Really nice story with stunning pictures of precious rainforest and a man that gives everthing to save the penan and the lungs of our earth. Such real stories and inspiring heroes needs the world and the movies.
6 Reviews
Modern hero
rfust13 November 2019
Very inspiring movie about a human who highly deserves to be known for the change he was aspiring to make
Horst_In_Translation23 October 2020
Warning: Spoilers
"Bruno Manser - Die Stimme des Regenwaldes" is a Swiss movie in all kinds of languages that premiered back on 2019 already, but (also because of the pandemic) needed a long time to actually get to Germany and now it is late 2020 and yesterday i got to watch it for the first time. The director and one of several writers is Niklaus Hilber, a man who has been making movies for almost 20 years and I think his experience shows in the film and that is certainly a good and important thing because it will probably take a long time for another film about Manser getting made if it ever happens, so I am happy this one take we have here went all kinds of right. There are other documentaries out there I think, but not a live action film. At comfortably over two hours, it iis a very long movie, but it does not feel that way because you are quickly sucked in by the fascinating story. The title means "voice of the rain forest" by the way, very accurate and also nice that they include Manser's name as well. he deserves to be far more famous for what he did. During the screening one person said during a live panel that he deserves a Nobel Peace Prize and I would not disagree. I mean it's ridiculous Greta was twice pretty close to getting it already and this man here who really risked his life and sanity on so many occasions is not considered, especially with the two kinda fighting for a similar cause. But let's not get anymore into detail about that now. The lead actor here is Sven Schelker, really strong performance, and he deserves the Swiss Film Prize for his portrayal, not only because he went to the jungle for several weeks before shooting began in order to prepare for this challenging role. Also I found out that Hilber picked natives of the same tribe to play these characters in the movie. Not prolific actors from Indonesia of course, which made the shooting of this film an even bigger challenge, but also added a much more interesting, maybe even touching, component to it all. How they were not allowed to shoot in Malayia where the film is set, but had to fly these actors out and then when it was finished and ready, they got there again and had several movie premieres in the jungle because those are the ones who should see it first because it is their movie. It is about them. And how it was a bit strange because they do not know the concept of cameras and filmmaking. Anyway, I wonder if this film could be picked by Switzerland to represent the country at the 2021 Oscars. Probably not. Maybe it was eligible for 2020 already anyway and they chose another film, which would make sense because this one here also did not win the big prize at the Swiss Film Awards, but at least the lead actor prevailed.
Now, let me say a fe words about manser as he is shown in this film. I think it felt very complete if you could say so. How he arrived there only to live with the natives for a while and how he was still more of a boy than a man. But also how he quickly felt the important of the issue and became a bit of a freedom fighter. They also depicted the ways in which he grew closer with the natives in a manner that will easily win you over. There is initial skepticism, but for example whhen he stumbles through the jungle on one leg, it's a scene that has everybody laughing. And then there are the more serious moments when he risks his own life for them. How he becomes the leader and they create these barricades and get almost killed before the police officer (or military officer) orders them to stop before kids get killed. And how Manser returns to civilization when things get too dangerous for him. How he has conversations with important political figures and totally focuses on his goals and ideas, even if they annoy the person he talks to. Or his actions to get attention for the cause. Like when he climbs that building. He was much more than a survivalist, he was a political activist. One thing I found a bit sad was basically how everybody he worked with and trusted got lost on the way. He hardly had anybody anymore in the end. Except Along maybe. His parents were not close to him anymore. His father was maybe dead, even if he eventually understood his son's ideas and motivations. The journalists who supported him in the jungle also chhose distance eventually. The one closest to him even betrayed him. I wonder if that scene really happened when he manages to get out of the car. By the way, this is not only a really good movie because of the subject, but also from a cinematic perspective. Some very haunting shots. The one I remember most vividly is when he is bitten by the snake. Reminded me slightly of "127 Hours". I almost felt his pain for a second there. The jungle may be his friend and he easily gets away from the guys hunting him for the money, but the ungle is still dangerous. hich of course is also proven by the fact that he lost his life there in 2000 apparently. Although I kinda like the thought that he is still alive somewhere out there and realizes he will never be able to protect them and lives ith them far away from civilization for the rest of his life. But after 20 years since he went missing, this is of course not realistic. We will never know if he got murdered, died in a suicide or in an accident. But it is sad he died this way because, even if his mental