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This is a tender, generous movie that likes its characters and presents them as real people, full of flaws and strengths.

The film makes a home in your brain and the only cure is to see it again.

A clunky actioner with a handful of cool moments.

Wow. I am truly speechless. I had postponed watching this documentary several times until I finally took the time to sit down and give it a go. The term "Virunga" did sound familiar, but apart from that, I was oblivious to any plot details of this wonderfully shot, touching and at times surreal account of heroic personages trying to save the last mountain gorillas whilst preserving the environment they inhabit. It was more than refreshing to see such a well-portrayed polarization of the good and evil visages of human nature, which allows the viewers to distinctly identify with one of the contrasting sides of the tale: not unlike your typical superhero movie, we have the villains and the heroes.Orlando von Einsiedel does a magnificent job of introducing us to a sensible subject often approached by reputed wildlife organizations on the most superficial of levels. We are taken on a journey which accompanies the workings of a few individuals determined to make a change by fighting a seemingly lost battle against overmighty corporations and corrupt government. This unique documentary manages to transmit powerful notions of how our unending and reckless ambitions effectively drive many other species to the brink of extinction, which most people apparently don't care about or don't care about enough to do something about it. Fortunately, the movie focuses on the huge impact a tiny group of creative, resolved and motivated conservationists can have, all the while remaining entirely unbiased, a rare feature in today's non-fiction motion picture canon. My first criterion in judging a movie is whether it provokes any kind of emotional response on my part - in this instance, I felt hope. Hope that we can actually do what we put our minds to and repair some of the damage previously thought irreversible, caused by our incautious and negligent industrial expansion. We share our existence with many creatures on this wonderful planet. Their lives matter too. Add in shocking undercover footage, fantastic editing and beautiful shots of Africa's landscape and you have got yourself a masterpiece. This is why we make films in the first place. Bravo!!!

An immensely moving and thought provoking documentary about a subject that I would understand not many know about, Oscar nominated, Leonardo DiCaprio produced Virunga is a must see film for not only fans of documentary films but the general public and is an incredible examination of the human spirit and those dedicated to making the world a better place.England based filmmaker Orlando von Einsiedel holds back no punches in this Netflix backed looked at the Virunga National Park deep in the wilds of the Congo and the many battles it faces from illegal animal poachers, greedy oil company's and a country with a long and sad history of violent civil wars. Einsiedel and his team of cameraman over a period of years nestled in deep with the men and women dedicated to the cause of preserving this majestic park range and the many animals it harbors, including the dangerously low in numbers Mountain Gorillas, and the film we the viewer get to witness offers us an up close and personal look at wide variety of situations, many of which were clearly dangerous for those on the ground.The landscape surrounding the naturally beautiful space of Virunga is fraught with danger and as Einsiedel's film progresses an appreciation for what troubles plaguing this region become more and more apparent, and the people who operate within these confines become more and more heroic. The humans are the stars here in Einsiedel's tale, from gorilla orphan caretaker Andre Bauma, Belgium prince Emmanuel de Merode operating as the park ranger leader, young reporter Melanie Gouby and one time soldier turned ranger Rodrigue Katembo, Einsiedel captures not only stunningly magnificent scenery and animal footage, but documents of incredible human beings, the type that in amongst a wealth of evil, corrupt cohabitants, shine a light on the good that can be achieved with a kind and loving heart.Virunga is a gut punch of movie, whether it be its documents of civil war, the sadness of animal poaching or the stand out examples of the human spirit, there's a wealth of material here that makes this film one of the year's best. Fantastically captured by Einsiedel and his team, Virunga is also one of the year's most visually unique and whilst it may not be easy viewing, Virunga remains compulsory viewing for anyone and everyone that cares for the world we live in today.5 cans of Pringles out of 5

A group of brave individuals risk their lives to save the last of the world's mountain gorillas; in the midst of renewed civil war and a scramble for Congo's natural resources.We start with a broad overview of Congo history, and how outsiders helped ruined it. Unfortunately, as we soon find out, this is not just ancient history. We also see a British oil company's disregard for a World Heritage Site, and the human-gorilla interaction of those pledged to save it.Sheri Linden described Virunga as an "urgent investigative report and unforgettable drama... a work of heart-wrenching tenderness and heart-stopping suspense". Beautifully put, Ms. Linden. Few people know much about the Congo, and this should open their eyes to how the people (and animals) are still being affected by colonization today.

The documentary does a great job of telling the various stories and building up suspense while showing us the beauty of the country.The only historical "inaccuracy" was that they didn't flat out say that King Leopold of Belgium literally committed genocide in the Free Congo State by killing 10-30 million people for his own personal financial gains. It was in fact the first genocide of the 20th century. I wouldn't say it was corporations, King of Belgium is a government not a corporation.Other than that everything about the movie was great. It had great emotions and the characters showed a lot of character.The absurdity of the corporations attempt to try to get oil by damaging environmental or animal conservation efforts is ridiculous. They can just as easily provide for the animals and their habitat and it would not cost much.