Thomas Balmes’ documentary
Babies could not have a more basic premise. He followed four children, born in different areas of the world -- Ponijao, from Namibia; Mongolian Bayarjargal; Mari, from Tokyo, Japan; and San Franciscan Hattie -- through the first 12 months of their lives. While that description, and the trailer, makes the film appear to be something like a greatest hits collection from a National Geographic YouTube channel devoted to infants, Balmes deftly juxtaposes the children’s different cultures in such a way that the movie stimulates your brain while plucking your heartstrings.
The movie’s MO is plain from the opening minutes, where we...
Released:
2009
Rated:
PG
Length:
79 mins