Movie spotlight
The Start of Life
A young girl in an industrial town is saving her money to enter college. But her drunken father loses his job, her mother cannot make ends meet, and then the boy she likes loses everything when his factory fails. She takes all her savings out of the bank and offers them to him to make a new start. He refuses at first but eventually agrees and so she goes back to school to tell her teacher that she has decided not to continue college, that she is young and strong, and can make her own way in life.
Insights
Plot Summary
This documentary examines the process of birth across various species in the animal kingdom. It visually chronicles the journey from conception to the earliest stages of life for a diverse range of creatures, highlighting the universal biological imperative of reproduction. The film showcases both the challenges and the inherent beauty in the continuation of life.
Critical Reception
While specific critical reviews from 1965 are scarce, 'The Start of Life' was recognized for its groundbreaking nature in wildlife documentary filmmaking. It was lauded for its educational value and its unflinching look at a sensitive subject matter, particularly for its time. The film's scientific accuracy and visual presentation contributed to its positive reception as an informative and compelling piece.
What Reviewers Say
Praised for its educational and scientific content.
Considered pioneering for its time in its direct depiction of birth.
Appreciated for its broad scope across different species.
Google audience: Audience reception data is limited for this older documentary, but it is generally regarded as a significant educational film.
Awards & Accolades
Nominated for the Palme d'Or at the 1965 Cannes Film Festival.
Fun Fact
The film was a significant undertaking for its era, requiring extensive and often difficult filming in natural habitats to capture the intimate moments of animal births.
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