Bruno Manser - Die Stimme des Regenwaldes

I saw this remarkable film at the Zürich Film Festival last night; the first Swiss film to open the festival since its founding 15 years ago. Niklaus Hilber's epic spanning 16 years is amazing achievement on every level, and especially so considering that it was shot for only $6M. The true story of the maverick Swiss environmental activist (and self-taught Anthropologist and Linguist) who didn't just live among the indigenous rain-forest dwelling Penan people of Malaysia but who also adapted their lifestyle, mastered their language, and put his life on the line to defend them and their way of life. The story, pacing, photography and acting are superb and this combination is potentiated to the fullest by the score.

This movie is a must see for everybody who loves the nature. It was never boring. Sven Schelker delivered an Oscar worthy performance. He put his emotional feelings always at the right time. I am glad that the life of Bruno Manser has been finally filmed. It was for me and my wife a great experience. All facts are based on true stories. Wonderful pictures from the jungle in Borneo but also destroyed landscapes. Now I know what he tried to get for our planet. I hope he will be an idol for everyone of us in our heart. God bless him for all he did to help the Penan people to keep their rights. At the end I had nearly tears in my eyes. Don't miss it. 10/10.

I had not heard about Bruno Manser until I watched this movie. This is a must see, very accurate to his life experience. There are some great leaders who are often not seen as great, but I imagine heroes like Bruno will be far more revered in 50 or 100 years or so. The catastrophe of what is being done to the environment & those who live with nature like the Penan, is a tragedy all in the pursuit of business. The consequences of these massive land clearances which Bruno and others worked so hard to stop, recognising his options as a westerner; this is the story of a hero.

The movie and the story itself of Swiss activist Bruno Manser and his fight for the rainforest and the Penan is really beautiful and inspiring. The plot is well written and the character of Bruno Manser is a strong one (strong performance by Sven Schelker). The cinematography is really amazing. The only thing, that was very disturbing was the soundtrack of oscar-winner Gabriel Yared. A lot of pathos and a lot of chessy soundteack-moments ruined the atmosphere.

Really nice story with stunning pictures of precious rainforest and a man that gives everthing to save the penan and the lungs of our earth. Such real stories and inspiring heroes needs the world and the movies.