4 movies that talk about the importance of protecting them

On March 14, the “National Animal Day” is celebrated in Brazil. With the aim of making society aware of the rights of animals, the date was established from the presentation of the Statute of Animals, at the National Congress, in 2012, and reinforces the need for the care that should be given to them, whether domestic or wild. .

To reflect on the subject, movies with animals, even if apparently cute, portray the importance of protecting them and promoting positive actions in viewers. So, check out 4 movies below that promise to stir your emotions and impact your relationship with the animal kingdom. Look!

1. Gonker Wanted (2023)

Directed by Stephen Herek, the same director of “101 Dalmatians”, the film, based on facts, narrates the story of the beloved dog Gonker, a golden retriever that gets lost in the forest after hiking with his young tutor Fielding Maschall (Johnny Berchtold). Desperate, but without losing hope, the boy decides to ask his father John (Rob Lowe) for help, who hasn’t seen him for years, to get his friend back.

During the searches, the boy mobilizes several neighbors and volunteers, who try to find the dog as quickly as possible, as he suffers from Addison’s disease, a kidney failure that requires monthly injections. As the search continues, Fielding may also be able to resolve some past issues.

Where to watch: Netflix.

two. The One and Only Ivan (2020)

An adaptation of the book “The Great Ivan”, by the writer KA Applegate, elected bestseller by the New York Times, the film tells the story of a very special gorilla named Ivan, who suffers from not knowing his origins.

Living in a suburban mall with Stella the elephant, Bob the dog and other animals, he feeds his hopes of discovering who he is with just a few jungle souvenirs, from where it was captured as a puppy. However, with the help of his friends, he discovers clues to unravel the mysteries of the past and plans an escape from the captivity in which he lives.

Where to watch: Disney+.

3. Okja (2017)

Directed and scripted by Bong Joon-ho, the same director of “The Express of Tomorrow” and “Parasite”, the plot makes an appeal against the mistreatment of animals and the savage methods of some companies. In 2007, in New York, Lucy Mirando (Tilda Swinton), CEO of a powerful company, introduced to the world a new species of animal known as “superpig”. Discovered in Chile, the animals are sent to 26 different countries, where they will have to adapt to their new habitat and be introduced to humanity.

With the project, Lucy intends to let the animals spread out for 10 years and, after that period, hold a contest to choose the best super pig. With that, a young girl named Mija (Seo-Hyun Ahn) meets Okja, a female super pig raised by her grandfather. Over time, the girl becomes attached to the animal and, realizing that she is about to lose her, decides to fight to stay by your side, whatever the cost.

Where to watch: Netflix.

4. Rio 2 (2014)

A classic of children’s films that portrays the exploration of the animal kingdom, this national film could not be missing from the list. Directed by Carlos Saldanha, the animation tells the story of the Blu macaw, a bird that never learned to fly. Captured by animal smugglers when he was just born, Blu lives a domesticated life with his owner Linda in the United States and thinks he is the last macaw of his kind.

However, Linda discovers that there is, in Brazil, a female blue macaw, called Jewel, and decides to take Blu to the country to meet her. However, what she didn’t expect is that both birds would be captured by smugglers. On the journey, Blu and Jewel escape and begin a new adventure towards freedom.

Where to watch: Disney+.