GUNDA

(director/writer:Victor Kossakovsky; screenwriter: Ainara Vera; cinematographers: Egil Håskjold Larsen, Victor Kossakovsky; editors: Victor Kossakovsky/Ainara Vera; Runtime: 93; MPAA Rating: G; producers; Anita Rehoff Larsen, Joslyn Barnes, Susan Rockefeller: Neon; 2020-Norway/USA-in English)

(director/writer:Victor Kossakovsky; screenwriter: Ainara Vera; cinematographers: Egil Håskjold Larsen, Victor Kossakovsky; editors: Victor Kossakovsky/Ainara Vera; Runtime: 93; MPAA Rating: G; producers; Anita Rehoff Larsen, Joslyn Barnes, Susan Rockefeller: Neon; 2020-Norway/USA-in English)

“It takes its cues from George Orwell’s Animal Farm and the American film Babe.”

Reviewed by Dennis Schwartz

The Berlin-based, Russia-born filmmaker, Victor Kossakovsky (“Wednesday”/”Aquarella”), co-writes with Ainara Vera, if that’s possible to say, this intriguing wordless experimental documentary told from the POV of a pig. It’s beautifully shot in black-and-white by Norwegian cinematographer Egil Haaskjold Larsen, for a period of over a month. It takes its cues from George Orwell’s Animal Farm and the American film Babe.

It’s executive produced by vegan and animal rights activist Joaquin Phoenix.

In its serious moments it raises questions how we treat animals. The movie focuses on a Norwegian sow named Gunda and her piglets, who happily live on a farm and can roam about freely. Another farm animal featured is a one-legged hen, whose presence will pull on your heart-strings. There’s also some footage shot on farms in Britain and Spain.

This enthralling work is unique, stunning and an absolute mind-blowing experience, especially for viewers who never lived on a farm. The only agony shown is the moma pig losing sight of one of her babies for awhile, until found hidden in the straw in the barn.

I hate to say it, but this contemplative film should provide plenty of food for thought.

REVIEWED ON 11/22/2021  GRADE: B+