state had been declining and he was maybe suffering from depressions even, it seemed as if there was still a lot on his mind. I am only talking about the film though, not about the real man. I must admit that I have never heard the name either before watching this movie. Definitely my loss. But the film and the character kinda inspired me even to perhaps become a bit more active in terms of demonstrations linked to the subject of protecting the planet. And not just the commercial fake stuff like the whole Greta movement. Anyway, finally there is one thing I want to talk about a bit and this is how it was the films approach to the subject where it really made an impact. It did not just throw the thesis into the room that curring down all these trees is a bad thing, but it made a convincing connection to how this is basically desttoying the foundation of life for the tribe living in the forest. So they are also causing irrevocable damage to the people, not just to the planet. The scene when this other tribe shows up was memorable too. They had not enough food anymore. There was also an aura of danger that they will maybe fight for it, but no. They are peaceful people. Or of course the UN reference with Boutros Boutros-Ghali, who met Manser and was included in a lengthy sequence that I did expect this way. But also how this meeting only resulted in a partial success. The fact that these people were restless was their own demise and we see the character who is closest to a famel lead here being one of those who settle down, which works against the idea of these people being restless the way they have been for hundreds of years. But the good news is that Manser's fight was not for nothing. It took a long time, even a long time after his death, but more progressive Malaysian politicians have finally acknowledged the importantce of the matter and I am sure Manser would be glad to know, even if of course we are still far, far away from a solution that seems appropriate and would fit what he had in mind for those people in the jungle. He was one of them. There is talk on one occasion where he is accused of being just a bored boy and how he did not even find peace with his people at home and now he comes here to cause more chaos and he responds something like that now he is home with his people. Many good moments like this in this movie. I am not entirely sure if this accusation came from the man who wanted to give him all this money to leave, but I think so. He also played a haunting antagonist I would say. Pretty memorable, although his screen time was fairly limited. He was also in the scene when manser got arrested I think, the one where they end up in the car immediately afterwards, but that's pretty much it. Will stay with you for a lot longer. I think this is easily one of the best films of 2019 and I genuinely hope that many more people will see it. I could not recommend it enough. Major thumbs-up and I am honestly grateful it got made. Big thank you to Mr. Hilber and Mr. Schelker and everybody else who was a part of this project!
Now, let me say a fe words about manser as he is shown in this film. I think it felt very complete if you could say so. How he arrived there only to live with the natives for a while and how he was still more of a boy than a man. But also how he quickly felt the important of the issue and became a bit of a freedom fighter. They also depicted the ways in which he grew closer with the natives in a manner that will easily win you over. There is initial skepticism, but for example whhen he stumbles through the jungle on one leg, it's a scene that has everybody laughing. And then there are the more serious moments when he risks his own life for them. How he becomes the leader and they create these barricades and get almost killed before the police officer (or military officer) orders them to stop before kids get killed. And how Manser returns to civilization when things get too dangerous for him. How he has conversations with important political figures and totally focuses on his goals and ideas, even if they annoy the person he talks to. Or his actions to get attention for the cause. Like when he climbs that building. He was much more than a survivalist, he was a political activist. One thing I found a bit sad was basically how everybody he worked with and trusted got lost on the way. He hardly had anybody anymore in the end. Except Along maybe. His parents were not close to him anymore. His father was maybe dead, even if he eventually understood his son's ideas and motivations. The journalists who supported him in the jungle also chhose distance eventually. The one closest to him even betrayed him. I wonder if that scene really happened when he manages to get out of the car. By the way, this is not only a really good movie because of the subject, but also from a cinematic perspective. Some very haunting shots. The one I remember most vividly is when he is bitten by the snake. Reminded me slightly of "127 Hours". I almost felt his pain for a second there. The jungle may be his friend and he easily gets away from the guys hunting him for the money, but the ungle is still dangerous. hich of course is also proven by the fact that he lost his life there in 2000 apparently. Although I kinda like the thought that he is still alive somewhere out there and realizes he will never be able to protect them and lives ith them far away from civilization for the rest of his life. But after 20 years since he went missing, this is of course not realistic. We will never know if he got murdered, died in a suicide or in an accident. But it is sad he died this way because, even if his mental state had been declining and he was maybe suffering from depressions