How Long Is “Arctic Tale”?

Stunning cinematography and two fun subjects, a polar bear and a walrus, mark this appealing nature study, which also offers an environmental message. Husband-and-wife co-directors Adam Ravetch and Sarah Robertson spent six years filming the project. Hip-hop superstar Queen Latifah provides a lively narration. One of the three screenwriters is Kristin Gore, daughter of former vice president Al Gore. The production is from National Geographic Films ("March of the Penguins."), A Disney-style documentary from National Geographic about wildlife in the frozen north, compiled by directors Sarah Robertson and award-winning underwater photographer Adam Ravetch from 15 years' worth of footage. Featuring an anthropomorphic-leaning narration by Queen Latifah, the film documents the lives of a walrus and a polar bear (dubbed Seela and Nanu respectively), from infancy to maturity, and through good times and bad. Setting aside the anthropomorphism and pop song soundtrack, as most budding Attenboroughs watching are likely to do, the film gives an insight into the realities of life in a harsh environment, as well as delivering the message that climate change is only going to make things harder for these engaging animals.