Beautiful People (1974) User Reviews

The funniest documentary ever

[philip_vanderveken · 9/10 · 31 December 2004]

I've always loved animals and I don't really have any favorites, although I find fishes very interesting to watch. Sometimes I even have more fun with my pets than with people because they don't think about their actions, they just do what they like to do. I also like to watch documentaries, although I have to say that many documentaries can get boring after a while. But this movie isn't just an ordinary documentary, it's actually a comedy. When this movie was on television I absolutely wanted to watch it.

Never have I ever seen a documentary that showed us the animal world in this way, but I have to say that I'm a big fan. I just loved the combination of the funny narration with the nice images and the music. It all worked perfectly and I had some great laughs several times. This could have been another boring documentary, but it wasn't. It was actually the best one I had seen in years. I give it an 8.5/10

Maybe animals have more fun than people do.

[yenlo · 8/10 · 25 May 1999]

Most documentary films involving animals are on the rather serious side. This one is an exception. Animals captured on film often times encountering situations not unlike that of people. A viewer would have to be wrapped pretty tight to not laugh at least once during this film. Have you ever seen a monkey with a hangover? You will if you watch this delightful film.

A Classic Documentary

[dallas_nyberg · 7/10 · 15 February 2014]

Animals Are Beautiful People was made in 1974 and was a staple at most movie theaters and Drive-ins at that time. It was shot in the desert regions of West Africa and traces the trials and tribulations of animals trying to survive throughout the wet and dry seasons of this harsh region. The narration and editing endeavor to give it a comical slant, although there are a few harrowing scenes as well. The cynical technical geeks will quickly note the occasional crude use of 1970's computer/animation tricks, but it does not really detract from the context of the movie. It is interesting to watch and would suit most ages. Given the age of this movie, the region it covers has probably changed a bit over the years, but the situations there today are probably similar to this. If you enjoyed documentaries like The Vanishing Prairie and The Painted Desert, you will enjoy this as well. Well worth a look.

Beautiful film about beautiful people

[Bobs-9 · 9 June 2003]

With the new DVD release, I just watched this film for the first time in about 10 years, and it's as delightful as I remembered it.

I'm not completely stupid, and realize that real animals don't usually make cartoon-like sound effects, i.e. an ostrich craning his neck in disbelief and going "huh?" or beetles making screeching car noises. I know that marabou aren't really judgmental, and that pelicans aren't really pompous. I consider myself a reasonably sophisticated film viewer, and can see that the seeds being shot out of the little dry plant in one scene are animated, not real. If you feel colorful bits of embroidered reality like this render a so-called documentary unwatchable, then reach behind yourself and carefully remove the stick from up your posterior. Oh, never mind, just watch "Nova."

Maybe "documentary" isn't the right word to describe this film, which is an entertainment that incorporates nature footage and some nature fact, dramatic or comedic invention, and musical accompaniment. What would you call it? It's sort of a "whatsit." Whatever it is, it warms the cockles of my heart, and this cockle-warmer can be enjoyed by people of all ages – something rare enough these days. It is, in general, wry and amusing, but the part that made an overwhelming impact on me since my first viewing is that near the end, where a pitiful troupe of abandoned pelican chicks are dying in the scorching sun. The three-day struggle of the clouds to drop rain onto the desert, and the sun's efforts to prevent it, are depicted as a titanic battle of opposing armies, with spectacularly beautiful footage of clouds and sunlight dramatically accompanied by the Liszt tone poem "Les Preludes." I still find this imaginative interpretation of these natural events absolutely gripping, and I imagine it must have made a powerful impression on many young kids who've seen this film over the years. The final scene is pure joy.

Do see this film. Buy the DVD. It's excellent, and the chances are overwhelming that you will like it. Most people seem to.

The best documentary I've ever seen

[biljana-1 · 10/10 · 23 September 2001]

I loved this movie so much that I watched it at least 5 times at the very time when it was released. I've just seen it again after 27 years and I am still in love with it. Seeing that, my friend Sandy promised to buy me a copy for Christmas. Guess how many more times I am going to watch it?! I greatly recommend this movie to all people of all ages.