even, it seemed as if there was still a lot on his mind. I am only talking about the film though, not about the real man. I must admit that I have never heard the name either before watching this movie. Definitely my loss. But the film and the character kinda inspired me even to perhaps become a bit more active in terms of demonstrations linked to the subject of protecting the planet. And not just the commercial fake stuff like the whole Greta movement. Anyway, finally there is one thing I want to talk about a bit and this is how it was the films approach to the subject where it really made an impact. It did not just throw the thesis into the room that curring down all these trees is a bad thing, but it made a convincing connection to how this is basically desttoying the foundation of life for the tribe living in the forest. So they are also causing irrevocable damage to the people, not just to the planet. The scene when this other tribe shows up was memorable too. They had not enough food anymore. There was also an aura of danger that they will maybe fight for it, but no. They are peaceful people. Or of course the UN reference with Boutros Boutros-Ghali, who met Manser and was included in a lengthy sequence that I did expect this way. But also how this meeting only resulted in a partial success. The fact that these people were restless was their own demise and we see the character who is closest to a famel lead here being one of those who settle down, which works against the idea of these people being restless the way they have been for hundreds of years. But the good news is that Manser's fight was not for nothing. It took a long time, even a long time after his death, but more progressive Malaysian politicians have finally acknowledged the importantce of the matter and I am sure Manser would be glad to know, even if of course we are still far, far away from a solution that seems appropriate and would fit what he had in mind for those people in the jungle. He was one of them. There is talk on one occasion where he is accused of being just a bored boy and how he did not even find peace with his people at home and now he comes here to cause more chaos and he responds something like that now he is home with his people. Many good moments like this in this movie. I am not entirely sure if this accusation came from the man who wanted to give him all this money to leave, but I think so. He also played a haunting antagonist I would say. Pretty memorable, although his screen time was fairly limited. He was also in the scene when manser got arrested I think, the one where they end up in the car immediately afterwards, but that's pretty much it. Will stay with you for a lot longer. I think this is easily one of the best films of 2019 and I genuinely hope that many more people will see it. I could not recommend it enough. Major thumbs-up and I am honestly grateful it got made. Big thank you to Mr. Hilber and Mr. Schelker and everybody else who was a part of this project!
Excellent!
graham-harvey22 April 2022
I had not heard about Bruno Manser until I watched this movie. This is a must see, very accurate to his life experience. There are some great leaders who are often not seen as great, but I imagine heroes like Bruno will be far more revered in 50 or 100 years or so. The catastrophe of what is being done to the environment & those who live with nature like the Penan, is a tragedy all in the pursuit of business. The consequences of these massive land clearances which Bruno and others worked so hard to stop, recognising his options as a westerner; this is the story of a hero.
As Picturesque and Well-Played as it is Timely and Disturbing
Alice_Guy-Blache27 September 2019
I saw this remarkable film at the Zürich Film Festival last night; the first Swiss film to open the festival since its founding 15 years ago. Niklaus Hilber's epic spanning 16 years is amazing achievement on every level, and especially so considering that it was shot for only $6M.
The true story of the maverick Swiss environmental activist (and self-taught Anthropologist and Linguist) who didn't just live among the indigenous rain-forest dwelling Penan people of Malaysia but who also adapted their lifestyle, mastered their language, and put his life on the line to defend them and their way of life. The story, pacing, photography and acting are superb and this combination is potentiated to the fullest by the score.
Your eyes will open wide
Luigi Di Pilla29 March 2020
This movie is a must see for everybody who loves the nature. It was never boring. Sven Schelker delivered an Oscar worthy performance. He put his emotional feelings always at the right time. I am glad that the life of Bruno Manser has been finally filmed. It was for me and my wife a great experience. All facts are based on true stories. Wonderful pictures from the jungle in Borneo but also destroyed landscapes. Now I know what he tried to get for our planet. I hope he will be an idol for everyone of us in our heart. God bless him for all he did to help the Penan people to keep their rights. At the end I had nearly tears in my eyes. Don't miss it. 10/10.
Good movie vs over the top Soundtrack
salvatore-mazzotta24 November 2019
The movie and the story itself of Swiss activist Bruno Manser and his fight for the rainforest and the Penan is really beautiful and inspiring. The plot is well written and the character of Bruno Manser is a strong one (strong performance by Sven Schelker). The cinematography is really amazing. The only thing, that was very disturbing was the soundtrack of oscar-winner Gabriel Yared. A lot of pathos and a lot of chessy soundteack-moments ruined the atmosphere.
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