Born in China
Walt Disney Company, The | Release Date: April 21, 2017 CRITIC SCORE DISTRIBUTION
57
METASCORE
Mixed or average reviews based on 14 Critic Reviews
Positive:
8
Mixed:
5
Negative:
1
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Critic Reviews

Critic scorePublicationBy date
75
Boston GlobeTom RussoApr 19, 2017
Monkeys 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. Read full review
70
The Hollywood ReporterJustin LoweApr 10, 2017
If 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. Read full review
70
VarietyOwen GleibermanApr 10, 2017
To 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. Read full review
65
TheWrapAlonso DuraldeApr 10, 2017
Born 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. Read full review
63
The Globe and Mail (Toronto)Andrew ParkerApr 20, 2017
On the whole, it’s fine for what it is, and outside of baby panda cubs remaining some of the cutest things on the planet, the real attraction here is a glimpse at the reclusive snow leopard in its natural habitat. Read full review
63
The Seattle TimesKatie WalshApr 20, 2017
The footage captured is breathtaking for its access and intimacy to these incredible creatures. Read full review
63
Chicago TribuneKatie WalshApr 20, 2017
The 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. Read full review
63
Movie NationRoger MooreApr 19, 2017
All 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. Read full review
60
The New York TimesNeil GenzlingerApr 20, 2017
The 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. Read full review
50
Austin ChronicleMarjorie BaumgartenApr 26, 2017
As breathtaking as the imagery is, however, the script, which is narrated by John Krasinski, is a mess of anthropomorphic goop. Read full review
50
RogerEbert.comSimon AbramsApr 21, 2017
The film patly confirms what "The Lion King" already taught '90s kids: we should take comfort in knowing that everything in life is natural when seen as part of the "circle of life," as surprisingly effective voiceover narrator John Krasinski reminds us. Read full review
50
Washington PostJane HorwitzApr 20, 2017
With 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. Read full review
50
Screen DailyTim GriersonApr 10, 2017
Essentially 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. Read full review
38
Slant MagazineSam C. MacApr 10, 2017
The film is neatly organized around not only the changing of the seasons, but a Disney-branded "circle of life" ethos. Read full review
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