Movie Reaction: Instinct

Brief Summary: Anthony Hopkins plays a biologist who has studied apes for many years. He ends up in a security hospital/jail for folks with mental issues. He is then confronted by Cuba Gooding Jr., a psychologist who implores Hopkins to tell his story.

Reaction: Just watched this movie for the second time over the weekend. I was so moved by the forged relationship between Hopkin’s character and the small clan of apes who had accepted him as one of their own. The movie reaffirmed to me the beauty in all creatures and how we humans continue to ruin our world with consistent disregard for our true place in it.

While we should be the caretakers, we instead take care of only ourselves. We continually find ways to place ourselves in a position of superiority and disregard all the “lesser” life-forms. We find ways to divide ourselves and our world, we forget that we are a product of this world and should hold all things in the deepest respect.

This movie made me want to divorce the human race altogether. Why do we place so much value in inanimate objects (money,  cars, houses) and focus so much negative energy on ourselves and each other? Why are we not practicing advancing our world and instead continue to destroy it?

I found many meanings in this film for myself. It touched an inner part of me that had been lying dormant for several years now. I’ve avoided the animal channel because I did not want to face the realities of what is happening with our Polor Bears, our pets, etc… It is truly painful to bear witness to the suffering that we humans inflict on the rest of the animal and plant species. I realize, however, that the pain is a gift and a communication to pay attention and to act in whatever capacity I have available. To contribute what I know and wish for and to assist and aid with reparations.

I highly recommend this film. Who knows, it may touch some part of you as well.