Savages – REVIEW

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One of the standout films from 2016 was the intriguingly named yet profoundly beautiful movie titled “My Life as a Zucchini,” which deservedly received an Oscar nomination (and almost as notable, a spot on our Top Films of 2017 list!). Now, writer-director Claude Barras shifts focus to environmental issues with the debut of his new film, “Savages.” As before, it’s a stunning stop motion animation that this time takes place in a Borneo rainforest. The opening scene, which might be distressing for young viewers, depicts commercial loggers killing an orangutan mother for palm oil exploitation purposes.

A young orangutan is saved by Mutang, an employee of the company, who is also a widower with a daughter named Keria. They are later joined by Selai, Keria’s cousin, whose Penan tribal village was destroyed by loggers. They adopt the baby orangutan and name it Oshi. However, after a disagreement, Keria, Selai, and Oshi become lost in the jungle. The beauty of the jungle is contrasted by its potential dangers, such as venomous snakes and stalking panthers.

Beyond their initial appearances, the characters hold deeper layers. Keria’s maternal lineage is Penan, and the film explores Keria’s journey back to her ancestry, as well as her stand against the loggers’ greed. Contrary to the title’s suggestion, the true savages aren’t the inhabitants of the jungle; instead, it’s the destructive forces that threaten their home and way of life.

In simpler terms, Director Barras’ characters are charming, and while they’re primarily designed for children, there are scenes—besides the death of Oshi’s mother—that might not typically be found in Disney productions. These moments could potentially surprise some parents, but they would surely amuse kids. This humor serves to convey a meaningful message about deforestation and indigenous communities that is worth considering.

We chat to director Claude Barras about the making of Savages….

Here’s the Savages trailer……

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2025-08-01 17:23