The most enjoyable documentary ever!

[Nobody-27 · 10/10 · 25 January 2014]

I've seen more than my fair share of documentaries, and even some less known nature documentaries. They all have something special about them, but not one goes to such great lengths to not only show us the beauty of nature (Africa), but also animals being simply - funny to no end. The research and work that went into making of this film, as well as the effort that it must've taken to put it all together in such a fun package is well worthy of any award. This film is for all fun loving nature and animal lovers out there. If you have kids, or are a big kid yourself, even better. Sit back and enjoy, you will not be disappointed (only pleasantly surprised). Even though this gem falls under a category "documentary" it feels like a feature film due to its fun nature where animals are like actors telling us their stories. So, do not disregard it due to its label - documentaries can be dry and underwhelming, but this one is exact opposite.

unforgettable memories

[SnoopyStyle · 8/10 · 9 October 2018]

This is a nature film from Jamie Uys who is better known for The Gods Must Be Crazy. It covers the deserts of southern Africa from the Namib Desert to the Kalahari Desert with a little bit of humor. It has some memorable nature scenes. In fact, this is the first theatrical film of my memories. I still remember many scenes like the droplet which sets a bird's nest on fire and the fish which protects her young by keeping them in her mouth. It is strange and wonderous and unforgettable. The cinematography is fair with some great animal footage. The humor in the narration is mostly gentle but also differentiates it from the other nature films. This certainly gives those others a run for their money.

best wild life movie

[yngyani · 10/10 · 6 June 2007]

I watched this movie when i was 12 yrs old, it left an impression in my mind and i still am in awe abt the movie and the scenes depicted in it.

the Bedouins sleeping on the desert dunes with their heads raised...could not imagine doing it.

a single drop of morning dew acts as a magnifying lenses to set a tree full of birds nest on fire.

the wild berries intoxicating effects on the monkey..awesome

During the great summer when there is a drought, the local tribesman catches a monkey and starves it by tying it to stake in the hot sun. feeds it with rock salt..making the monkey dreadfully thirsty.

and when he releases the monkey, the first thing the ape does is scamper towards the hidden oasis...this is the best scene.

highly recommended movie..must see with your kids and family.

i ordered one from amazon..too good

An Engaging Wildlife Documentary

[StrictlyConfidential · 7/10 · 22 November 2020]

Set in the Namib Desert region of South Africa - "Animals Are Beautiful People" is actually quite an enjoyable wildlife documentary (for the most part).

Originally released back in 1974 - This engaging presentation is sure to hold your undivided attention and keep you pleasantly entertained for its full 90-minute running time.

Disarming viewing for animal lovers.

[Hey_Sweden · 8/10 · 3 September 2018]

Several years before he hit it big with his "Gods Must Be Crazy" comedies, South African writer / producer / cinematographer / editor / music supervisor Jamie Uys made this endearing documentary. About four years in the making itself, this is an endearing film with an often comedic bent.

Its main intent is to document animal behaviour in the forbidding environments of the White and Red Namib deserts, where many species struggle to survive. It also shows us an isolated jungle paradise in the middle of the desolation, along the banks of a river, and how the beasts that live there tend to take their easier lives for granted. In the final half hour or so, Uys introduces us to some of the indigenous people of the region, and their own methods for survival.

Some of the most memorable bits involve some ingenious behaviours in the animal kingdom, such as the mother bream that allows her thousand offspring to swim into her mouth so that they are safe from predators. Some species actually collaborate on the search for food, which is fascinating to see. Some of the comedy comes from animal actions we see as recognizable: when the various species ingest too many of the berries from the Marula tree and basically stagger around in a drunken sort of state. It's also funny to see when that one bird constantly foils the efforts of a tribesman to obtain his prey.

The film may be perhaps a little too precious and manipulative at times (it didn't need the comedy sound effects on the soundtrack), but it never goes truly overboard in terms of sentiment. Some of the most riveting material involves the often perilous lack of water that can kill off many animals.

