Nature, in its vastness and beauty, has been a constant source of inspiration for filmmakers around the world. These films capture the essence of the environment, celebrating its splendors and highlighting its fragility. From gripping survival tales to deep explorations of man’s relationship with the wild, these stories provide a cinematic perspective into the wonders and complexities of the natural world. Nature’s canvas, painted with diverse ecosystems, terrains, and species, serves as a boundless playground for storytelling, often evoking awe, and introspection. In this article, we take a look at the ten best films about nature.
10. Leave No Trace – Debra Granik (2018)
“Leave No Trace” is a story about a father and daughter duo who choose to live off the grid in the vast Oregon forests. Their bond, both with each other and the land, is tested as they grapple with the challenges of their chosen life and the intrusion of modern civilization. Granik’s direction paints a vivid picture of the serenity and challenges of wilderness life, juxtaposing it with the structures of urban society.
The film brilliantly captures the nuances of human relationships when shaped by the wilderness. Granik crafts a tender tale of love, belonging, and the inherent pull of nature, while also challenging our ideas of what it means to truly find one’s place in the world.
9. Into the Wild – Sean Penn (2007)
“Into the Wild” relives the daring expedition of Christopher McCandless, who embraces the Alaskan expanse to find authenticity beyond the bounds of conventional living. Sean Penn unveils a world both inviting and perilous, echoing the two-faced nature of wilderness—grandiose yet unpredictable. The raw emotion and intensity of McCandless’s journey serve as a compelling reminder of the thin line between freedom and isolation in the vast wilderness.
Penn’s cinematic interpretation of the acclaimed novel not only magnifies the scenic beauty of the wild but also probes the depths of a mind seeking unbridled freedom and genuine human connection. It remains a compelling narrative about the magnetic pull of the wilderness and the profound effects of solitude on one’s soul.
8. Captain Fantastic – Matt Ross (2016)
Amidst the dense Pacific Northwest woodlands, “Captain Fantastic” tells the story of a father’s unorthodox approach to parenting, raising his six children removed from the influence of mainstream culture. The dense forests serve simultaneously as refuge and instructor, influencing their worldview and principles. Ross introduces the audience to a world where nature plays both a tangible and symbolic role in a narrative replete with familial ties, values, and challenges from the outer world.
As the narrative unfolds and the family encounters contemporary America, Ross adeptly illustrates the friction between two disparate lifestyles. The film prompts viewers to contemplate modern parenting, the influence of culture, and the profound effect nature exerts on human existence.
7. The Ballad of Narayama – Shōhei Imamura (1983)
Set in a secluded mountainous village in Japan, “The Ballad of Narayama” delves into a stark tradition where elders are escorted to the peak of Mount Narayama to meet their end, making room for the newer generation. Through Shōhei Imamura’s lens, the audience witnesses the raw beauty of the landscape and its symbolic connection to the uncompromising nature of age-old customs. The mountain, a place of finality, also represents the unyielding cycles of nature.
Beyond its setting, Imamura’s film is a profound exploration of existence, mortality, and the choices made for the sake of age-old customs. It encourages viewers to reflect upon the intricate dance between nature and human tradition, and the harmonies and dissonances therein.
6. Tropical Malady – Apichatpong Weerasethakul (2004)
“Tropical Malady” offers an unparalleled experience, splitting its story into distinct halves, one portraying a romance, and the other an odyssey into the dense Thai jungle. Apichatpong Weerasethakul intricately captures the verdant forests, infusing the film with an aura of enchantment and mystique.
The film contemplates love’s multifaceted nature, evolution, and the elemental energies present in both humanity and the wild. Weerasethakul crafts an immersive sensory experience, seamlessly blending the boundaries between humanity and creatures, making this one of the best films about nature.
5. Hunt for the Wilderpeople – Taika Waititi (2016)
Taika Waititi’s “Hunt for the Wilderpeople” unfolds in the scenic terrains of New Zealand, chronicling the escapades of a young boy and his irritable foster uncle. More than just an adventurous romp, the film stands as a tribute to New Zealand’s captivating landscapes, which offer both shelter and trials for the central characters.
