Lucy, the Human Chimp

There are many stories about "human" chimps; chimpanzees raised as humans, who fit in well with their adopted families until they reach maturity, whereupon they become tragic creatures, unable to live as either man or animal. This film is in fact more interesting than its title suggests; as what it really does is tell the story of the attempt to re-animalise its nominal protagonist, and of Janis, the woman who set herself the task of reintroducing her into the wild. As such, it's more a story of a simian human, who ultimately was driven from the chimpanzee community in the same way any chimp who loses a dominance struggle might be ejected. This person, however, who provides most of the narrative to the story, is not only still alive, but also intelligent and clear sighted; and has in fact devoted the rest of her life to rehabilitating chimpanzees, albeit with less intimate involvement than she had with her first patient. It's an absorbing story, illuminating by Janis's innate decency and her insight into what makes us human, and what we share with our closest living relatives.

In the end, this expose is as much about the young woman who devotes her life to trying to get a human-raised chimp to adapt to the wild. It's a study of human psychology and isolation as much as it is one of chimp behavior. Weirdly fascinating.

I am absolutely and unconditionally blown away by this, and I am so grateful for this documentary, for it bringing this amazing story to my awareness!

The only bad thing about this gem is its title. It says absolutely nothing about the depth and nuances of the film. It is about so much more than a chimp living with humans. That part is more or less in the films past. To my mind this is in a way a story about redemption, even penance. Lucy is done a great wrong by being taken from her natural state and brought up as a human (regardless of how much love they have had for her). And a human "sacrifice" is made, an innocent girl brought by circumstances to stay in the wild and become chimp-like, in order for the "sin" to be redeemed. It is an absolutely fascinating and breathtaking story. And it is to a large part told by that person herself, which makes it so real and heartfelt.

As for the means of telling the story, I think it is done very nicely, with a well-balanced mix of archive-footage, present interview and re-enactment that has an authenticity to it that is not always the case in that area.

How was I able to live almost 46 years in this world before hearing of this out-of-the-world-and-over-the-moon real-life story?! And how on earth could this film have been out for two years and not have more votes and reviews?!

Most of the human and (wild) animal relationship movies are comedies and mostly targeted audience were children, families. Its either entertainment film or the documentary film.

Take for instance, take the recent film based on the real, Le Seul et unique Ivan (2020) or any DisneyNature films. But there are some fine realistic films too we can find, and this is one of those.

Very emotional tale, reminded me of the Jane Hawking, the wife of Stephen Hawking from the film, Une merveilleuse histoire du temps (2014). Yes, a woman who dedicated all her life for another person, like a servant, slave. The commitment she expected nothing in return.

In this story, if she wanted, she could have looked after her own life, instead she dedicated to Lucy, a human chimp that's born in the human world, raised by the human parents and sent to live the wild life as it meant to be in the African jungle.

Was it a right decision? Very debatable among the commoners and the experts. But 40 years ago the world was different than what human think and do today.

They had not had the original footages, so they recreated it with the actors to accomplish the project. It was a short film, but very good. I hope this will turn into a real motion picture. I definitely want that.

I was happy to see this documebt about Lucy and the others. I remember when I wasa kid I was very impressed with Janis, and as I kid I wanted to have a chimpansee at home also:') It was good to see those pictures and dreamt a lot about them how they lived together, what kind of experience they have, and what could they share and learn about each other.

I am glad to see this documantary.

As a film I only have problem with the music, as its so manipulative. Also some visual effects and added sound effects takes from the enjoyment rather than add to it.

Added effects was not needed in this film, I dont know why they ruin the feeling with it.

Without this chesy music and special effects it could be 10 starts.

I am still curious what they learned, and what kind of own thought Lucy had.

When nobody ask anything but Lucy wants to express herself and say someting, or ask something.

I am really curious what Lucy asks, what she wanted to know.

I would love to see more of that part in the movie.

Interesting to see also how much Janis learned, and what phases she went thorough.

Never though her side that much in this subject before, I was always think about the chimps rather than the human part in it.

If you love chimps as well, or even if dont like them yet, watch this movie!