Enhanced by classical works by the likes of Brahms and Tchaikovsky, "Animals Are Beautiful People" is wonderful entertainment for anybody who's ever taken interest in nature documentaries on TV. It has a delightful cast of two-legged, feathered, four-legged, and many-legged area residents, and is delightfully narrated by Paddy O'Byrne.

Eight out of 10.

Really fascinating

[Apollo15AnnoPianoCatDogSnailAnt · 7/10 · 6 October 2020]

Truly Africa has the most interesting wildlife and plantlife, and these two definitely teach a lesson how to be.

Yes. Animals Are Beautiful

[strong-122-478885 · 8/10 · 4 October 2016]

This well-photographed and professionally produced wildlife documentary from 1974 was, without question, one of the most light-hearted and entertaining nature shows that I've seen in quite some time.

What made "Animals Are Beautiful People" (AABP, for short) so enjoyable (for me) had a lot to do with it containing narration that had a somewhat comical edge to it - Rather than the usual cut'n'dry commentary that seems to prevail in most documentaries out there.

Set in the Namib desert region, along Africa's west coast - The viewer is shown the surprisingly diverse animal-life that exists in this semi-arid territory.

From warthogs, to geckos, to baboons, to meerkats, and to much-much more - AABP gives the curios viewer a close-up look at the many dangers that face these creatures, daily, when it comes to hunting and survival.

*Note* - This documentary's highlight is, by far, the "intoxicated" animal sequence that you really have to see for yourself.

A Different Kind of Nature Documentary

[princebansal1982 · 5/10 · 2 June 2011]

I like watching discovery channel and TV-series on wild life but this movie was unlike anything I had ever seen before. The stars here are of course the animals and the camera follows them everywhere.

The movie is part nature documentary, part comedy and part drama. Touching and poignant in parts, it is a treat for nature lovers. The best part is the comedy of course, we haven't seen the animals depicted like that ever. It is like candid camera for animals, but much better.

The Narrator Paddy O'Byrne has done a wonderful job. He went to do narration for "The Gods Must Be Crazy" parts I and II, both directed by the Jamie Uys. If you like this movie I recommend both parts of "The Gods Must Be Crazy". The first part even manages excels this movie.

SCREECH!

[bigsleepj · 8 November 2001]

Beautiful People is a masterpiece. Why? Becuase its a two hour long documentary that children can see without getting bored. I watched this at the age of five and it captivated me. Why?

Because director Uys uses sound effects that doesn't always ocur in nature. For instance: see the little beatle run. See how it runs. Suddenly it stops dead in its tracks! And when it stops you hear the sound of screeching tires! Classic! The narrator sometimes sarcastic remarks are funny too.

There is also a part where a nest with birdies is set alight by a natural occurence that would have any child in his/hers right mind in tears. (I didn't cry, which only proves my statement).

But, even though it is zany at some points, it is still informative. It's a documentary, after all. Buy it and see it. If you dont like it then there is something wrong with you!

Interesting...and, hilarious! :D

[gilligan1965 · 10/10 · 21 April 2016]

This is a masterpiece!!!

A work of art that shows many creatures that are virtually unknown to the world - and, it's fun and funny!

Africa has always been a place of fascinating mystery to me. A place I want to know more, and, all, about.

For me, this movie shows me much of what I didn't know, and, in such a comical way. That makes it fun.

The film makers of movies like this, and, others dealing with exotic creatures, must be brilliant, and...patient.

To get all of these great shots in this movie...these cameramen must have been doing shots themselves just to be able to sit still and WAIT for that particular 'shot!'

They're ARTISTS of the highest caliber! I praise and envy anyone and everyone who photographs and films animals...and, children! :)

YOU HAVE THE PATIENCE OF A SAINT! :)

A South African classic

[Spaceygirl · 9/10 · 22 August 2009]

A true South African classic. A film for everyone. My sisters and I

must have watched it at every school we attended and loved it every time. Twenty years on, my

three

year old niece adores it, especially the 'drunk animals' and the badger and the honey-guide. The scenes with the baby pelicans had her (and me) in tears. There are some scenes that seem contrived but these are few and far between. The classical music score is marvellous and the sound effects enhance the effect and the

film is a visual feast. Highly recommended.

