Die Elefantenflüsterer

About all the keyboard eco-warriors furiously pounding out their reviews in righteous indignation at the alleged mistreatment of these elephants. I can almost hear the blood of these armchair conservationists boil as they watch this documentary through their privileged first world lens. "I am a sponsor of an elephant trust", one declares, while another bleats, "I do not care about your (Tamil) cultural reasoning!", most likely from the safety and comfort of their modern abodes, and on devices like MacBooks that probably cost more than the annual salary of the caretakers in the documentary. In doing so, they expose their lack of any cultural sensitivity and indeed any true sense of sacrifice or worldliness.

Elephants are as revered as cows in India, because of a god, Lord Ganesha, who is part elephant. This does not mean that elephants are not used as a means of transportation like horses. It simply means that they are bestowed more respect than most animals. The elephants left behind or cast out of their tribe would very likely perish if not for human intervention. The impoverished caretakers find meaning and purpose in their lives through looking after these elephant cubs, just as the e-conservationists do so by aligning with values of animal welfare and ethical treatment without ever risking being eaten by a tiger or stabbed by an elephant. My only complaint is that the documentary was not nearly long enough.

No matter who you are, what religion, colour or race we are all a part of the Earth and we unite as one in this shared landscapes. This documentary grows on you as it progresses. The director has beautifully captured the story about how a bond is developed between the orphaned Elephants and a couple who had recently lost something in their life. It will make you smile, cry, touched and engaged throughout the 41 minutes.

Kudos to the forest department of Tamil Nadu for supporting and allowing this story to be heard.

The documentary footage has superb cinematography and has captured the landscape of Mudumalai splendidly. You feel like watching this docu again and again.

Incredibly moving documentary about a couple in Southern India who foster orphaned elephants. The film does a phenomenal job of providing environmental, societal, and historical context to a heartwarming story. The elephants are undoubtedly the stars of the film - their mischief, gentle nature, and unconditional affection display a human child-like character that only makes you smile. Where the viewer is truly lucky is that the couple is able to translate exactly what the elephant is thinking, doing, or feeling in a way that a parent can for a child. The best thing about this short documentary is that it has something for everyone. A must watch.

This documentary is about a Tamil couple who fosters orphaned elephants. Most baby elephants don't survive human care, especially if they are very young and require a lot of attention. This couple managed to raise baby elephants, whereas others have failed. Unfortunately, failure means death. Watching the bond between humans and elephants grow into genuine affection is heartwarming. It's not too much to call it love. Elephants have very good memories and develop emotional attachments to humans. It was a joy to watch. This film does a good job of humanizing elephants and humanizing a foreign culture to this sheltered "ugly" American. I thoroughly enjoyed it.

At a time like this when the world is so much in turmoil it is easy to get disheartened. Once in a while, though, you run across a movie that will pull at your heartstrings and make you realize that there is still goodness in the world. This movie will make you break out in smiles knowing that there are some very special people in the world who are kind and devoted to helping raise 2 baby elephants. I am so happy I found it on Netflix. I recommend it highly! I myself have already watched it twice and told all my friends and family about it! Kudos to the Director, wildlife photographer Kartiki Gonsalves, and her film crew for making this charming movie and bringing it to the world.