We were all kids once or perhaps we still are and forever will be. We remember being kids and having no worries or responsibilities. As kids, we are discovering life and just beginning our journey. Director Thomas Balmes reminds us of what it was like to be a baby because most of us do not remember a thing about it.
What makes Babies an interesting and entertaining documentary is capturing these babies in their environment. We get to see firsthand what they enjoy or dislike. What makes them laugh or cry. And what makes them simply curious about the world they live in. Balmes lets the babies do the talking without a word ever being said. There is no narration and the story is told through these four babies and their actions and reactions.
Babies focuses on four babies who live in four different locations (San Francisco, Tokyo, Namibia, and Mongolia). We follow them from when they first open their eyes to when they say their first word and take their first step. Mari, Hattie, Ponijao, and Bayarjagal are the stars of this film and they tell the audience what they need to know. Each of these babies has their own personalities and they shine through clearly.
They all live in different parts of the world and live in different cultures. The preparation for each of their births is different. What they eat and the toys they play with are different. This is where this documentary makes its point. No matter where we are from or what our traditions are, we are more alike than we know or realize and it all begins when we are kids. It all starts from the very beginning.
These four babies are cute and funny, which most babies are. They are not afraid to show their emotions or let their feelings show. They are innocent but honest. Naive but intelligent. Babies does not tell you how you should feel about these kids or their culture. It has no prejudice or judgment. You are given each scene and take it as you will. Everyone has their way of living life and we see that process through these infants.
Babies is an enjoyable experience that opens your eyes to parts of the world that you may have never seen. It is about the beginning of life and how we grow in to the people we are today. It’s an excuse to feel like a kid one more time. Our journey has to start somewhere and this documentary allows us to experience it again.
Brandon Vick is a member of The Music City Film Critics’ Association and the Southeastern Film Critics Association, the resident film critic of the SoBros Network, and the star of The Vick’s Flicks Podcast. Follow him on Twitter @SirBrandonV and be sure to search #VicksFlicks for all of his latest movie reviews.
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