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Deep Dive: Born in China (2016)

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Born in China
Born in China is a nature documentary directed by Lu Chuan that follows the lives of four animal families in the wilds of China over the course of a year. The film features a snow leopard named Dawa and her cubs, a golden snub-nosed monkey named Tao Tao, a giant panda named Ya Ya and her daughter Mei Mei, and a herd of chiru antelope. Each family faces unique challenges and experiences in their natural habitats, showcasing the beauty and struggles of wildlife in China. The narrative is structured around the lives of these animals, with Dawa's story highlighting the dangers she faces while raising her cubs in the Qinghai Plateau. Tao Tao's tale reveals the emotional dynamics within a monkey family, particularly his jealousy and eventual reconciliation with his family. Ya Ya and Mei Mei's relationship illustrates the protective instincts of a mother panda as her daughter grows and learns to navigate their environment. The film combines stunning visuals with the realities of animal life, making it both informative and engaging.

Why Watch

  • •Meet Dawa, the snow leopard, and her cubs in the wild.
  • •Follow Tao Tao's emotional journey with his family.
  • •See Mei Mei climb a tree for the first time.

Did You Know

•The film grossed CN¥68 million ($9.9 million) in China.
•Born in China was released in the US on April 21, 2017, one day before Earth Day.
•The film features a snow leopard named Dawa who dies after being charged by a yak.
•Tao Tao, the golden snub-nosed monkey, initially joins a group called 'The Lost Boys'.
•Mei Mei, the giant panda, climbs a tree for the first time in spring.

Perfect For

Wildlife enthusiastsNature documentary fansAnimal behavior studies