While humor punctuates the film’s journey, deeper themes of belonging, kinship, and survival also emerge. Through his narrative, Waititi conveys the notion that immersion in the wild can serve as a path to self-discovery, all while ensuring moments of laughter and genuine emotion.
4. The Naked Island – Kaneto Shindō (1960)
“The Naked Island” is a visual symphony, chronicling the lives of a small family living on a barren island, tirelessly fetching water from a neighboring island to sustain their crops. Kaneto Shindō’s film is virtually wordless, letting the images of nature and the toils of the human spirit speak volumes. The cyclical nature of their labor is mirrored by the changing seasons and the ever-present vastness of the sea.
Through the lens of this family’s persistent efforts, Shindō offers commentary on resilience, the deep ties humans share with their environment, and the endless cycle of existence. “The Naked Island”, in its simplicity, resonates with universal themes of struggle, connection, and the passage of time, making this one of the best films about nature.
3. Kes – Ken Loach (1969)
“Kes” offers a captivating glimpse into the life of a young boy, Billy Casper, living in a bleak industrial town in Yorkshire, England. With his days marked by hardships at school and conflicts at home, he finds solace and a sense of purpose when he befriends a wild kestrel, whom he names Kes. This bird becomes more than just a pet; it represents a lifeline, an escape from his troubles, and a source of inspiration. Ken Loach masterfully paints a portrait of a world where the small joys can offer a respite from life’s relentless challenges.
In “Kes,” nature emerges as a symbol of freedom and hope against the stark contrast of urban decay and societal challenges. The wild kestrel serves as an embodiment of the liberty and beauty that seems so distant in Billy’s everyday life. Through their bond, Loach highlights the transformative power of nature, suggesting that even in the most desolate circumstances, a connection to the natural world can foster resilience and aspiration.
2. Dersu Uzala – Akira Kurosawa (1975)
“Dersu Uzala” chronicles the heartwarming bond between an indigenous Goldi hunter, Dersu Uzala, and a Russian explorer as they embark on multiple expeditions in the Russian Far East. Navigating the vast and sometimes harsh landscapes, their friendship deepens, transcending cultural differences and personal beliefs. Akira Kurosawa brilliantly captures the raw beauty of untouched terrains, emphasizing the intrinsic value and teachings of the environment.
Kurosawa’s narrative shines a light on the profound wisdom that nature imparts and the shared humanity that binds individuals from diverse backgrounds. The vast Siberian wilderness emerges as a character in its own right, guiding the duo through their journey, challenging them, and nurturing their bond, easily making this one of the best films about nature.
1. Princess Mononoke – Hayao Miyazaki (1997)
“Princess Mononoke” immerses viewers in a world of fantasy and folklore, where the lines between man, nature, and myth blur. Set during Japan’s Muromachi period, the narrative follows Prince Ashitaka’s quest for a cure after being cursed by a boar demon, leading him to the heart of the conflict between the industrial town of Iron Town and the spirits of the forest. Hayao Miyazaki’s rich animation brings to life a realm teeming with gods, spirits, and complex characters, highlighting the struggles and consequences of progress at the expense of the environment.
The film offers a profound exploration of the delicate balance between progress and preservation. While Iron Town represents the thrust of human innovation and development, the forest spirits stand as guardians of the ancient world, with Princess Mononoke herself embodying the fierce determination to protect it. As these worlds collide, Miyazaki presents a multifaceted exploration of coexistence, sacrifice, and the intricate balance that must be maintained for harmonious survival.
Summary
To summarise, here are the ten best films about nature:
- Leave No Trace – Debra Granik (2018)
- Into the Wild – Sean Penn (2007)
- Captain Fantastic – Matt Ross (2016)
- The Ballad of Narayama – Shōhei Imamura (1983)
- Tropical Malady – Apichatpong Weerasethakul (2004)
- Hunt for the Wilderpeople – Taika Waititi (2016)
- The Naked Island – Kaneto Shindō (1960)
- Kes – Ken Loach (1969)
- Dersu Uzala – Akira Kurosawa (1975)
- Princess Mononoke – Hayao Miyazaki (1997)
