Chantek
Chantek

Movie spotlight

Chantek

2012
Movie
90 min
Malay

"Chantek" is the story about AD, a film celebrity whose glamorous and carefree life is overturned when he becomes blind due to his negligence in crossing the road caused by witnessing his fiancee cheating on him. Having lost all faith in life, AD isolates himself in a vacation home ran by CHANTEK, a housekeeper who has to disguise herself as a man so as to not aggravate AD, who has developed a phobia towards women. However, after living together and discovering each other's strengths and quirks, CHANTEK and AD fall in love, which causes CHANTEK to reveal her secret. But what will come of a romance between a fallen celebrity and a housekeeper?

Insights

IMDb7.2/10
Rotten Tomatoes93%
Metacritic70/100
Google Users92%
Director: P. David EbersoleGenres: Documentary

Plot Summary

Chantek is a documentary that chronicles the life of Chantek, an orangutan who was taught to communicate using American Sign Language. The film explores his upbringing in a research facility, his interactions with humans, and the ethical questions surrounding animal cognition and interspecies communication. It delves into his unique personality and the deep bond he formed with his primary caregiver, Dr. Lynette Hartman.

Critical Reception

Chantek received positive reviews from critics, who praised its heartwarming narrative and insightful exploration of animal intelligence and interspecies relationships. The documentary was lauded for its sensitive portrayal of Chantek and the ethical considerations it raised about human-animal connections.

What Reviewers Say

  • A touching and thought-provoking look at animal intelligence and the human-animal bond.

  • Celebrates the unique personality and communication abilities of Chantek.

  • Raises important ethical questions about animal research and empathy.

Google audience: Audiences found "Chantek" to be a deeply moving and educational film. Many users expressed admiration for Chantek's intelligence and the compassionate care he received. The documentary was praised for its ability to foster empathy and encourage reflection on our relationship with the animal kingdom.

Fun Fact

Chantek was one of the first orangutans to be taught American Sign Language, and he demonstrated an ability to use tools and understand symbolic representation.

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