57
Metascore
14 reviews · Provided by Metacritic.com
- 75Boston GlobeTom RussoBoston GlobeTom RussoMonkeys end up supplying the movie’s real drama. While parentally overlooked mischief-maker Tao Tao gets up to the requisite, well, monkey business, he’s also witness to a stunning snatch-and-fly attack by an opportunistic goshawk. It might not be nature on demand, but it’s some scene.
- 70VarietyOwen GleibermanVarietyOwen GleibermanTo the extent that Born in China is, by its very existence, a minor act of cross-cultural diplomacy, its most progressive effect is to unveil the majestic diversity of Chinese landscapes.
- 70The Hollywood ReporterJustin LoweThe Hollywood ReporterJustin LoweIf all of the overemoting can be ignored, Born in China delivers gorgeous visuals in its close-up perspective on some of the world’s rarest wildlife species, as well as the imposing habitats they call home.
- 65TheWrapAlonso DuraldeTheWrapAlonso DuraldeBorn in China” doesn’t flip the script in any significant way, but while the storytelling here has significant weaknesses, it’s hard to stay mad at any movie that offers so many close-ups of an insanely adorable baby panda.
- 63Movie NationRoger MooreMovie NationRoger MooreAll in all, it’s an eye-opening offering from DisneyNature, even with the Chinese pandering, Chinese spin and image-burnishing we can sense was part of the package.
- 63Chicago TribuneKatie WalshChicago TribuneKatie WalshThe message stays firmly on spiritual questions about the circle of life, but doesn't educate or leave the audience with a call to action about how to personally act to protect these animals, and that feels like a missed opportunity.
- 60The New York TimesNeil GenzlingerThe New York TimesNeil GenzlingerThe narrative, read by John Krasinski, is kid-friendly in a cloying sort of way, and unpleasant realities like China’s pollution are not mentioned. So as an introduction for children to exotic creatures in picturesque landscapes, the movie is harmless enough.
- 50Screen DailyTim GriersonScreen DailyTim GriersonEssentially a feature-length version of the cute animal videos that proliferate on social media, Born In China is a feast for the eyes while also being an irritant for the ears.
- 50Washington PostWashington PostWith Born in China, Disneynature continues its tradition of ascribing human traits and emotions to wild creatures in ways that flirt with artificiality. Yet the documentary does manage to elicit a viewer’s awe and touch the heart.
- 38Slant MagazineSam C. MacSlant MagazineSam C. MacThe film is neatly organized around not only the changing of the seasons, but a Disney-branded "circle of life" ethos.