Brilliant Movie

[monjaelp · 10/10 · 27 June 2013]

I have seen this movie for the first time at the age of 6 and I have since watched it over and over again...and last night I have watched this movie again for the first time in about 15 years...and wow...it is still one of the best movies ever made. Love the music and the joy and the joking way in which Jamie Uys made this movie.

I really do not care what the animal experts says about this and whether some things are staged (which i don't really believe) and whether or not he is 100% with his facts...this is an amazing film and I cannot wait to one day show this to my kids. Hubby and I thoroughly enjoyed watching this movie and we will certainly watch it over and over.

Jamie Uys - you are amazing and we thank you.

So much better than letting kids watch Pokemon.

spectacle of nature

[thiago-guimaraes-torres · 8/10 · 1 October 2019]

I couldn't care less if it was staged or not, it's a well written and masterfully directed spectacle of nature!

Pure delight

[martin-fennell · 10/10 · 15 October 2017]

I've seen this movie many times. This is one of the best nature films ever made. It is a mixture of comedy, violence, sadness, and all other things that go to make up this world. The creatures will make you laugh, be amazed and maybe even draw a tear. Faultless direction. One of my favourites. I recommend this without reservation.

Jamie Uys comedy wildlife

[gorytus-20672 · 8/10 · 25 August 2021]

Aug 21

Wow this is something special you know, i first saw this many years ago and never forgot it.

Its a comedy wildlife film about the animals in the Namib, and its so funny and wonderful you forget your watching a wildlife documentary.

The narration is fantastic, as this is done in the same style as the Jamie Uys films "Gods must be crazy 1 and 2".

Trust me if you enjoyed the "Gods must be crazy" films you will enjoy this, and this took some 3 years to make and it clearly paid off in the end.

8.5 out of 10.

A must-miss.

[RobertFlor · 1/10 · 4 May 2002]

This movie might have worked in the 1950's for young children. Ridiculous footage with exaggerated music, embarrassingly stupid sound effects and a condescending informationless 'father knows best' monologue kill it. It should have stayed in the middle school Film 101 classroom.

The best comedy ever!

[Neferkara · 14 March 2006]

Okay, I have written some rather unfriendly comments before, but there can be nothing bad said about this movie. In this movie, the director shows how much of a comic genius he really is. The scenes are wonderfully played out, considering the animals are not acting; makes me wonder how many thousands of takes the director must have had. The director plays the role of the narrator in a sort of zoological commentary on how animals of the Kalahari act really like humans, and they really do. They even get drunk like humans. The editing is great and the colours are wonderful, in my point of view. I remember the first time I saw this movie, I thought I would have died of laughter 4 or 5 times, I even had to check my pulse to make sure. That is how funny this movie is. It is worth the money and the time by a long-shot. Enjoy, everyone.

Unforgettable

[rwalker-53133 · 10/10 · 12 March 2022]

I saw this film at the cinema many years ago with my children. A few years later we saw it again on the television. My dream had always been from being a child to visit Africa. I did eventually, three times to Tanzania and crossed the Serengeti. The entrance to Tarangiri Park, we were met by Wart Hogs - I thought of this one coming out of it's hole! A lone elephant leaning against a tree, too early for fruit! Never forgot this film, and just to see the short video brought all my memories back. The photography is outstanding, I think it is one of the best and funniest films I have ever seen. I have sent the video to my adult children and hopefully they will show it their own off-spring with fond memories.

excellent documentary film

[ifikree · 19 July 2001]

This is one of the best documentary film I have ever seen. I have watched it for more than 10 times, specially the scene when the animals are drunk and the way they walk back home. This is a film which every body can watch and enjoy it.

Oh Joy oh Bliss

[guruB · 30 July 2002]

The best animal documentary you will ever watch. Funny and exciting. You will love every minute of it. Greatest fun I've had in years.

Do not miss it. A classic in every sense.