted and sweet film, with a touching true story about the orphaned baby finding affection in the most unlikely place.

The documentary showcases the struggles and pleasures of the group as they are faced with the challenges of survival in the wild, such as finding food and defending their territory from hostile and hungry neighboring chimpanzees. When Oscar’s clan is attacked by the rival chimpanzee group, he is left without a caretaker until he forms a lifesaving bond with the alpha male of his clan.

Chimpanzee illuminates the intriguing and often surprising way of life they lead. Their complex social dynamics frequently parallel those of our own.

Observing the baby chimps play energetically with each other and learn the ways of the forest from their parents is very captivating. Their childish and spirited behavior repeatedly made the audience giggle and smile.

The remarkable relationship between Oscar and the clan alpha male, Freddy, is the most intriguing interaction of the movie. Not only does the film reveal fascinating, and occasionally shocking, characteristics of chimpanzee life, but also many aspects of the entire African rain forest environment and its other inhabitants.

One of the greatest elements of the film is its multitude of breathtaking nature shots. The sped-up film of life moving through and changing the rain forest is enthralling, as well as the amazing footage of the lightning storms. Seeing the grand landscape of the Ivory Coast and its native plants and animals, all so different from our own, on the big screen is a spectacular experience.

The movie is guided by the narration of Tim Allen, who adds light, although sometimes corny, humor to the film. Overall, the film is very interesting and entertaining. Nature lovers of all ages can easily enjoy watching Oscar and his clan’s adventure in the forest, and come away from it with new perspective and knowledge.

Aran Kirschenmann, 15, is a contributing writer for the Bellevue Reporter and a sophomore at The International School in Bellevue. You may reach and connect with her on her Facebook page “The Young Critic.”