Cane Toads: An Unnatural History
Cane Toads: An Unnatural History

Movie spotlight

Cane Toads: An Unnatural History

1988
Movie
47 min
English

A documentary detailing the spread of Hawaiian sugar-cane toads through Australia in a botched effort to introduce them as counter pests.

Insights

IMDb7.5/10
Rotten Tomatoes97%
Director: Mark LewisGenres: Documentary, Nature

Plot Summary

This documentary explores the introduction of the cane toad to Australia in 1935 to combat the greyback cane beetle. It details the amphibians' rapid spread and devastating impact on native wildlife, as well as their adaptation and evolution. The film uses a mix of scientific observation and dark humor to highlight the ecological disaster caused by this invasive species.

Critical Reception

Cane Toads: An Unnatural History was critically acclaimed for its engaging and often darkly humorous presentation of a serious ecological issue. Reviewers praised its informative content, unique perspective, and effective use of narration to convey the gravity of the cane toad invasion in Australia. It became a cult classic documentary.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for its witty and engaging narration.

  • Highly informative about the ecological impact of invasive species.

  • Effectively uses humor to tackle a serious environmental problem.

Google audience: Information not available.

Awards & Accolades

Won the Golden Gate Award at the San Francisco International Film Festival.

Fun Fact

The cane toads used in the film were reportedly trained to hop towards the camera for specific shots.

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